Crane Campaign in the News

Here is an interview with the Idaho Press Tribune, from Oct. 14th 2006:

A new perspective and different voice is the theme emerging from the campaigns of four candidates challenging the Republican stronghold in Canyon County’s District 13.
In the Senate race, incumbent Republican Patti Ann Lodge is challenged by political newcomer and Libertarian Bryant Neal. And Rohn Webb, of Marsing, a Democrat seeking Lodge’s seat, is putting on what is likely the most challenging campaign in the district — from a Nampa rehabilitation center after having suffered a stroke on Aug. 8.
Democrat Douglas Yarbrough and Libertarian Dennis Weiler say they offer different views on Idaho politics in the race for House Seat A against Republican Brent Crane. Crane’s also a fresh face in the Legislative race, but he was handpicked by incumbent Delores Crow.
District 13 covers most of Canyon County south of Karcher Road and wrapping around the south part of Nampa. The two-year seats pay $16,115 a year, plus housing, meals and $2,200 for office expenses, if lawmakers approve a raise proposed in the spring.
House Seat A
Crane may be new to the race, but he’s no unknown. His father, state Treasurer Ron Crane, previously served in the Legislature. Brent Crane hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps with his campaign to “protect family, freedom and finances for the folks in District 13.”
Yarbrough said change is the heart of his campaign: “It’s time for some new voices in the Idaho State Legislature. There’s change afoot in the community, the Treasure Valley and even the state. The time is right for new ideas and new voices.”
Crane said he is against raising taxes to build a community college in Canyon County, but wants to look at other funding options to make it happen.
“Treasure Valley Community College already has a campus in Caldwell and they don’t take any taxes from Oregon or Idaho,” he said. The college is funded by tuition instead.
Crane also opposes Proposition 1. “We need to make sure we’re funding education adequately, but the initiative process is not the way to go.”
But, he said, there is not enough money in the budget: “I don’t think we’re doing a good job of getting that into the classrooms.”
Yarbrough argues in favor of the Proposition 1. “We need to find ways to support education more completely. We’re 45th in per-pupil expenditure in the nation.”
He said he is concerned that the 1-cent sales tax for education is unreliable in an economic downturn. He also said the state should support a community college. “Not to do so is irresponsible.”
Weiler said he wants to look at ways to get education dollars into the classroom. Like Neal in the Senate race, Weiler sees wasted tax dollars in Nampa’s new Columbia High School. He said his issue was with the sports fields, which should not be paid for with tax dollars.
For Crane, the governor’s special session in August was just the beginning of addressing the state’s property tax issues. “Our work is not done … this is not a perfect solution.”
The 1-cent sales tax increase hurts the poorest Idahoans the most, he said. He favors phasing out the grocery tax to help.
On another money topic, Yarbrough said the minimum wage in Idaho is too low. “$5.15 is not a livable wage. We need to support people who want to work hard and get ahead.”
It’s all taxes, said Weiler. “We need lower taxes and smaller government,” he said.
Crane has reported $32,503 raised for his campaign as of Oct. 10, Weiler listed $25 and Yarbrough has not yet filed a campaign finance statement.