Opinions

Like every other red-blooded American, I have my own opinions and I reserve the right to change those opinions at any point in time. Certain beliefs will never change. I believe in the Constitution. I believe in Buy Idaho and Made in the USA. I believe in self-sufficiency. I believe in American excellence. I believe we can always do better.

These opinions are my own as a proud citizen of the United States of America.

Language

I support making English the official language of Idaho in our Constitution. My push for English only has nothing to do with whitewashing. It's a push to help integrate immigrants into our society and achieve citizenship. All of our signs are in English. Our laws are in English. Our constitution is in English. English is a requirement in order to become a full citizen. I want fully integrated citizens. All other countries have a national language and after 250 years the United States should as well.

If I had it my way our language would be called American because we definitely differ from British English. Also if I had it my way, regardless of melanin content, we would all be called simply "American."

My nationalized neighbor from Mexico calls himself an American not Mexican-American, just American.

My coworker from Nigeria calls himself an American not an African-American just American.

These people have pride in our country and yet people that have been here for generations have zero.

Voting

Voting in Idaho has a solid start with paper ballots as the official record, but our election system needs real fixes for transparency, security, and trust. Too many people doubt the process. It lacks personal accountability for voters and easy ways to confirm their vote was counted correctly.

The biggest outdated rule is the so-called secret ballot. The government tracks and demands my information on taxes, licenses, health forms, and everything else, but suddenly it wants absolute secrecy on the one thing that puts people in power. That makes zero sense in this day and age. Transparency is far more important than old fears from over a century ago about coercion or vote buying. Those risks existed back when bosses handed out ballots or threats were common in the open. Today we have tools, laws, and oversight to handle real abuses without hiding how people vote. Voters should be able to get a clear record of their choices to prove and cross-check that their vote was recorded and counted correctly. No more black-box secrecy that protects the system more than the people.

Right now, VoteIdaho.gov has a candidate search tool. It helps, but it falls short. Voters deserve easy due diligence. I support requiring every candidate to submit their official campaign website (or a basic page if they lack one) when filing. The Secretary of State's search should list or link directly to it. This lets voters read platforms, positions, and records fast, without hunting. It holds candidates accountable with their own words out front.

For counting votes, security and trust start with basics. All ballots stay paper. They get counted by hand at the exact polling location where submitted. No machines for final tallies. No hauling ballots to central spots or other counties. Hand counting in public, with observers from all sides watching, cuts tampering risks and builds confidence. It keeps everything local and visible. Yes, it needs more workers and time on election night. But real integrity is worth it. Results come straight from people voters can see, without machine disputes or chain-of-custody questions.

To give voters real peace of mind, we need personal verification. Idaho already tracks absentee ballots online via VoteIdaho.gov for status updates. Expand that to all ballots. Issue each one a unique number when handed out. Voters get a carbon copy or tear-off receipt showing their exact selections, plus the number as proof. They can later use the number on VoteIdaho.gov (or a secure portal) to confirm their ballot was processed, included in totals, and matched what they marked. This receipt is yours to keep and check privately. No secrecy waiver nonsense. If something is off, you have evidence to challenge it. Enforcement stays tight with strict chain-of-custody, public observers everywhere, audits, and testing and pair it with open verification so voters are not left guessing. Paper ballots, hand-counted on-site, candidate links, and personal receipts with choices shown. That sets Idaho as the model for secure, transparent, voter-first elections.

Education

Idaho kids deserve an education system that builds them up, not one that bores them or sets them up to fail. Right now, too much focus is on cramming facts for tests and forcing everyone through the same narrow path. That lowers motivation, hurts GPAs, and leaves students unprepared for real life. We need a full overhaul to make schools work for students, not against them.

Start with the basics in K-8. Those early years should zero in on getting every student proficient in reading, writing, and math. These are the foundations everything else builds on. Electives like science, history, and social studies should be brief introductions only. Keep it simple and focused so kids master the essentials without overload. Once they have strong basics, they are ready to explore what truly interests them.

High school needs the biggest change. Stop using standards testing just to measure how much knowledge kids retain or to punish them with low scores. Instead, use high school standards testing to identify each student's real strengths and interests for the real world. Let those results guide their path. If a student shines in hands-on work, mechanics, business, agriculture, healthcare, or trades, steer them toward classes and programs that build those skills. Give them opportunities to learn real-life skills like welding, plumbing, coding, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, or advanced trades through career technical education (CTE) programs.

