Robert Gillis

Robert Gillis

I have been a lifelong republican since I turned 18 years old. I have advocated for very conservative positions while working with legislators at the Idaho State Capitol since I moved here almost 6 years ago. I retired after a twenty-five-year career in law enforcement, am a current Crimestoppers of Idaho Board Member, and Courageous Survival Peer Support Member. I have been married to my wife and best friend for sixteen years, and we have three children. Two of my kids attend Boise State, and one is a freshman at Eagle High School. My mom also resides in the City of Eagle. This place is our home, and we love it here!

Idaho GOP Platform Responses

✓+  Strongly Agree   Somewhat Agree O  Somewhat Disagree X  Strongly Disagree

TopicCandidate’s Explanation
✓+Responsibility in GovernmentN/A
✓+Citizen InvolvementN/A
✓+EducationN/A
✓+AgricultureN/A
✓+WaterN/A
✓+Natural Resources / EnvironmentN/A
✓+EnergyN/A
✓+Idaho National LabN/A
✓+Private Property RightsN/A
✓+State / Federal LandsN/A
✓+WildlifeN/A
✓+EconomyN/A
✓+Health and WelfareN/A
✓+American FamilyN/A
✓+Older AmericansN/A
✓+Law & Order w/ JusticeN/A
✓+Securing the BorderN/A
✓+Election of Idaho JudgesN/A
✓+Religious LibertyN/A

Survey and Interview Responses

Why are you running for this office?

I have devoted my life to public service. I was injured and retired at a young age and love my city. My family lives here, attends school here, and works here. I have remained involved for the past 3 legislative sessions at the Idaho Capitol because of how much I care about this place.

What are your qualifications?

I have a lifetime of public service experience. I am a problem solver, I am honest, I have a strong moral compass, integrity, and am a very hard-working citizen. I support the efforts and function of our city officials to properly manage growth, our infrastructure, and our quality of life. I have a very reasonable analytical demeanor, I have been a well-respected leader in our agency, and I am a team player who will be a steward of the tax paying Eagle citizens.

If elected, what are your goals?

Nothing stays stagnant or uneventful in a growing city. Eagle is growing at a rapid rate, and that growth has got to be managed responsibly. My goals are stated on my website and palm cards.

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

I am the current President of Idaho Tough On Crime, and have not taken a single penny from anyone, over the past couple years since we started the organization. I have spent hours and days at the capitol working with legislators on tough on crime legislation, immigration legislation, property rights legislation, and a constitutional amendment regarding ballot initiatives. I am also a board member with Crimestoppers of Idaho, and a peer support member with Courageous Survival in Idaho (we help first responders and veterans who may be in crisis).

Do you consider yourself fiscally conservative?

I view myself as fiscally conservative. I think we need to rein in spending. Having said that, there will be times where we need to pivot, reassess, reevaluate, and redirect funds. As our population continues to grow, which is inevitable, our needs may change. I believe that if elected, we must be stewards for the taxpayers in our various elected offices, so we can manage our budget and growth responsibly while always trying to lower taxes and lessen government control. My family, my friends and I live here. Eagle is our home. What we do in an elected office has consequences. I will always do my best to remain fiscally conservative and responsible while managing the city budget.

Do you consider yourself socially conservative?

Yes I do. I strongly believe in the family unit, the freedom of religion. The way I view it, I have been a practicing patriot for my entire life. From a childhood as a police explorer cadet, to an emergency medical technician for an ambulance company, to a peace officer. I have laid my life on the line for complete strangers, have been the victim of violent crime, and have lost friends in the line of duty. Those experiences have strengthened my patriotism and duty to country, state, and community.

In your view, what is the purpose of the government?

To serve the people. I will protect their money and respect their property rights, ensuring there is no government overreach. My goal is to work collaboratively with the community to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Do you have any ideas on how Eagle City Council could save money?

Not all ideas that are floated should be completed. We need to work with developers to ensure full details are considered and we need to be more strict about what is approved.

What do you see as the biggest challenges/priorities for Eagle City Council?

Managing budget, growth and traffic. Growth isn’t going to stop so we need to attract the best businesses. Costco should be a primary concern.

The small businesses in downtown Eagle have been struggling since COVID and all the construction. What will you do to help these businesses?

I believe the city should help promote the downtown area. I suggest organizing some events downtown and actively spreading the word about them. We need to market the downtown area and focus on its development before opening new businesses elsewhere.

The City of Eagle has multiple income streams. List as many as you know. (property tax, sales tax, liquor tax, building permits, impact fees. Are the current revenue streams sufficient? What would you do to increase/decrease revenue?

Impact fees, property taxes, contracts.

Idaho is a budget driven state when it comes to property taxes. What are the limiting factors for raising the budget of a taxing district in the State of Idaho?

Taxing districts can only increase their budgets 3%. They can also use foregone taxes.

Where do you get your information about the City Council and what is going on in the city?

I’m plugged in with local law enforcement and have connections with politicians. I attend City Council meetings.

What is your plan to manage both residential and commercial growth in Eagle?

We can work together to make the best decisions. We need commercial growth, but It needs to be the right growth. It needs to benefit the citizens. Building strong relationships with all stakeholders, including developers and citizens, is crucial.

Idaho GOP Platform | Disclaimer: The above information was provided by the candidate via survey and personal interview - the candidate has confirmed its accuracy.