Blackfoot — Four candidates running for Idaho governor took part in a forum Thursday afternoon in Blackfoot. Republicans Brad Little and Tommy Ahlquist and Democrats Paulette Jordan and A.J. Balukoff answered questions from a panel put together by KIFI Local News 8.
The Republicans went first. Lt. Gov. Little and Dr. Ahlquist answered questions from the panel and some from the audience. One of the big topics was Idaho's infrastructure.
"The bottom line is we're going to need more money," said Little.
He says that money should be coming out of the state's general fund and shouldn't be borrowed.
Ahlquist says in addition to more funding he wants the Idaho Transportation Department to find better ways of stretching the money it has.
"We don't have the luxury of wasting one dollar of the ITD in how we bid, how we spend, how efficient we are spending those dollars and getting things done on time," said Ahlquist.
Education was also discussed. How do we provide a better foundation for our kids? Little says creating a better foundation with early reading proficiency and lower teacher-student ratios for K-3 students. Ahlquist says technology is the answer. He says allow kids to have self directed learning but also keeping them accountable.
Next on the stage at the Blackfoot Arts Center were Democrats Paulette Jordan and A.J. Balukoff. They both say education is the key to Idahoans making more money.
"I want to make sure we have the workforce that is trained for local industries and businesses so we have to prepare them and give them education that sits at the forefront," said Jordan.
"We have to produce workers that qualify for higher paying jobs and that goes back to making sure our education system is appropriate and teaching the skills necessary for the 21st century," said Balukoff.
Health care was another topic Balukoff and Jordan were asked about. Specifically, how to make sure everyone in Idaho has access.
"If we would simply expand Medicaid that would cover the remaining 78,000 people who are working Idahoans who make too much money right now to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to buy insurance even with the subsidies," said Balukoff.
"Instead of hurting our local counties let's expand Medicaid and ensure that money services Idaho that you're already paying into which is this national pot you're already paying into and service that money to those needing health care," said Jordan.
We have a detailed profile of each Idaho gubernatorial candidate, including Rep. Raul Labrador, who did not take part in the Blackfoot panel. If you would like to see them click here.