Idaho state house candidates face off at forum

Representative Julie VanOrden and candidate Julianne Young both got the opportunity to voice their opinions on issues ranging from gun control to education.

The biggest topic though, was the sex education bill Representative VanOrden tried, and failed, to get passed through the Idaho State House.

“By revising it to actually address what school districts what school districts would be able to address if they chose to implement a sex education program within their schools,” VanOrden said.

Young was openly opposed to the bill.

“The language that said the primary responsibility for teaching sex education rests on the home and the church and the schools can only compliment and supplement the standards established in the home,” Young said. “This was replaced by languages saying basically it’s the responsibility of the family to support the teaching of sex education curriculum that is going to focus on community values.”

When asked about gun control, both said they would oppose banning assault rifles. They also addressed water rights issues in Idaho and what could be done about it.

“The problem is not a lack of water,” Young said. “The problem is that we have a struggle between Idaho Power Company and farmers for who gets to use the water. And there have been some agreements made that have made that very difficult for the farmers to have what they need.

“I don’t feel like there is a legislative solution at this time because it has to be handled by our local groundwater users and surface water users and that’s the best place for it to be handled at this time,” VanOrden said.

The primary election will be held May 15th.