Education key to hopefuls

Education is a priority for both candidates vying to represent voters in District 4, which includes most of Coeur d’Alene.

Incumbent George Sayler, a Democrat, says protecting public education is his No. 1 priority.

The retired teacher is being challenged by a self-described constitutional Republican who says education is the key to progress – and raising responsible citizens.

Jim Hollingsworth has worked as an educator, too.

But the two men have little more in common and their views are diametrically opposed on most issues.

While Sayler has repeatedly pushed for child care legislation to increase the standards for Idaho’s day cares, Hollingsworth sees day-care legislation as an infringement on parents’ rights.

“It is simply an attack on your right as a parent to control the care of your own children,” Hollingsworth said.

Hollingsworth is critical of the state’s move to take the burden of school funding off property tax payers, saying it has “insulated local schools from the local public” and has left room for other agencies and local government to increase their budgets.

He contends that a better system of education can be provided for less money.

While Hollingsworth has said class sizes can be increased to decrease spending, Sayler said that he is a “more realistic voice for protecting education.”

The economy remains a concern, and Sayler said the state must work to keep Idaho’s economy healthy.

“We need to make sure we’re being frugal with our spending,” Sayler said, “and do what we can to attract and keep jobs that create a living wage.”

During his three terms as a representative, Sayler has become the minority leader on House committees including Revenue and Taxation and Resources and Conservation. He also serves on the Ways and Means leadership committee.

He co-sponsored legislation attempting to remove the sales tax on food.

Sayler said he has broad, bipartisan support and brings a broad-based, middle-of-the-road approach to government.