State House, District 6
Mark Solomon
Democrat
Personal: Married to Jeanne Clothiaux
Education: Eastchester High School in New York. Two semesters at Washington State University, studying physical metallurgy
Professional: Welder and blacksmith, artist, former executive director of the Lands Council in Spokane. Just returned from Cambodia where he helped start a peace art project, turning decommissioned weapons into peace sculptures. Small business owner.
Political: Latah County commissioner, 1990-1994
Key issues: Funding education: the 2001 tax cut took more than $100 million out of the state revenue stream and the education budget for the public schools and state universities have been playing catch-up ever since and not succeeding. Tax fairness: That same tax cut created a regressive tax system in Idaho. Lower income taxpayers pay a higher portion of their income. Everyone should pay their fair share.
Money raised/spent: $14,313/ $6,831 as of Sept. 30.
Top contributors: Restore Representative Government, $250; Mark Hume, Moscow, $350; Renee Solomon, New York, $1,200.
Quote: “I want to restore accountability to Idaho’s state government.”
Key influence: Pete Sieger
Favorite book: Sometimes a Great Notion by Ken Kesey
First priority if elected: End the closed door caucus system of the Republican majority. Let the light shine.
Tom Trail
Republican, incumbent
Personal: Married to Jo Ann. Three grown children, six grandchildren. Grew up on a 500-acre family farm in the area.
Education: Earned a B.S. in animal science/agriculture from the University of Idaho. Masters in education from the University of Maryland. Doctorate of education from Montana State University.
Professional: 1953-1961 member of Moscow U.S. Army Reserve Medical Company. 1959-1960 agricultural extension agent for the UI. 1963-65 Peace Corps team administrator in Ecuador. Worked for 24 years as a UI ag extension agent and Washington State University extension training specialist. 1969-1971 head of the Colombian Ministry of Agriculture Social Service Program.
Political: Currently in his fourth term in the Idaho House.
Key issues: Public and higher education funding are top priorities. Other key issues would be constitutional amendments to protect fishing and hunting rights of Idaho citizens and to require the Legislature to follow the open meetings; supporting congressional delegation in repealing parts of the Patriot Act; legalizing the production of industrial hemp for farmers as an alternate crop; economic development, jobs for small businesses, farmers and working families.
Money raised/spent: $12,104/ $6,229 as of Sept. 30.
Top contributors: Bennett Lumber, $1,000; PAC for Education, $1,000; Timber PAC, $400; Marketime Drug, $250; IHA PAC, $250.
Quote: “Two words I have over my desk in Boise, constituents first. Eight years of results and 30 bills passed.”
Key influence: Gov. Nelson Rockefeller of New York, a moderate Republican
Favorite book: The Bible
First priority if elected: “To support increased funding for public and higher education.” “We are in an education economy.”
Website: http://users.moscow.com/ttrail/