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Rick Cheatum

State Representative Legislative District 28 Seat A

Biography and Background

I have lived in Bannock County for 45 years. My life experience includes being raised on a farm, working in broadcasting, auto sales, and credit unions. I have been married to Debra, a Pocatello native, for 30 years, and have a daughter, Nicole, and step-son, Tony.

I successfully ran for the Pocatello City Council in 2017 after retiring and was re-elected in 2021. I am the President of the Council. After election to the City Council, I was elected to the Association of Idaho Cities Board of Directors, representing District 5 in Southeast Idaho.

This experience will enable me to more easily navigate the processes and procedures of the Idaho Legislature. The AIC Board also serves as the organization’s Legislative Committee, so I am familiar with many of the issues and solutions proposed as legislation the past four years.

I have been active in the Pocatello/Chubbuck Chamber of commerce for a number of years and have many contacts within the business community to call on for their advice and positions on pending legislation.

I am a strong proponent of the 2nd amendment, and am a life member of the NRA, Pocatello Field Archers and the Pocatello Trap Club. I hunt, recreationally shoot with family members and friends, and enjoy reloading.

I live in Idaho by choice. I was once given a chance to move to another city and state and declined, knowing that this is where I wanted my family to live and kids to grow up. I vow to always make the future of Idaho my top priority.

Top 3 Issues

Issue 1

Fair taxes and fair distribution of those taxes throughout the state. There has been an ongoing battle in the Legislature, especially during the growth boom the past few years, over the State’s income tax, sales tax, and other revenue streams and how those funds should be spent. Local jurisdictions, whether they are cities, counties, schools, or others, need fair and consistent distribution of those funds paid by their citizens, to provide the services those same citizens expect. Most city property tax revenue is spent on providing fire, emergency medical service, and police services. The legislature needs to stop increasing regulations and demands on local government without providing funding to accomplish those goals. And, they need to stop dipping into the promised funding formula to fund pet projects.

Issue 2

Education. I am very concerned about our rural school districts ability to provide an education that will make our children and grandchildren competitive after high school. Whatever their life choice is after K-12, I want every student to be prepared to take the next step. That next step may not be college, but every student should know how to read, write, cook a meal, change a tire, budget and track their money, write a resume and interview for a job, and a host of other basic life tasks. After high school we need to provide the skill training for more than a 4-year degree. We need to expand our educational opportunities in certificate, associate degree, and vocational technical programs to more regional facilities that don’t price any student out because of transportation struggles. The State needs to provide school district funding that is adequate and fair to every student in Idaho. The need to pass local bond levies to fund and maintain buildings and equipment needs to end.

Issue 3

Legislators that bring a personal agenda. I promise to study every proposal presented and listen to those with far more experience. I have already been approached by constituents with issues they would like to see addressed. To make a better Idaho, we need to consider every citizen in every corner of the state in every vote. Local issues need to be settled locally before they are elevated to law and affect every citizen. I also vow to read every bill before I vote. If I cannot, I vow to vote no!

Integrity in Affiliation

Submission: Yes
“I have read the Idaho Constitution and the Idaho Republican Party Platform. I support the Idaho Republican Platform and accept it as the standard by which my performance as a candidate and as an officeholder should be evaluated. I certify that I am not a candidate, officer, delegate or position holder in any party other than the Republican Party.”







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