2020 CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE: Tim Kastning

NAME: Tim Kastning

RUNNING FOR: Idaho Legislative District 2 Seat B

CITY OF RESIDENCE: Rathdrum- Kootenai County Resident

DATE OF BIRTH: 12/16/59

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Graduate from Mt. Si High School, Honor Graduate, Snoqualmie, WA., 1978

Graduate from Baptist Bible College, Graduate of theology, Springfield, MO., 1987

Leadership Coeur d’Alene, Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce, Class of 2008

MILITARY EXPERIENCE:

United States Air Force, 1978-1982 (stationed at Mt. Home AFB 79’-82’)

EXPERIENCE IN ELECTED OR APPOINTED OFFICES:

Political Experience

Kootenai County Republican Precinct Committeeman, 2016-2018

Kootenai County Republican Legislative District 2 Chairman, 2018

Kootenai County Republican Central Committee, Legislative Committee, 2016-Present

Kootenai County Republican Central Committee, Elections Committee, 2018

Kootenai County Republican Central Committee, Budget Committee, 2018

Northern Idaho Campaign Director for Lieutenant Governor, Janice McGeachin, 2018

Congressman Russ Fulcher, Northern Idaho Regional Director, 2019

Community Service

Idaho Community Forest Advisory Council, State of Idaho-Department of Lands, 2009-2012

City of Coeur d’Alene Community Forestry Advisory Council, 2016-2018

Post Falls, ID Urban Forestry Advisory Council, 2016-2018

Coeur d’Alene Forest Coalition , President and Board Chairman, 2009-2011

North Idaho Builders and Contractors Association, Board of Directors and Various Committees, 2009-2011

North Idaho College Tree Campus USA Committee, 2017-2018

North Idaho College Landscape Design Program, Planning Committee, 2005

North Idaho College Landscape Design Program, Board of Directors, 2007

North Idaho College Workforce Training Center Advisory Board, 2010-2014

Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors and Various Committees, 2009-2012

Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce, Natural Resource Committee Chairman, 2010-2012

Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Committee, 2008

Northwest Property Owners Alliance, Board of Directors, 2017-2018

Kootenai County Firewise Planning Commission, 2001

North Idaho Renewable Energy Committee, Steering Committee Member, 2009-2010

Shoshone County I-90 Corridor WUI Planning Committee, Shoshone County Commissioners, 2009-2010

Shoshone County Biomass/Economic Development Committee, 2010-2012

Ponderosa Pine Preservation Committee, Lands Council, Spokane, WA., 2009-2010

Industry Involvement

International Society of Arboriculture, Educational Goods & Services Committee, 2008-2010

International Society of Arboriculture, Educational Goods & Services Committee, Vice Chairman, 2010-2011

International Society of Arboriculture, Pod-Board Committee, 2009

International Society of Arboriculture Ask-a-BCMA Panelist, 2010-2011

American Society of Consulting Arborists, Education Committee, 2011

Tree Care Industry Association - Tree and Landscape Appraisal Advisory Committee, 2011-2017

Tree Care Industry Association – Certified Treecare Safety Professional Advisory Council, 2012-2014

Urban Forestry Standards, Urban Natural Resource Institute, Tree Health, Decay, and Risk; Tree Maintenance Working Groups, 2009-2010

YEARS AS IDAHO RESIDENT:

36 years

FAMILY:

Married to my wife Karen for 34 years

Eight children; TJ, Kent, Saraa, Kristin, Rebekah, Amanda, Katie, Summer

HOBBIES:

Outdoor sports- Golf, Hunting, Fishing, BMW Dual-sport motorcycle rider

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE?

After spending nearly 35 years as a businessman and selling my business, Grace Tree Service, I was presented with the opportunity to become a Precinct Committeeman in the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee. This led to serving on several committees and eventually becoming the Legislative District 2 Chairman. From there I helped Congressman Russ Fulcher get elected and also became the North Idaho Campaign Manager for Lieutenant Governor, Janice McGeachin. In December of 2018, Congressman Fulcher asked me to be his North Idaho Regional Director located in Coeur d’Alene.

