‘Make A Difference With Ideas, Vision’

Cover letter

It is my dream to make a difference with my ideas and vision. That led to my trip to the statehouse in April 1998 to file as a candidate for the 1st Congressional District.

That was an awe-inspiring day, to become part of the election process, and as my boys and I walked down those statehouse steps we talked about how any citizen could have a voice in this country.

With this dream in mind, I will offer the voters a contrasting choice in this Republican primary.

My first priority will be to represent everyone equally. From corporate leaders to sheep shearers - as my father was - they will have equal access and representation from Jim Pratt.

My next priority will be to save the salmon and steelhead runs that greatly benefit all citizens of Idaho. If elected I will give the needed leadership in saving this valuable natural resource.

In 1964, I lived with my family near Riggins, Idaho. I remember vividly my parents wading in a creek with salmon thick around them, and saw the same thing as an adult in Alaska. I hope for my children to see this wonderful picture of abundance - salmon splashing up Idaho creeks.

I say bypass and mothball the four Lower Snake River Dams for 20 years. Give Lewiston a substantial block grant to replace job losses suffered. And give salmon a chance for recovery.

Lastly, I am disturbed over the wholesale loss of blue collar jobs to developing countries.

American laborers cannot compete with 50 cents per hour paid overseas and no environmental laws - we must have fair trade, whatever the cost.

In conclusion, the only special interest group that has an influence over Jim Pratt are the voters. It is my hope that these ideas parallel your views.

Thank you.

This sidebar appeared with the story: RESUME OF JIM PRATT (GOP) Education: Graduated from Dayton High School in Dayton, Ore., 1978 Attended Oregon State University in Corvallis, Ore. Majored in political science and education, member of the football and wrestling teams, 1978-1981 Attended Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa, Idaho. Majored in education, minor in history and political science, 1982-1988. Participated in the wrestling program and assistant coach for the wrestling team, 1984-1988

Employment: Worked at Petersburg Fisheries Inc. in Petersburg, Ark., in the summer while attending college, 1981-1988 Farm and property manager, 1988-1996 Congressional staffer for then-Congressman Jim Bunn in Oregon’s 5th Congressional District, 1996 Head wrestling coach, Melba High School, 1996-97 season

Other employment/community involvement highlights: Enrolled member of the Pit River Tribe, Madesi Clan Attend Bethel Church of the Nazarene in Nampa, church board member and Sunday school teacher

Personal: Age 39, married to Connie Corder in 1985. Four children Benjamin, 10, Josiah, 7, Sarah, 4 and Rachel, 3. Residents of Nampa 1985-1991; residents of Melba 1991-present