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Idaho Legislative District 11, House Seat A
Steven Thayn's unique approach during his first term has earned him both strong support and strong opposition. His view of solving social problems by strengthening the family brings a level of logic rarely seen at the Statehouse. (Logic that the Idaho Press Tribune could not ignore)
Thayn's theory is that as Government Grows, the strength of the family diminishes - and as Government interference is reduced, families can thrive. Thus, government and the family unit compete for many of the same roles. (teaching and raising children, providing for the poor, protecting our neighborhoods, etc.)
Thayn strikes a good balance between the responsible use of government and strengthening the family. Those who only give lip-service to family-values find Thayn's approach shocking and threatening to the prevalent nanny-state mentality.
Matt Beebe (Thayn's leading opponent) has a controversial political history. As a former Canyon County Commissioner, he left the following legacy:
From 2004 - 2008, the County Budget grew 84% (from $45 Mil. to $83 Mil.)
Only 15% of this increase represents new growth.
While County residents are complaining about the large increase in property taxation, the County is enjoying a $19 Million budget surplus (a.k.a. excess taxation!).
Most Canyon County residents are aware of the $12 - $15 Million County Jail fiasco. This jail, completed in 2004, remains empty four years later.
Why?
"The Decider", as Beebe calls himself, pushed forward building this temporary jail without money budgeted to operate it. Now they can't afford to run it? This without any input from the public.
Now, Canyon County is left with a choice:
- invest millions more
- or walk away from this multi-million dollar disaster.
When asked what the county should do with the mess he created, Matt Beebe said he didn't care what happens because he is not running for County Commissioner again!
No wonder he is seeking a different political office!
(More on this story)
On the issues,
a side-by-side comparison
Steven Thayn |
Matt Beebe |
Family Values |
Strengthen marriage by reforming the unilateral nature of “no-fault” divorce |
SUPPORT |
UNDECIDED |
Add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to discrimination law |
OPPOSE |
UNDECIDED |
Gun Rights
|
“Car Carry” legislation
(allow law-abiding adult citizens to put their loaded firearms out of sight in their vehicle without being required to obtain a concealed weapon license) |
SUPPORT |
UNDECIDED |
Environment & Energy |
Government-mandated caps on greenhouse gas emissions
to reduce threat of global warming |
OPPOSE |
UNDECIDED |
Idaho should facilitate the building of nuclear and/or coal-fired energy plants |
SUPPORT |
UNDECIDED |
| Idaho Press Tribune surprises Thayn with endorsement:
Thayn can strike balance
Steven Thayn has been one of the most controversial figures in the Idaho Legislature with his heavy focus on the need to strengthen families. But the more seasoned lawmaker who appears willing to take a broader approach to policymaking is the best choice for voters in District 11A.
Thayn faces challengers Matt Beebe, a Canyon County commissioner, and former Rep. Gary Bauer, who lost to Thayn in 2004.
Beebe has shown questionable performance on the county commission, which faces criticism for being inaccessible and taking part in too many closed-door meetings and behind-the-scenes dealmaking. He has been curiously absent during some high-profile votes and sometimes appears to change his mind to match the direction of the wind.
And, then, he made startling remarks to the Idaho Press-Tribune editorial board.
During a segment on immigration, Beebe said, “I was very proud when I built my house last year that my contractor did not have any illegals working on his crews.”
When asked how he knew they weren’t illegally in the U.S., this exchange followed:
IPT: “But did you look at the paperwork yourself?”
Beebe: “I didn’t have to because they all looked like me, the employees.”
IPT: “OK. When you say they all looked like me, meaning white?”
Beebe: “Meaning that there was no question about, you know, they talked like me, and people that are not from this country don’t talk like me.”
Beebe contended he wasn’t meaning to say anything derogatory, but his words clearly raise disturbing questions. Combined with his less-than-stellar record on the commission, he’s not a good choice for the Statehouse.
Thayn’s other opponent, Gary Bauer, is uninspiring and offered few concrete ideas he would pursue in office.
In contrast, Thayn appears to be willing to look beyond the home and into public policy solutions.
Consider these: Find more ways to get underperforming students out of traditional classrooms and into alternatives, technical options and community colleges and focus on early intervention and prevention of social problems to reduce costs later on.
Thayn clearly believes families can solve some problems better than government, and that’s a valid point. By working to strike a good balance, he can be an effective lawmaker who can take a fresh approach.
Idaho Press Tribune - 05/16/2008 |
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