Submitted by Ken Watts
(This is a reprint of an article from 5-12-22.) On Thursday night, May 5th, the Fremont County Republican Central Committee hosted a meet and greet the candidates forum at the Island Park EMS building. The candidates met with the public before and after the forum. The forum included candidates for the Idaho District 31 senate and representative seats and candidates for the Fremont County Commissioners (opposed) seat. About 100 members of the public attended the forum. The opposed candidates provided opening and closing remarks and answered questions from the public. The questions were selected from the input by the Central Committee based on the most relevance to Island Park issues. The following questions were asked of the Senate candidates: 1. “How do you feel about changing the way property is taxed? What do you envision as a solution?” 2. “Changes from the Idaho Transportation Department at the local DMV have taken away some services provided locally in the past. Would you be willing to try restore some local services while in office?” 3. “State passed a law on Short Term Rentals forcing them in communities. How about tweeking (sic) the law to limit only 10 people per residence.” The following questions were asked of the State Representative candidates: 1. “Our current & former Administrations have allowed collaboration with NGO’s to engage with our state agencies to drive projects wanted by outside interests on local citizens. What do you intend to do to bring federal& state agencies into check and allow the people a voice for what happens in their own communities?” 2. “If Island Park opposes four lanes for US 20 Ashton to SH 87, will you support their position and oppose four lanes?” 3. “Would you be willing to work to repeal HB216 on transient rentals and return regulation to the cities and counties?” The Senate and Representative candidates expressed their willingness to address the issues presented to them via the questions. The following questions were asked of the Fremont County Commissioner candidates: 1. “What, in your opinion, is the most pressing problem in Fremont County? What are your ideas for solving the problem?” 2. “Will you direct the P&Z Commission to hold public meetings in Island Park regarding the transient rental ordinance prior to holding a public hearing. The public should have the opportunity to provide their input.” (All three candidates answered, yes.) 3. “Would you support having an advisory vote on four lanes for US 20. The question would be; do you oppose or support?” (All three candidates answered; yes.) Thanks to the Fremont County Republican Central Committee for hosting this event. It was a great opportunity to get to know the candidates better. (It should be noted that the Fremont County Commissioners have not supported an advisory vote on US 20 nor have they sent a letter of opposition to the freeway. Promises were made to the voters but they have not been kept. Our State legislators have not openly opposed the freeway.)
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