Job Opportunities (A few of many Ideas):

·        Energy: Open and increase access to state areas, and allow non-state entities more ability to build renewable energy and renewable fuel projects. Expedite renewable energy and renewable fuel projects. Make it easier for private individuals to produce larger amounts of this right here in Idaho. This would create local jobs and protect the environment by providing for energy demands that would otherwise be filled by fossil fuels.

·        Energy: We also have massive NATURAL GAS reserves in Idaho that we could be utilizing. 

·        Manufacturing:  Establish Idaho as a leader in manufacturing, processing, and export center for more products including renewable industries, manufactured related products & energy. Spokane, Washington is only 32 miles from Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho; even taking in population density (per population) they have a stronger manufacturing base even with Washington’s’ stricter state regulations. We need updated policies that encourage 21^st Century and take in account a competitive world market. I believe Education of a worker base has much to do with this.

Reduce “red tape” and the hoops that individuals have to jump through to produce or manufacture materials or products made from recycled materials (from metals to wood/paper products to plastic products). There are many family saw mills going out of business that could be producing press board, paper, etc. (plus many more). Renewable Energy projects are being currently hampered by out-of-date state regulations. Electric and hybrid autos are the wave and there are small innovative companies here in Idaho, but the state regulations are built for products relating to fossil fuels.

Boost for Idaho’s struggling mills would be exporting recycled wood/pulp/paper fibers. Resource leaders of today will be the suppliers of tomorrow.

Require that state government offices buy and use a higher percentage of products or services from Idaho companies. 

·        Farming: My district is urban, however I am very interested in hearing how we can increase revenue and exports from Idaho farms.   

·        Tourism: Tourism is a very important moneymaker in District 4. With the down turn in the economy, people look forward to vacationing and recreating closer to home, or more toward a naturalist type vacationing. I will be promoting our state as a vacationing spot to influx money.

Encourage businesses to relocate to Idaho: 

1.    Update current regulations that have a hard time in keeping up with the fast changing market of the 21^st Century. 

2.    Create an alternate way for expedited processes that are clearly defined and easily and quickly completed. 

3.    Encourage the increase and use of Idaho made products used in public offices, and used by private citizens across the state, country and world.  

4.    Increase the ability for Idaho Exports. 

5.    Create an educated Idaho Worker base that encourages business to relocate in Idaho. 

6.    Update Idahos' outdated and vulnerable infrastructure.