Candidates talk economy, Medicaid expansion

Sept. 20--Economic development and Medicaid expansion were two topics Latah County Commissioner candidates covered at a county candidate forum hosted by the Moscow Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday at the Best Western Plus University Inn in Moscow.

Eight Latah County candidates spoke Wednesday, including First District Commissioner candidates Kathie LaFortune, D-Viola, and Tony Johnson, R-Viola; Third District Commissioner candidates Dave McGraw, R-Troy, and Carey Scott, D-Moscow; assessor candidates Rod Wakefield, D-Moscow, and Annette Bieghler, R-Moscow; and treasurer candidates BJ Swanson, D-Troy, and Peggy Gottschalk, R-Viola.

When the four commissioner hopefuls were asked about how to promote economic development in the county, LaFortune said commissioners should consider placing a larger funding emphasis on infrastructure, especially high-speed internet. LaFortune said she hears too many stories of small businesses trying unsuccessfully to locate in rural Latah County towns because of a lack of high-speed internet.

Johnson, who sits on the Latah County Planning Commission, said reducing burdensome regulations is one way to help spur economic growth.

"Government is in the way," Johnson said.

Scott said he would like to see more small businesses in Latah County communities. He said small businesses help communities thrive because money spent at those businesses stays in those towns and trickles down to schools and other businesses in town.

McGraw, an incumbent, said the Moscow Urban Renewal Agency is working to develop another urban renewal district on the south side of Moscow, which would spur economic development when it is developed. He said the county needs more affordable housing as well, and the Partnership for Economic Prosperity is starting to fund a study on affordable housing in Latah County, McGraw said.

All four commissioner candidates said they support Idaho Proposition 2, which, if passed in November, would expand Medicaid eligibility to certain Idahoans.

Scott said the money the county saves as a result of Medicaid expansion could be put to better use.

"I think it's going to be beneficial for all Idahoans," Scott said.

Johnson said he "begrudgingly" supports Proposition 2.

"My concern is be careful of the unforeseen consequences of Prop. 2," Johnson said. "It sounds really good. From the county level, I have to support it."

He said if the county can get $500,000 to $600,000 back because of the expansion, then that would be wonderful.

"But the little voice inside of me says just be careful what you wish for," Johnson said.

LaFortune said the proposition would not only support thousands of Idahoans but bring back $400 million in federal tax money to the state of Idaho. She said Medicaid expansion would also reveal hidden benefits, such as helping rural hospitals stay afloat and allowing residents to spend money on local businesses instead of medical bills.

Johnson owns Johnson Excavation Services in Moscow and served on the Moscow City Council from 1994 to 2000. LaFortune is a physical therapist in Latah County and said she is winding down her 35-year career in special education.

McGraw has served as a Latah County Commissioner the past eight years. Scott mentioned a few times his desire to see the SMART Transit system expand throughout Latah County and would like to see a bus route go between Moscow and Pullman as well.

Bieghler said she has owned a restaurant in Moscow the last 15 years and is a member of the Moscow Board of Adjustment, while Wakefield said he has 14 years of assessor office experience, including 11 years in the Latah County office.

Gottschalk said she works for Presnell Gage, an accounting firm in Moscow, and Swanson said she is a retired bank vice president and manager with over 30 years of experience in management, budgeting, financial analysis, investment and balancing books.

Assessor Pat Vaughan and Treasurer Lois Reed are not seeking re-election. The election is Nov. 6.

Garrett Cabeza can be reached at (208) 883-4631, or by email to gcabeza@dnews.com.

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