Candidate Q & A: Middle School Teacher Jim Robidoux Seeks House 37 Seat

Ankeny voters will head to the polls June 5 to decide which Republican candidates will appear on the November ballot this year in a bid to serve in the Iowa House of Representatives.

Ankeny is represented by two districts, House District 37 and 38.

Today, we're featuring the first of several Q & As done by the six candidates running for the chance to serve District 37. Today, we introduce you to Jim Robidoux, an Ankeny teacher and newcomer to the political scene.

Whoever wins the primary will go up against unopposed Democrat candidate Neal Tracy in November.

JIM ROBIDOUX

Age: 48

Address: 2880 N.W. 134^th Ave., Polk City

Employer: Teacher at , Ankeny, and owner of Robidoux Country Kennels, rural Alleman.

Number of years lived in the district: 16

Summary of education: Hiawatha High School, 1982; Coe College, Cedar Rapids, B.A.s in Literature and English; Drake University, M.A. in English, 1997

Family: Wife Emily; daughter Clarissa Ross, her husband, Bob Ross, and their son, Alex; sons Jaedy, Paul and Alex.

What do you see as the state government's role, what should it do for taxpayers and what should it stay out of? 

Leaders in state government should work together to provide services within a balanced budget. State government should not create more taxes, regulations and mandates that hurt local families, businesses, schools and cities. State government should allow local school districts, cities and counties to make many of their own decisions.

What were the top 3 successes of the most recent legislative session? 

Both parties worked together to improve the mental health system across Iowa to make it more efficient and uniform. Secondly, the legislature set aside $107 million for the Homestead Tax Credit, which provides more money for local governments to offset that credit on property taxes. Finally, the legislature added $15 million to an economic development plan, a great use of part of the $246 million in additional revenue from FY 2012. 

What were the 3 biggest failures?  

The first failure was not passing any property tax reform for the second year in a row. Second was the failure for more meaningful discussion or reform to education, which is why we need more teachers in the legislature. Finally, not finishing the session on time is a failure. Finishing the session on time shows Iowans that legislators are interested in working toward solutions. Also, finishing the session on time saves the taxpayers money because we pay considerable extra expense for every day that the session is extended.

How can the state restructure property taxes without shifting the burden to homeowners? 

We can incrementally reduce commercial property taxes and enjoy the benefit of economic expansion from new businesses that will increase personal income tax and state sales tax revenues. Also, the legislature can cap the local annual property tax increase to 2 percent residential and 4 percent agricultural.

Is the current tax structure hurting the state's economy? 

Yes. Iowans are repeatedly saying that we need to reduce taxes. We have a higher commercial property tax burden than most surrounding states. 

Should the next legislature take up the issue of same sex marriage? What would you propose? 

If it comes up, I will vote for traditional marriage because that’s what I hear from local voters when they introduce the issue. I won’t propose anything, nor will I judge anyone on this issue. That’s not what teachers do. Clearly, the people have a strong opinion one way or the other and there is no middle ground, so let’s vote, and then get on with the business of education reform, tax reform, government efficiency, and promoting new job growth. I will focus on finding the best balance of taxation and spending, which is the role of government. 

Should the remaining Iowa Supreme Court justices who ruled in favor of allowing same sex marriage be removed from the bench? Why or why not? 

Again, let the people vote, as they did in the last election for Supreme Court justices. The only genuine debate in America is at the polls, which is one reason that we have elections.

Finally, we'll close on a lighter note. Tell voters one fun, random fact about you they probably don't know.

I’ve always been interested in good government and freedom. In 1981, I earned a spot on the Rural Electric Cooperative Washington, D.C., Tour. I’ll never forget that week thirty-one years ago at our Capitol with other high school juniors and seniors.

Did you miss our Q & As with the District 38 candidates? Check out what and had to say.

To see all the candidates and who we could be profiling tomorrow and next week, .