High school should enhance students, not bore them to death with subjects they have zero interest in. No more forcing everyone to slog through the same advanced academics if it does not fit their future. Tailor coursework so it engages them and boosts their confidence and GPA. Expand access to apprenticeships, certifications, and dual-credit options that lead straight to good-paying jobs or further training. Idaho already has strong CTE growth and programs like Advanced Opportunities. Build on that to make trades and practical paths a core option, not an afterthought.

The goal is simple: prepare Idaho students for success in the real world, whether that means college, a trade, starting a business, or serving our communities. Focus on proficiency, interest, and skills over endless memorization. Track what works through audits and feedback from parents, teachers, and students. Cut waste in the system and put resources where they help kids most.

Guns / Second Amendment

The right to keep and bear arms is fundamental and shall not be infringed. I oppose any new restrictions and will defend Idaho's strong gun laws to keep law-abiding citizens safe and free.

Economy

Idaho's economy should work for hardworking families, not career politicians. I'll drive audits and transparency to eliminate waste and fraud, then reallocate those savings to slash property taxes, expand workforce housing, strive to supercharge manufacturing and innovation that will create high-wage American-made jobs, and deliver true prosperity through citizen-led oversight and responsible development of our critical minerals and nuclear potential at INL.

Sales of Public Land

I believe Idaho's public lands should remain public and accessible to all Idahoans, which is why I support transferring control from the federal government to our state and local communities so we can manage them better for our people.

Litter

Litter has to stop in Idaho. Our state boasts stunning mountains, rivers, forests, and open spaces that define who we are. Trash scattered along roads, dumped in parks, on public lands, or tossed from vehicles destroys that beauty, endangers wildlife, pollutes water sources, and wastes taxpayer dollars on cleanup. It is a clear sign of disrespect for our communities and our future. I am passionate about this issue because Idaho deserves pristine lands and responsible citizens. We can end litter without sending people to overcrowded jails or overwhelming courts with minor cases. 

The solution is strong financial and personal accountability: start fines at $1,000 minimum, require mandatory community service, and use wage garnishment for non-payers.

Current laws are too lenient for deterrence. First offenses are infractions with $150 fines on highways or public/private property, escalating to $300 for seconds and up to $1,000 plus possible 30 days jail for thirds (plus 8 to 40 hours cleanup). That is not enough to change behavior.

To make litter stop, we overhaul penalties to hit hard but smart:

  • $1,000 minimum fine as the starting point. Make littering a civil infraction (like many traffic violations) with a flat $1,000 base fine for any offense, regardless of size or first-time status. This applies to throwing trash from vehicles, roadside dumping, or leaving debris on public/private property. No more slap-on-the-wrist $150 starts. Fines escalate for repeats: $2,000 for second offenses within two years, $3,000+ for thirds or larger dumps. Payable online or by mail to keep courts light; only contested cases go to hearing.

  • Mandatory community service. Require 20 hours of supervised litter pickup or roadside cleanup as part of every penalty. Offenders work it off through programs with the Idaho Transportation Department, local governments, or volunteers. This turns punishment into direct benefit: the offender cleans what they helped dirty, builds responsibility, and reduces recidivism without using prison beds. The hours could be adjusted in lieu of the fine for those who are found to be unable to pay.

  • Wage garnishment for unpaid fines. If fines go unpaid, authorize automatic wage garnishment (up to 25% of disposable earnings, following existing Idaho and federal rules for civil debts like traffic fines). This collects revenue efficiently without court hearings or jail threats for non-payment, ensuring chronic offenders pay up.

Pair this with prevention and support:

  • Education and awareness. Boost campaigns like "Don't Dump Idaho" with bold messages about the $1,000 starting fine, required cleanup hours, and garnishment risks. Use schools, social media, highway signs, and partnerships with businesses to spread the word.

  • Easy disposal options. Install more trash and recycling bins at rest areas, trailheads, parks, and high-traffic roads. Require convenience stores and fast-food outlets to provide secure, visible bins.

  • Community involvement. Expand volunteer efforts like Operation Clean Sweep and encourage adoption of highway segments. Offer small incentives or recognition for participants, and promote anonymous tip lines with rewards for reports leading to fines.

Litter is preventable and unacceptable. Starting fines at $1,000 minimum sends a clear message: respect our state or pay dearly. Offenders face real financial pain, forced cleanup work, and garnished wages, all without adding to incarcerated populations or court backlogs. Taxpayers save on cleanup, our lands stay beautiful, and personal responsibility wins.

