KCRCC Recommends Candidates for May 16th, 2023 Election and Opposes School District Levies
The Kootenai County Republican Central Committee (KCRCC) is pleased to announce the recommended slate of candidates for the upcoming May 16th, 2023 election. After a thorough evaluation with the KCRCC’s signature rating and vetting process, the Committee will oppose the School District Levies and put forward a strong lineup of candidates who are committed to upholding the conservative principles and values enshrined in the Idaho GOP Platform.
School Levy Re-Run
The Coeur d’Alene and Lakeland School Districts have both decided to rerun nearly identical levies from the March election. Elected Precinct Committeemen expressed their frustration with the school districts who have repeatedly rerun levies without making changes to address community concerns.
Families are concerned that the School Districts are failing to utilize existing funds appropriately. Households must live within a budget, but the School District continues to spend without limitation. Starting 2022, parents will experience an increase in their taxes, following a reduction in the Child Tax Credit from $3,600 to $2,000 per child. These levies will have a disproportionately negative impact on Kootenai County’s most vulnerable residents who live on fixed incomes or limited budgets, especially when disposable income is already being eaten away by the rising tide of inflation.
Lakeland School District has been making unprecedented positive changes in parent involvement and honoring the values of the community. The KCRCC feels that the rejection of the March 2023 levy may suggest that the community simply can’t afford the additional taxes.
The Kootenai County Republican Women Federated supplied Cd’A Superintendent, Shon Hocker, with a list of recommended changes that conservative families would like to see within the Coeur d'Alene School District. Until the community is confident in the School Districts abilities to balance their existing budget, communicate openly and respectfully with families, and provide an affordable tax rate, it is unlikely the voters will support the levy.
The following concerns influenced the decision to oppose the May Cd’A Levy:
Annual budget deficit
2 non-teaching admin staff per teacher, compared to local Charter Schools’ 2 teachers for every non-teaching admin staff - local Charter Schools have higher scores in math and reading
Total budget of roughly $5,000,000 (Five Million Dollars) more than the County budget, yet serves less than 6% of the population
Existing $6,700,000 (Six Million, Seven Hundred Thousand Dollars) in bonds for building repairs
Community needs assurance that girls and boys will be safe in separate private spaces and parents will be kept informed
Social Emotional Learning/Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion/Portrait of a Graduate/Sources of Strength
Recommended Candidates
The upcoming ballot on May 16th will cover numerous areas of life in our county. The election includes 2 trustees for the Community Library Network, 2 trustees for Kootenai Health District, seats on 4 Highway Districts (6 Sub-Districts), and Kootenai County Water.
From clean water in our county, to clean books in our libraries, these candidates have shown a deep understanding of the needs and concerns of Kootenai County residents. Our candidates will ensure that our community's needs are met with effective policies, transparency, and moral courage. With their leadership, we are confident that our county will continue to be a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
The recommended candidates include:
Community Library Network Trustees
Kootenai Health District Trustees
– Chris Nordstrom
– Paul Mahlow
East Side Highway
– Sub-district 1 - Graham Christensen
– Sub-district 3 - Mark Addington
Lakes Highway
– Sub-district 2 - Weston E (Monty) Montgomery
– Sub-district 3 - Steve Adams
Post Falls Highway
– Sub-district 3 - Glen Heape
Worley Highway District
– Sub-district 1 - Ron Hartman
Kootenai County Water
– District 1 - Claudia Gough
Coeur d'Alene School District 271 Levy
– OPPOSE Levy $25,000,000 (Twenty Five Million Dollars) per year for 2 years
Lakeland School District 272 Levy
– OPPOSE Levy $9.500,000 (Nine Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars) per year for 2 years
– OPPOSE Levy $1,146,000 (One Million One Hundred Forty Six Thousand Dollars) per year for 2 years
The Kootenai County Republican Central Committee encourages all residents to meet and support these candidates in the upcoming May 16th, 2023 election.
