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Priorities

A Safe Place to Live

We need to ensure that our public safety sector has the manpower and tools to keep our city safe. The Idaho Falls Fire Department has recently seen many improvements such as a new Fire Station 1, increased staffing, additional training opportunities, new equipment, and an improved ISO rating. These positive changes have improved the safety of our city and citizens as well as our firefighters, especially as they have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As promised, I supported a new Law Enforcement Complex to finally address the longstanding needs of the Idaho Falls Police Department. I’ve also worked on the new Police Policy Manual to ensure clear lines of communication between IFPD and City Council. We’re currently evaluating manpower issues in the police department and I look forward to working together to make our department adequately staffed.

Quality of Life Opportunities

Before becoming a City Councilmember, I participated in the Mayor’s Citizen Review Committee and the public planning sessions to develop master plans for Tautphaus and Heritage Parks. I have always recognized the value that parks and open spaces add to our community and the need to preserve, maintain and enhance our parks and recreation system. During my time on the City Council, I have supported the development of Heritage Park, the redevelopment of Funland, the creation of a splash pad at Reinhart Park, new irrigation at Pinecrest Golf Course, and many other projects. 

Citizen’s support is strong for the Connecting Our Community Plan to connect our city’s bike and walking paths, making it safer and easier for pedestrians and bicyclists to move about town. Another citizen recommendation was improvements to our zoo. I support these projects as well and am proud to say that new land was purchased for zoo expansion and canal pathway trails began construction in 2021 to the delight of bikers and pedestrians alike. 

Although parks and recreation issues continue to be a top priority, I understand that we must always adequately fund our essential services of streets, sanitation, sewer, water, and power. Maintaining a strong infrastructure will help ensure economic growth and development for our city. I believe we can be fiscally responsible and still move Idaho Falls forward.