A Mayor for Solutions, Not Soundbites

As your candidate for mayor, I believe in common sense and a deep commitment to the well-being of Idaho Falls. When we talk about how our city government works, we need to look at the whole picture.

Think about baking a batch of cookies. It’s not just about having the right ingredients—it’s about following the right process. Running a city is no different. You need good people, but without a responsible, proven process, even the best intentions can fall short.

Lately, some have suggested that because the City Council often votes unanimously, it must mean there’s “groupthink” or that the public isn’t being heard. That’s simply not true.  Council votes are an assurance that the legal process has been followed to award contracts, sales, and purchases for day to day operations of the city.  Nothing is controversial about awarding a contract to haul away sewer sludge, purchase police radios or install a new water line. 

By the time an ordinance or resolution reaches the council chambers, it has already gone through significant discussion in work meetings. Council members, city staff, and community experts put in the hard work of refining proposals, addressing concerns, and making adjustments. A unanimous vote doesn’t mean there wasn’t debate—it means the end result is a solid solution that earned broad support. 

I am also committed to increasing transparency and accessibility. That means sending out a simple annual postcard to every household, showing clearly where your tax dollars are being spent.  If and when the city doesn’t live up to its commitments, I want to know. I enjoy solving problems, and my goal is simple: to make Idaho Falls the very best place to live and work in the state.

So while some might say, “When nobody disagrees, nobody’s listening,” I see it differently. In a healthy, well-run city, consensus means the process is working. It means we’re listening, adjusting, and building solutions that bring people together.

That’s the kind of leadership I believe Idaho Falls deserves—and the kind of mayor I intend to be.