Through these experiences of involvement, I have gained a respect and appreciation for the political process. I have spent a lot of time volunteering in our local community and within my industry. I believe by getting involved in our community we can make a difference in the lives of people, and when it comes right down to it- it’s about people. I want to make a difference in our State, community, and the lives of people.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THREE OF THE BIGGEST ISSUES YOU’LL FACE?

Property taxes

Property taxes is a big issue in the legislature this year. As of now, there are over 900 taxing districts in the State of Idaho. For example, our Counties have the legislative authority to increase our property taxes by three-percent every year. The creation of Urban Renewal Districts divert property taxes into Urban Renewal Districts rather than going into the general fund. Property tax increases at the current rate are not going to be sustainable. People are being taxed out of their homes.

One thing to keep in mind when addressing a tax problem is it first realize there is a spending problem. Solving the spending problem will help in finding solutions to the taxing problem.

Second amendments rights

Unfortunately, we now live is a society where mass-shootings are becoming common. Some believe that the cause of these horrific acts is the fault of the gun, and that more gun control, gun registration, or someday- gun confiscation is the solution to stop gun violence. I believe in maintaining a strong second amendment right is the best way to curb gun violence. We also need to take a close look at the values and challenges of our society and try to identify why individuals commit these crimes.

Limit the growth of government

Through the governors Red Tape Reduction Act Idaho has become the least regulated State in the Union. I would like to continue to reduce the size and scope of government, continue to reduce regulations, reduce government spending, and lower taxes. Idahoans want to live in a “free” state with less government regulations and lower taxes.

IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO RESOLVE THESE ISSUES?

Property Taxes

I will work with other legislators and the members of the Tax and Revenue Committee to find ways to reduce property taxes. This year a bill was passed in the House of Representatives to freeze property taxes for one year to give time to explore options to reduce property taxes. I support this measure.

Second amendment rights

Our second amendment rights are protected by the United States and Idaho constitutions. Unless the constitutions are changed, these rights are secure and guaranteed. I will vigorously oppose any changes related to our right to bear arms. When I take the oath of office to uphold the constitution- that is exactly what I will do.

Limit the growth of government

All laws passed in the Idaho Legislature must first be constitutional. Secondly, before passing new laws we must consider how much the new regulation will cost the taxpayer. One of the items in the equation of limiting government that is sorely lacking is personal responsibility. A question I ask myself is, “should government be doing things that people should be doing for themselves?” I believe Idahoans want government to be limited, and they are willing to take personal responsibility for their own well-being.

WHAT SPECIFIC SKILLS OR EXPERIENCE QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS JOB?

Most recently, working as Congressman Fulcher’s regional director was a great learning experience. This experience of working with Federal agencies and local government has given me a perspective of what works and what doesn’t work.

My 30 years plus as a small business owner has given me the understanding of the difficulty of “over-regulation.” Idaho was just recently declared as the state with the largest middle-class.

The middle class is primarily made up of small business owners. We need Idaho to be a “small-business” friendly state. I will help our economy by helping to reduce burdensome regulations and promote legislation to lower taxes on small businesses.

Having been married for 34 years and raising eight wonderful children, I understand the stresses on families. I am a pro-family candidate that believes that parents are the ones that should be deciding for their children when it comes to school choice and medical decisions.

I will use these life experiences to work on legislation that will bring the most freedom and Liberty to the citizens of Idaho.

WHY SHOULD VOTERS ELECT YOU, RATHER THAN AN OPPONENT?

I do not want to get into describing the differences between me and my opponent. I have lived in this community for nearly 30 years and had a wonderful career as the founder and previous owner of Grace Tree Service. I have had the opportunity and privilege to serve on many local boards and committees trying to make our community a better place. My family has been raised in Kootenai County.

It is my desire to give back to the community that my wife, family, and I love so very much. Thank you for considering me to be your next legislative District 2 Representative.