NewsTalk 107.9 wants to keep our audience updated on the local city races, so we asked candidates to answer questions to help voters know about their platform.
This page will be updated as more answers come in.
Blackfoot
Cara Fitzgerald, for Blackfoot City Council seat 4:
1.Why are you running?
My motivation to run for a seat on the Blackfoot City Council stemmed from a specific planning and zoning matter that directly affected the area I call home. As I attended numerous city council and planning and zoning meetings, I became increasingly convinced that the most effective way to drive positive change was to have a more influential role in the decision-making process. My primary aspiration is to be an active contributor to resolving issues and supporting our community in any way I can.
In a show of my dedication to our community’s welfare, I pledge to donate 100% of my council member salary back to our local community, with a particular focus on assisting low-income seniors. This commitment underscores my unwavering commitment to making a tangible and positive impact on the lives of those who need it most
2. What do you think are the biggest issues facing your city? 3. How woud you address those issues?
In my opinion, our aging infrastructure is Blackfoot’s most pressing concern. Growing up in Blackfoot, I’ve had the privilege to witness significant development and change. While growth is positive, it’s essential that our town adapts responsibly to support this expansion. The state of our sewer system, roads, water infrastructure, and the lack of adequate sidewalks are urgent issues that demand our attention.
As your city council representative, I am committed to making the improvement of Blackfoot’s infrastructure my top priority. To address these challenges, I propose a multi-faceted approach:
Investing in Maintenance: Regular maintenance and repair work should be a priority. Preventive maintenance can extend the lifespan of our infrastructure, saving us money in the long run. Unfortunately, our city has done a lot of “patch work” over the years. We need to be diligent about regular maintenance and repair work.
Prioritizing Safety: The safety of our residents, including seniors, is paramount. We must invest in repairing and improving roads, sidewalks, and sewer systems to ensure their safety.
Seeking Funding: Exploring state and federal funding opportunities, grants, and partnerships can provide the financial resources needed to tackle these infrastructure challenges.
Engaging the Community: It’s important to involve the community in decision-making. Seeking input from residents on which areas need attention the most can help guide our infrastructure improvement efforts.
Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborating with local businesses and organizations can bring additional resources and expertise to our infrastructure projects.
By pursuing these strategies, we can work together to ensure that Blackfoot’s infrastructure supports our city’s growth, safety, and comfort.
4. What is your governing philosophy (e.g., generating more tax revenue for better services, or keeping taxes low and government small)?
My governing philosophy is to strike a thoughtful and balanced approach that prioritizes the well-being of the community while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Efficient Government: I advocate for efficient and transparent government operations. It’s important to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used wisely, and government services are delivered effectively.
Maintaining Tax Fairness: While it’s crucial to support essential services, I also understand the importance of keeping the tax burden reasonable for residents and businesses. Striking a balance between generating necessary revenue and preventing excessive taxation is key.
Prioritizing Community Needs: My philosophy revolves around putting the needs and priorities of the community first. Investing in public safety, infrastructure, and other services that enhance the quality of life for residents.
Community Engagement: I believe in actively engaging with the community, seeking input from residents, and involving them in decision-making processes. An informed and engaged community can lead to better policy decisions.
Responsible Fiscal Management: Fiscal responsibility is essential. Prudent budgeting, long-term financial planning, and careful monitoring of expenditures are vital to ensure the city’s financial health and sustainability.
In summary, my governing philosophy is a balanced approach that aims to foster economic growth, maintain efficient government operations, and prioritize community needs while keeping taxation fair and reasonable. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that Blackfoot remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family, with access to quality services and a promising future.
5. What sets you apart from your opponents and what do you believe makes you most qualified for the position you are seeking?
As a lifelong Blackfoot native, I have cultivated deep roots within our community, and my ties to this place run strong. My professional background spans both the business and community service sectors, providing me with a rich and comprehensive perspective on the economic and social forces that shape our community’s landscape. This unique background equips me with the insight necessary to make well-informed decisions that directly benefit our residents.
What sets me apart from my opponent is a combination of my experience, unwavering commitment, and active engagement with our community. I possess not only a clear vision for the future of Blackfoot but also the passion and dedication needed to drive positive change. I am motivated by a sincere desire to have a meaningful impact on the lives of Blackfoot residents, and I am prepared to work tirelessly to address both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for our community. It is this deep-seated commitment, along with my experience and vision, that makes me the best-qualified candidate for the position.