Duane Lavely for Boise County Commissioner

1.In addition to regular meetings, special meetings, public hearings, meetings with federal and state agencies, and meetings with Congressional and State legislatures and their staffs, Boise County commissioners sit on or participate various other boards and advisory committees (Sage Community Resources, Local Highway Technical Assistance Council, Resource Advisory Committees, Central District Health, Economic Development, Basin Advisory Group, etc.). Although Boise County commissioners are part-time, the current commissioners are averaging 3 -4 days per week on county business. If elected, how many days a week will you commit to the job?

Answer:

My present occupation with Greyhound Lines, Inc. allows me to "book off' as necessary. This should allow me to dedicate a minimum of 3 days per week. While I realize the tremendous work load associated with the position of County Commissioner, I personally believe that all political office holders should have a full-time job to stay in touch with the real world. My home state of Texas as been able to somewhat control the growth of government by only allowing the state legislature to meet every other year.

2. The Board of Commissioners performs the same budgetary and policy oversight of the county government that a board of directors performs in a private corporation. What is your experience in developing and managing budgets and in setting broad organizational policy?

Answer:

I could say that my experience as a parts and/or service manager at several automotive and motorcycle dealerships or my experience owning my own automotive rnachine shop and restoration businesses or as a residential contractor with development experience or my experience as a partner in a new bed and breakfast. However, I truly believe that my experience in civil litigation and as a law office manager gives me the tools to accomplish this task. In a personal injury suite, the law firm usually fronts all of the expenses and must manage personnel, documentation, and resources over a two to five year period. I was required to be a fast study while researching subjects ranging from the wrongful death of a mother at child birth to malpractice by a tax attorney. I have had to study medical records, billing records, tax returns, and financial records. I have had to manage cases involving voluminous documents which required their own private office space and distributed awards in the 6 and 7 figure brackets.

3. The function and authorities of county commissioners are defined, dictated, and directed by Idaho Code. In your review of the responsibilities of commissioners in Idaho Code, what particularly (sic) aspect has surprised you the most?

Answer:

I found nothing in Idaho Code: Title 31, Chapter 8, Sections 1 - 77 particularly surprising.
I could say I didn't know Boise County had a zoo, i.e., Section 21 - Adoption of Seal. However, someone might think I was serious.
I found Section 820 - By-Laws the most meaningful and Sections 862 (Preventive Health Services) and 866 (Programs for the Aged)
the most enlightened.

4. From your past experiences, what qualifies you to be a county commissioner?

Answer:

Besides my vast life experiences, I primarily believe that my legal training qualifies me for the position of Boise County Commissioner. I have had formal traIning and experience in administrative law, bankruptcy, civil litigation, criminal litigation, environmental law, intellectual property, probate, real estate law, interview and investigation, and sociology. I received my national certification after successfully completing two days of "board exams" in eight different areas of law based upon Federal statutes.