Candidate Name:
David Larsen
Candidate Mailing Address:
PO Box 578
Cd’A, ID 83816
Email:
david@idaholarsen.com
Website:
Political Party (If partisan race):
Democrat
Years of Residence in Jurisdiction: 14
Describe your educational background (including degrees, certifications and life experiences):
I graduated from college in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in math education. I began a 30-year career as a math teacher in Yakima Washington teaching at West Valley High School. In1970, I accepted a teaching position with the Mercer Island School District where I remained completing my 30-year career in 1996.
I completed my master’s degree in Educational Administration in 1972 and continued with additional coursework to reach the Masters plus 90 credit hours level.
I served as the Mercer Island High School Math/Science Area Chair for the last several years of my tenure and was named the first recipient of the Mercer Island High School Teacher of the Year sponsored by the district and the Lions Club in 1988. During my teaching career I was also active in coaching both girls’ and boys’
In addition, I have been a ski racer, coach, and instructor.
Describe your community involvement (including civic groups, appointed/elected positions and dates):
While living in Bellevue, Washington, I was involved in youth activities coaching Little League and Park and Rec teams for my sons and daughter and serving as a president of the Lake Hills Little League in the 80s.
My Idaho involvements have and still include working with Art On The Green, representing the Democrats on the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee and as a volunteer for whatever jobs my wife Roberta schedules for me associated with her many activities. I am a benefactor of the CdA Summer Theatre.
I have been active in the Panhandle Coalition at our Saturday sessions when we meet with local legislators during the legislative session.
I served my country in the US Army, 2 years active duty, 2 years active reserve and 2 years standby reserve.
Describe your employment history for the past 10 years including dates:
I retired from full time teaching in 1996. I did serve one semester as a Student Teacher Evaluator for Gonzaga while commuting from Bellevue during the terrible winter of 1998 or ’99 but passed on the opportunity to continue into the 2nd semester.
Volunteering to tutor NIC math students turned into a part time job as an adjunct math instructor at NIC in 2001. I have continued in this position since, teaching late afternoon and early evening classes two days a week.
What are your three priority issues and why: t
1. Education is always the top issue as it will be the driver for our state’s economy as well as the vehicle to allow our young citizens to become productive and successful.
2. Paying attention to the needs of our small businesses. Most of us do the majority of our business with our locals. We all want them to be successful as they serve as the lifeblood of our communities. Too much attention is being paid to the large corporations and legislation is often geared to help them rather the local small businessman/woman.
Revisiting the Sales Tax Exemptions with the goal of eliminating some of those that are no longer justified or those that perhaps were never justified. In looking at the lists, there are many that just cannot be justified as they are either a special interest break such as ski lifts exempted from sales tax while golf course equipment is not exempted??? Vending machines paying a sales tax based on only 114% of their acquisition cost rather than on the price charged at the machine.
