Bat Masterson

Name: Bat Masterson

Position Running For: County Commissioner

Phone: (208) 661-2590

Address: 89 E Remington Rd, Athol, ID 83801, United States

Website: http://www.bat4commissioner.com

Twitter: none

Email: ammo48@outlook.com

Tell us a little about yourself and your family, how long you have lived in the area and your occupation.: I am married, have 5 children (one stepdaughter), four grandchildren. We live on a small ranch in north Kootenai County where we raise horses and cattle. I actively participate in Team roping, shooting sports, assisting youth with lessons in horsemanship, leathercraft and rodeo sports. I hold multiple championships in shooting including three world championships and one National championship. I have lived in Kootenai County 65 years. worked primarily in the medical field. When I was not busy with that, I operated Coeur d'Alene Outfitters, as part of that role I served as a backcountry horse/mule packer for the USFS.

1. Do you have experience as an elected official and if so, what was your position, and how would you describe your voting record?: I served as a fire commissioner for Timberlake fire district for two terms, I also served two terms on the EMS Joint Powers Board as a commissioner, I was appointed by Governor Phil Batt to a commissioner position, for a four year term in the inaugural year of the commission. In this role I was the only non-physician member. I served as a board member for the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association for several years.

2. Please tell us about your activity as a Republican. Have you previously voted for candidates of other parties? If yes, explain.: I have never voted for anyone other than republicans, I have not had the privilege of belonging to any specific organizations as part of the republican party. I have followed the guidelines and structure of the republican party.

3. What is the purpose of government?: The role of the government has many levels, but first and foremost to serve and protect the citizens by establishing laws and regulations with regards to how we live our lives. The framework for society, if you will.

4. Describe why you are running for this particular office. What are your qualifications? What are your goals?: The county is in a spend, spend mode. They seem to feel like they can spend their way out of debt. Poor decisions are made with regards to spending on a daily basis. As a fiscal conservative I believe we have to get a handle on the spending. The current commissioners talk of being conservative, but don't walk the talk. One of my goals is to develop a proactive business model whereby the county can become self-sustaining with the day-to-day cost of doing business. We need to establish a am leading to sustainability, so we do not have to keep going back to the taxpayers for more funding. I want to see the commissioners become for visible and accessible to the residents of the county. The citizens have a right to know what is going on and not be left in the dark, or their questions go unanswered for long periods of time. I am not doing this for myself, I want to work for you, your children, and grandchildren.
I believe my work history and education gives me the qualifications for this position, I have extreme beliefs in integrity, honesty and loyalty. My family is the most important thing in my life but if you are given a job, do it, and do it well. I have very good skills in; people management, communication, consciences acquiring, conflict resolution.

5. Describe experiences where you are or have been engaged such as non-profit organizations, clubs, churches, boards, commissions, etc., where you have been of service to others.: I addressed this in previous question.

6. Do you describe yourself as fiscally conservative? Please, elaborate.: I am fiscally conservative; I believe if you need to purchase something by the best you can afford and use it till it is more expensive to maintain than by a new one. You can spend $1,000.00 to save a $100.00, this makes no sense. Just because a new product comes out that does not mean one needs to buy it.

7. Do you consider yourself as socially conservative? Please elaborate.: Yes, I consider myself socially conservative, I believe in God, traditional family values, customs and traditional power structures.

8. Describe which party platform best aligns with your positions on public policy (Republican, Democrat, Libertarian or Constitutional Party) and where do you disagree with that platform.: Republican, I do not disagree with the republican platform.

9. Do you have any history of tax liens, criminal record, bankruptcy or conflict of interest that may affect your future decisions or desirability to be voted into office?: No

10.Describe how you will make yourself available to your constituents and vote as their representative with FORTITUDE, adhering to the values and answers you have stated above.: I would like to see a routine established where the commissioners would meet with their constituents on a regular basis, I know there is things that come up they cany discuss publicly, but I feel transparency is a must.