Flat Tax

Idaho's current tax system is already simple in some ways: a flat 5.3% income tax on taxable earnings above low thresholds, a 6% state sales tax (combined average around 6%), and low property taxes averaging 0.48% of home value. But it still has complexities like deductions, exemptions, and multiple layers that complicate filing and create unfairness. I support going further with a true flat 10% tax on all earned income: wages, 1099 contractor pay, and business profits. No refunds. No credits. No deductions. No exemptions. Everyone contributes the same percentage to fund roads, schools, public safety, and essential services.

Why would people want this flat 10%? Here are the key reasons it makes sense for Idaho.

  • Extreme simplicity. Filing becomes quick and easy. No more tracking brackets, itemized deductions, or special credits. Taxpayers calculate their liability in minutes, saving time and money on accountants or software. The state cuts bureaucracy and enforcement costs.

  • True fairness. Everyone pays the same rate on what they earn. A family earning $50,000 pays $5,000. A high earner pays 10% on their full income. No punishing success with higher rates. No loopholes for the wealthy or special interests. It treats all contributors equally for government services.

  • Stronger incentives to work and grow. With the current 5.3% flat rate, people already keep most of what they earn. A 10% flat rate on a broader base (including all business profits) removes any remaining penalties on extra effort, overtime, promotions, or starting businesses. You keep 90% of every additional dollar, encouraging more work, savings, investment, and entrepreneurship. Flat taxes like this boost economic growth, jobs, and wages over time.

  • Transparency and predictability. One clear rate means no surprises. Taxpayers plan better for the future. It is harder for politicians to raise taxes quietly through bracket changes or hidden rules.

  • Attracts people and businesses. Idaho already draws residents from high-tax states. A simple 10% flat tax makes us even more competitive, growing the economy and tax base through more jobs and higher incomes.

To eliminate property taxes ($2.2 billion in annual levies) and phase out sales taxes ($2.2 billion to the general fund), we use revenue from this flat system. Current income taxes bring in around $3 billion combined. A broad 10% on total personal income ($132 billion annualized recently) and business profits could generate $10-13 billion or more, especially with added growth from incentives and better compliance. This covers the state budget ($5.5-6 billion general fund) and replaces lost property and sales revenue without new rate hikes.

We phase it in carefully starting 2027: begin with spending restraint (cut non-essential programs and inefficiencies for hundreds of millions in savings), use reserves, and let economic growth close gaps. Strict caps on spending (inflation plus population) keep the budget balanced. Over 5-7 years, property taxes end, sales taxes phase out, and Idaho relies on one fair flat contribution.

This fits Republican values: limited government, personal freedom, and rewarding hard work. It ends unfair burdens like property taxes on homes and sales taxes on everyday purchases, while building a stronger future for Idaho families and businesses.

State Benefits

State benefits in Idaho (SNAP food assistance, TAFI cash aid, Medicaid coverage, and other programs) are essential for families facing hardship, seniors, people with disabilities, and working Idahoans who need temporary help. These programs put food on tables, cover medical needs, and provide stability when life gets tough. They should be there for those who truly need them.

The problem is not the benefits themselves. The problem is government waste, fraud, abuse, and lack of oversight that leads to leaks that drain resources and force unnecessary cuts or higher taxes. Every dollar lost to inefficiency or fraud is a dollar not available for real needs. Broad cuts hurt the vulnerable most and do nothing to fix the root issues. That is why cleaning up the government and tightening the leaks is essential.

We stop the leaks by applying my four pillars:

  • Audits find the waste. Independent reviews of benefits programs uncover fraud, duplicate payments, ineligible claims, and overlapping services. Savings from these fixes go straight back to protecting and improving the programs for those who qualify.

  • Transparency exposes the leaks. Every dollar spent is public and searchable through Transparent Idaho. Citizens see exactly where money goes, making it impossible to hide abuse or inefficiency.

  • Citizens Task Force brings real oversight. Everyday Idahoans review audit findings, analyze tips, and recommend practical fixes. This keeps the government honest and ensures reforms protect the needy instead of punishing them.

  • Accountability enforces results. Partner with the Attorney General to prosecute fraud aggressively. Monthly public updates show progress. Leaks get sealed, waste gets cut, and benefits stay focused on those who need a hand up, not a permanent hand out.

Cleaning up the government does not mean slashing benefits. It means making every dollar count. By tightening leaks, we reduce long-term costs, free up resources for job training, skills programs, and work incentives, and build a system that truly helps Idahoans stand on their own and ensure that help is available to those that truly need it.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Idaho is too expensive and hard to get, especially in rural areas, so I'll audit state health agencies for waste and inefficiency, expand transparency on spending and pricing, push market-based reforms like price transparency and telehealth options, protect Medicaid without big-government expansion by enforcing work requirements and self-sufficiency, and redirect fraud savings to improve access for veterans, seniors, and families while partnering with citizens to hold providers and bureaucrats accountable.

