Please briefly summarize your background and experience relevant to service on the Boise City Council.

I grew up in and have lived in Boise all my life. Kristen and I and my three sisters and their husbands are raising families here, too. I know lots of people from different backgrounds and have been here to see Boise grow. Additionally, I am a businessman, and I will bring that perspective and experience to the council. I also have a degree in finance and an MBA from Idaho universities, areas of expertise that will directly aid in the budgeting process.

The decision to elect Boise City Council members by district was not something the City of Boise sought. State government imposed the districts, and, in fact, the city vigorously opposed this recent electoral reform. How do you propose to create greater balance and equity among all sectors of this city and its neighborhoods?

I think that districts are a great first step. Now, we must use the lens of equity as we look at projects across the city, and we must remember that while we represent our districts, equal services and investment benefit the city as a whole.

Do you agree, or disagree, that City Hall has treated areas within Boise differently?

I agree, and commit to being a part of the solution,

 Do you believe the current Mayor and City Council have properly engaged with the public on major projects and conducted all business in open meetings? If not, how would you improve upon their current practices?

I don’t. We need to look at the process as a whole and figure out how we can bring residents in at the beginning of projects, rather than at the end where the only input left is the paint color and design finishes. I don’t have all the answers on how that would look but am committed to advocating for systemic changes.

Do you believe the City has now grown large enough that at City Council position should be a full-time job to really understand the issues and solutions?

While the job may have grown too large for an individual to go it alone, I believe that there is value in citizen leaders. We don’t want to turn our city over to career politicians.

What are your thoughts on the Blueprint Boise, and do you think it best reflects and represents what the residents want for Boise’s future?

I believe that Blueprint Boise has value, but that it should be updated to give new and annexed residents input on how their neighborhoods will be developed.

Do you believe the city is following “smart growth” practices? If so, please provide an example.

No.

What could the City of Boise do to grow job opportunities for the people of this area, particularly higher paying jobs?

The city needs to actively recruit new businesses and develop neighborhoods across the city to provide a high quality of life within reasonable commutes for workers.

 How could the City of Boise improve upon the education it offers to youth and young adults?

While the City does not have influence over Boise and West Ada schools, it does run the Parks and Recreation department. Parks and Recreation currently supports several community centers on School grounds, providing the services that the neighborhood and the school need like afterschool programs. This is an excellent partnership for the city to have.

Do you believe the current Mayor and City Council have protected the environment and use land in a prudent cautious manner? Please provide examples.

I believe that the city does an excellent job of protecting and maintaining the Boise River area through maintenance of parks and pathways, and I am a big fan of the Ridge to Rivers trail system that they maintain in the North foothills. We could do better in other areas of the city.

 Do you worry that the City’s development practices generate urban sprawl?

I do. I believe that high density housing must be fast tracked, with the caveat that the siting must be appropriate.

Would you support the residential development of Murgoitio Park? (Yes or No)

No. The process was handled badly, and the city needs to live up to its promises, regardless of the administration in office.

Would you support the relocation of the old Log Cabin? (Yes or No)

I would need more information about this issue to make a statement.

Are you aware that any residential development of Murgoitio Park could violate FAA rules and limit the full military use of Gowen Field?

I have heard that. I am not an expert in FAA regulations but would be interested to learn more.

Do you agree with the Mayor that the Housing First program is the best way to curb homelessness in Boise?

I am a supporter of Housing First strategies. However, the lack of affordable housing has made that very difficult to implement in a way that respects people in crisis. We need to address the critical shortage of housing in the valley immediately.

What are your priorities for improvements to the City’s police and fire resources?

I am a strong supporter of our First Responders. They need to be well trained and adequately funded to maintain appropriate levels of service for all Boise residents.