Les Vawter
Name: Les Vawter
Position Running For: East Side Highway District Sub-District 2 Commissioner
Phone: (208) 659-0665
Address: 24395 E. Meadow Rd, Cataldo, ID 83810, United States
Website:
Twitter:
Email: les@roselakestorage.com
Tell us a little about yourself and your family, how long you have lived in the area and your occupation.
I am a native north Idahoan and have lived in Cataldo for twenty-six years with my wife where we raised our two children. I owned and operated the Junction Quick Stop at the highway 3 and I-90 (exit 34) for twenty-five years. Currently we have a self-storage business next to that property.
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 have never run for or held public office.
2. Please tell us about your activity as a Republican. Have you previously voted for candidates of other parties? If yes, explain.
I have always been registered as a Republican voter and nearly always voted that way. The only times I may have voted non-republican is if the position was a non-partisan one and I had an in-depth knowledge of the candidate. 3. What is the purpose of government?
I think that government is in the broadest sense there to uphold our rights given to us by the constitution. To protect us from threats domestic and foreign, create and maintain our infrastructure, and facilitate commerce.
4. Describe why you are running for this particular office. What are your qualifications? What are your goals? I want to provide the best possible representation to the people of my district. I care about the roads and want to be involved in the direction of the district. I have been a fixture within sub-district 2 for over twenty-five years. This community supported me and helped me to be successful and I would like to give back to them by representing them. I have experience with budgets, personnel, and leadership. I would like to help facilitate the continued maintenance and improvement of our roads by having and retaining quality people and, continue to search out alternative funding sources to ease the burden to taxpayers.
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.
Besides being in the Northwest Property Owners Association, all of my affiliations are tied to my recreational pursuits. Such as Foundation for Wildlife Management, Montana Nightriders, St.Joe Snowriders, an St.Joe Boat Club.
6. Do you describe yourself as fiscally conservative? Please, elaborate.
I do describe myself as fiscally conservative. I feel like we should all live within our means and that holds true for governments as well. I don't think governments should solve all our problems and create burdensome regulations.
7. Do you consider yourself as socially conservative? Please elaborate.
I do consider myself socially conservative from the standpoint that values and morals are very important. If possible, all children should be raised by two parents. We shouldn't have to change our own beliefs to someone else's beliefs who somehow become offended if we don't adhere to them. Or have to apologize for wrongs of the past by people to people that are no longer alive.
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.
The Republican party most aligns with me on public policy, however, while I feel there is a need for laws and regulations. I don't feel the government should be inserted into so much of our lives. I believe there should accountability to the policies.
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?
None of the above.
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 will utilize all forms of communication with constituents and also attend meetings and gatherings to make myself available to them.