dakota on the Issues
fiscal responsibility
My foremost responsibility as a Pocatello City Council Member is the prudent use of your tax dollars. I will always demand that our City Budget balances so that we are not using our reserve funds to cover the regular, everyday operations of our City.
Investment in Pocatello
I view our city budget priorities as investments in our community. I believe Pocatello needs a clear and transparent Capital Improvement Plan that will allow us to start addressing our years of deferred maintenance. I want us to do a few things well, rather than several things mediocre.
Transparency
Transparency is more than simply making public data readily available. Our citizens need to be able to easily find and understand the data they are seeking. I am actively advocating for public dashboards that explain simply and plainly why and how we are spending your tax dollars.
honest collaboration
At the heart of all we do in public service is relationships. Lasting change cannot be forced but must be built through collaboration and mutual respect. I am working everyday to build strong relationships with other elected officials, city staff, and with the general public.
Leadership & economic development
Pocatello leaders have not just the opportunity but the responsibility to take the lead in creating a shared vision for our community and region. Growing our local economy takes real effort in a multitude of areas. We need a growing diversified housing market that allows new employers to enter our community. We need an active Chamber of Commerce that is focused on supporting and growing our local small business community. We need solid partnerships with Idaho State University and School District 25 to help connect local graduates with local jobs. We need quality infrastructure that makes doing business faster and easier. Ultimately, we need ALL our elected officials from our State Legislators to our County Commissioners to the Pocatello and Chubbuck City Councils down to our School Board Trustees to actively work together rather than against each other. Once we have a shared vision for our home across all government entities, then we can ensure that everything from our economic development spending to our building codes are working together to achieve a common goal.