Abortion

My stance on abortion is the same as President Trump's: this is a states' rights issue to be decided by Idaho voters and their legislators, not the federal government. I personally support exceptions in cases of rape, incest, and to save the life of the mother, while strongly protecting the unborn wherever possible.

Cannabis

Idaho is one of the last states holding out on cannabis. I align with Republican principles such as fiscal responsibility, limited government, and citizen empowerment. On one issue, I have a principled difference: I would support regulated, responsible reform of Idaho's cannabis laws from our legislators as long as it comes with strict rules such as age limits, steep fines/community service for public use, and strong oversight to ensure that revenue benefits Idahoans. This makes me the black sheep of the party, but facts show the benefits outweigh the risks unlike alcohol which is heavily regulated despite zero health benefits and real societal costs. Legalization brings regulation, tax revenue, and freedom while cutting waste on low-level enforcement.

The benefits are clear from states that have legalized recreational cannabis.

  • It removes sales from the black market, so products are tested, labeled, and safe instead of funding criminals.

  • Tax money goes to schools, roads, and public safety, not cartels.

  • It reduces arrests for simple possession, freeing up police and courts for violent crime and real threats.

  • Many studies show no big spike in overall crime rates. Some even find drops in violent crime or opioid deaths when people switch to cannabis from harder drugs or alcohol.

  • It does not turn places into chaos. Youth use has not skyrocketed in most legal states, and addiction rates stay low compared to alcohol or tobacco.

Opponents often point to scary big blue cities like Portland or Seattle as proof legalization causes crime waves. That comparison is a fallacy. Those cities had high crime, homelessness, and public safety problems for years before cannabis was legal. Issues like open drug markets, defunded police, and lax prosecution on other crimes drove the problems, not regulated cannabis shops. Idaho is different. We are Republican-led, tough on crime, rural, and family-focused. Our low crime rates come from strong values and enforcement. Legalizing cannabis here would not change that. It would let us focus cops on gangs, meth, and fentanyl instead of jailing adults for a plant.

Risks exist, like any substance. Driving impaired is dangerous, and heavy use can harm some people, especially youth. But we handle alcohol with rules, education, and enforcement. Cannabis can be the same with strict age limits, no public use, DUI laws, and education on risks. Evidence shows regulated markets make things safer than the underground scene we have now.

To fund this properly and support Idaho priorities, we would impose a dedicated cannabis excise tax of 22% on retail sales. Retailers collect this tax from consumers and send it to the state. This rate is just a little above our neighbors: Montana at 20%, Oregon at 17%, and Nevada's effective combined rates around 25 to 30%. It stays far below Washington's excessive 37%. A 22% rate maximizes revenue, potentially $50 to $150 million or more annually once the market matures, without making prices so high that people drive across the border to shop cheaper. This excise tax stands alone as the key revenue source, even if general sales tax is eliminated in broader reforms. It directs funds to schools, roads, mental health, substance abuse programs, and public safety. No low rate here. We set it to bring real money home for Idahoans while staying competitive.

Idahoans deserve personal freedom and common-sense policy. Legalization saves money, boosts the economy, and treats adults like responsible people. Although unpopular in some Republican circles, it fits Republican principles of less government in private lives and smarter use of resources.

Thorough List of Links to Studies Backing Up Claims in the Cannabis Statement

Below is a comprehensive, organized list of links to peer-reviewed studies, government reports, and academic reviews. I've included brief summaries with direct URLs for access. This is based on a broad review of available research up to early 2026. No single study is definitive, but these collectively provide strong evidentiary support.

1. Benefits Outweigh Risks Overall

2. Removes Sales from Black Market, Products Tested/Labeled/Taxed, Not Funding Criminals

3. Tax Money to Schools, Roads, Public Safety

4. Reduces Arrests for Simple Possession, Frees Up Police/Courts

5. No Big Spike in Overall Crime Rates; Some Drops in Violent Crime

6. Youth Use Has Not Skyrocketed; Addiction Rates Low vs. Alcohol/Tobacco

7. Does Not Turn Places Into Chaos (Fallacy of Comparing to Blue Cities with Pre-Existing Issues)

8. Risks Exist (Impaired Driving, Heavy Use Harm), But Manageable Like Alcohol

9. Regulated Markets Safer Than Underground

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