This election will
decide the direction Chubbuck will take for at least the next four years.
First, has the status quo from the last eight years been good enough? I have to look at what has happened in the last 4 years in particular. The best thing is the addition of All State and the connector (Knudsen Ave.) between Hawthorne and Yellowstone. However, many challenges have stayed the same until election time. The typical promises of road maintenance suddenly become a top priority now. Will things really change this time?
The second issue is how our money is spent. What do we get for our money? Instead of looking at all funding in the City, the currently most of our City Government happily keep status quo. Development continues while existing streets fail. Work promised four years ago still isn't complete. The first work on maintenance can’t start until FY 2015 or until an additional $150,000 is freed to allow 5 miles of road chip sealing. Later $300,000 per year must be set aside to maintain the 10 year plan. That account has never been funded to that level.
Candidate for Mayor, Brent Marshall has asked tough questions and sees the need to look at changing how Chubbuck finances itself. Marshall shows he realizes that taxes play into the ability to attract business. Due to our TIF arrangement, we have a higher levy rates than Pocatello. What do we get for those dollars?
Glen Cranor's experience with the railroad would serve Chubbuck well. Cranor experience throughout the country as a safety and technical authority for the railroad gives him insight on spending funds wisely while maintaining safe work environments. Ryan Lewis in his role as an attorney has worked with clients concerning Pocatello ordinances. Someone with this expertise on the Council would make a nice addition. Lewis will tell you he just wants to serve.
First, has the status quo from the last eight years been good enough? I have to look at what has happened in the last 4 years in particular. The best thing is the addition of All State and the connector (Knudsen Ave.) between Hawthorne and Yellowstone. However, many challenges have stayed the same until election time. The typical promises of road maintenance suddenly become a top priority now. Will things really change this time?
The second issue is how our money is spent. What do we get for our money? Instead of looking at all funding in the City, the currently most of our City Government happily keep status quo. Development continues while existing streets fail. Work promised four years ago still isn't complete. The first work on maintenance can’t start until FY 2015 or until an additional $150,000 is freed to allow 5 miles of road chip sealing. Later $300,000 per year must be set aside to maintain the 10 year plan. That account has never been funded to that level.
Candidate for Mayor, Brent Marshall has asked tough questions and sees the need to look at changing how Chubbuck finances itself. Marshall shows he realizes that taxes play into the ability to attract business. Due to our TIF arrangement, we have a higher levy rates than Pocatello. What do we get for those dollars?
Glen Cranor's experience with the railroad would serve Chubbuck well. Cranor experience throughout the country as a safety and technical authority for the railroad gives him insight on spending funds wisely while maintaining safe work environments. Ryan Lewis in his role as an attorney has worked with clients concerning Pocatello ordinances. Someone with this expertise on the Council would make a nice addition. Lewis will tell you he just wants to serve.
Commercial growth must happen and can actually mean lower taxes. Streets, an actual concern for Citizens, and adequate police and fire services must have priority.
I know Marshall, Cranor and Lewis can fill our needs as a community. Please vote for them I’m sure they will make the difference our City needs.
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