Barbieri, McLain on GOP ballot
The following is a look at the candidates for State Representative Position A, District 2
Vito Barbieri
Vito Barbieri, 68, has served in the Idaho Legislature for 10 years, and he wants to continue doing that for at least two more years.
The incumbent state representative, Position A, District 2 is once more running for office.
The Dalton Gardens man is a 16-year Idaho resident. He wrote that the most important issues facing Idaho include “rebuilding an economy on its way into recession, if not depression. Included therein are reduced taxes, stopping the incessant tax shifts (in the name of tax relief), and growing state bureaucratic power.”
“Still, social issues such as the increased suicide risks and pro-life concerns, moving forward, must continue to be pressed,” Barbieri wrote.
He wants to continue representing in Boise “the conservative Christian world view shared by many in North Idaho. It is now my job.”
Per his website, he states that:
• Abortion is NOT a form of birth control and, like any other murder, should be a crime;
• The moment an illegal immigrant hits the system, be it the hospital, a traffic stop, or a schoolhouse, that person should be deported. Since we cannot now trust the Federal Government to protect the rights of its citizens, Idaho must act without Federal assistance.
• Our gun rights are not negotiable. Idahoans must defend our right to keep and bear arms.
• Without private ownership and personal control of property, there is no security in one’s person. Private property is an essential part of the Liberty acknowledged as God given and self-evident in our Declaration of Independence.
• I oppose ANY increase in taxation at every level. This includes fee increases to support regulatory agencies, and increases in fines.
He believes the three biggest issues he will face are taxes, governmental overreach, and pro-life legislation, and he plans to continue working to reach consensus with other legislators to resolve them.
Barbieri lists his 20 years practicing law and his last 10 years as a legislator as skills and experience that qualify him to serve as a representative.
His answer to why voters should elect him rather than an opponent, is short and sweet.
“Experience and staying in tune with the conservative North,” he wrote.
Barbieri and his wife, Joy, have three grown children.
Russell McLain
Russell McLain of Coeur d’Alene knows exactly why he is seeking the District 2 legislative post.
“Idaho has been very good to me and Nicole (daughter). In short I want my Idaho back,” the lifelong Republican wrote.
McLain, who twice ran for the Kootenai County Board of Commissioners and come up short, recently talked with the Press. He also responded to the Press questionnaire earlier this spring.
When asked to chat about his background, McLain said:
“I’ve done a lot of bad things in the drug world for our federal government and it brings up memories that I’d rather suppress. It’s an ugly world. I’d like to keep that to myself. Mostly, I’m just careful with my money, raised Nicole, we had a good time.”
McLain has experience in real estate, buying and selling. He believes in doing what he can to help youth.
“You put the faith in these kids, they’ll go and do things,” he said.
He wrote that unfunded mandates are the state’s way “of taking our money and giving us the bill for it.”
On education funding, he wrote that “the state put schools on sales tax again, took our money and left us the bill — levies and bonds.”
He cited growth, protecting the environment, and creating more living wage jobs as issues to address in the road ahead.
“We have three local mayors working hard for economical development and not getting the support they need from our local representatives. I’ve sat in on business meeting it’s very disappointing hearing what other states think of us. We are paying good money to educate our kids just for them to be another state’s work force.”
He said he’s not a fan of urban renewal districts, but said they are necessary in North Idaho.
He said impact fees would help with the “overwhelming costs of growth.”
He added that, “It’s time to shine a good light on our schools and teachers.”
McLain said he is a caring, compassionate man who would be fair if elected.
“I’m willing to listen and I’m willing to respect points of view,” he said.
“I’m kind, I’m compassionate. I’m not very pretty, so they’re going to get an ugly guy, but I’m reasonable. I’m willing to respect. That’s what we don’t have.”
