Survey and Interview Responses

Why are you running for this office?

I currently serve as a member of the Meridian City Council. Serving in the community in which I was raised is the primary motivation to run/serve.

What are your qualifications?

I’m a nearly lifelong Meridian resident. I served for three years as Meridian’s community liaison, volunteered for the Meridian Food Bank for three years, and served for two years on the Meridian Development Cooperation.

If elected, what are your goals?

We need to address the law enforcement officer shortage in Meridian. My priorities are keeping Meridian a safe community, growing our local economy, and serving transparently.

What experience do you have serving on boards, commissions, non-profits, etc. where you have been of service to others?

In addition to serving as a volunteer for the Meridian Food Bank and for two years on the Meridian Development Cooperation, as shared above, I’m currently in my second term on the Compass School Board and volunteer with the Meridian Dairy Board and the Meridian Kiwanis.

Do you consider yourself fiscally conservative?

This is a subjective question but yes. I have a track record of opposing government growth, have opposed the use of forgone, and opposed raises for elected officials.

Do you consider yourself socially conservative?

Again a subjective question, but yes. I believe in law and order, the constitution, and favor the lightest hand of government.

What is the most pressing issue facing Meridian right now and how would you address it?

Meridian faces the pressing challenge of managing growth within its city boundaries and mitigating the impact of regional growth on transportation, particularly concerning vehicle traffic through its communities. The city council is actively collaborating with other valley city councils to strategically invest taxpayer dollars in upgrading Meridian’s infrastructure. Concurrently, efforts are focused on attracting alternative transportation users and fostering greater cooperation with ACHD.

Furthermore, the city is applying lessons from past experiences, adopting a more deliberate and judicious approach to analyzing new projects, including apartments and annexations. This enhanced scrutiny means that applications are now more likely to be denied than in the past.

How do you balance long-term development and growth with maintaining the character and history of our city?

Meridian, once primarily farmland, is undergoing significant change. As a council, we are proactively acquiring land for future infrastructure and public amenities, including parks, waste management, and water systems. A long-standing and creative proposal involves purchasing 200 acres for a land/farm park, which would offer numerous community benefits. Our goal is to prevent Meridian from becoming just “Anywhere USA.”

How does the current focus on apartments instead of small starter homes apply to affordable housing, given that apartments raise rent yearly and starter homes are generally purchased with a 30 year mortgage? Also speak to the increased costs to public services like police and fire that are higher for apartments than homes?

Housing affordability, defined as homeownership without government subsidies, is a critical concern. Starter homes are now priced at $500,000, and banks are hesitant to offer loans to individuals whose rent payments are comparable to potential 30-year mortgage costs. Given that apartment rents are outpacing mortgage costs, I advocate for housing relief over rent relief.

I believe we have reached a saturation point with apartments and storage facilities. While apartments have been strategically placed near interstates to alleviate traffic on arterial roads, condominiums may be a more viable option as they offer ownership. However, I maintain a belief in limited government intervention and will not dictate land-use decisions to property owners.

What strategies would you implement to attract new businesses, support small businesses, and create more jobs in the city?

A regulatory framework that facilitates business is essential, as the government’s role is not job creation. Meridian’s approach involves light regulation, which, while not directly creating jobs, establishes a platform that incentivizes businesses to operate here. My goal is to attract businesses that will increase wages.

With Federal grant funding running out, the City of Meridian is proposing a levy to help fund public safety. Do you support the levy?

Yes, the levy is for three purposes:
1. Maintain firefighters wages
2. Increase our wages & benefits, especially for police officers.
3. Lastly, we want to start and fund a prosecuting team in Meridian. We are currently contracting with Boise but that is not working now as 30-70% drop in prosecutions after arrests are made and that is unacceptable.

It is a permanent levy with an attached resolution that would not allow a repurpose of those funds without the exposure to daylight and a change in the resolution. Our long term plan is to reduce property taxes so the levy is a net neutral expense to the taxpayers

What specific steps will you take to encourage more community involvement in city planning and decision-making and increase accessibility to your constituents?

I believe government should not be confined to a building. I was the first councilmember to hold a district focused town hall, other council members have seen the value and I expect to see more in district engagement.. The council actively solicits and welcomes testimony via video, text, voice messages, and public hearings. I am passionate about connecting with the community and communicating directly with the people.

How do you plan to ensure that our city’s budget is managed responsibly, especially in light of economic uncertainties including the economic uncertainties of your constituents?

Yes, the levy is for three purposes:
1. Maintain firefighters wages
2. Increase our wages and benefits, especially for police officers.
3. Lastly, we want to start and fund a prosecuting team in Meridian. We are currently contracting with Boise but that is not working now as 30-70% drop in prosecutions after arrests are made and that is unacceptable.

It is a permanent levy with an attached resolution that would not allow a repurpose of those funds without the exposure to daylight and a change in the resolution. Our long term plan is to reduce property taxes so the levy is a net neutral expense to the taxpayers

What has the City Council done right and what fell short during the last 2 years?

The City Council is now more selective in approving applications, prioritizing a “Community First” approach through increased public hearings. We recognize the challenges some citizens face with testifying only during public hearings, so we provide various avenues for public input, demonstrating our commitment to proactive communication. Furthermore, we need to ensure our motions are clearly articulated, with precise language that leaves no room for assumptions about our intentions.