Earlier this month, the Pocatello-Chubbuck Observer sent an email interview request to all Chubbuck city council and mayoral candidates. Dave Hall is running for Chubbuck City Council Seat #2. His answers to our questions follow:
What, in your opinion, is the main purpose of government?
Government’s main purpose is to provide for its citizenry the items outlined in law, weither federal, state or local code or law.
2. How would you ensure that citizens are given the opportunity to be involved in city government decisions?
Citizen’s first opportunity to be invloved in city government decisions is to elect those who have the same ideals as them. Citizen’s also have the opportunity to be involved as much as they want to be. From helping in their communities to volunteering for city committees. Having access to those making decisions and sharing opinions with elected officials is critical. Cities should seek public input in large decisions. City governments also employ professionals to manage day to day operations and they should be able to perform their roles within the bounds of the laws and codes of the city without the need of daily input from the citizens on normal, day to day operations.
3. What is your position on the City imposing health-related ordinances such as mask or vaccine mandates?
City governments should work within the powers given them in code and law to make decisions and mandates. I believe any government should allow the most freedom possible for each citizen to make their own personal choices.
4. What is your fiscal policy? How would you ensure that the taxpayer is getting the best value for his tax dollar, and what steps would you take to reduce spending therefore reducing taxes?
My fiscal policy: spend less than you make. Governments should spend wisely, maintaining what is required to be maintained. Ensuring tax dollars are spent wisely requires two things, government officials to spend wisely and citizens to ensure government officials spend wisely. It is critical the citizenry remains involved. Wise, deliberate spending is the best policy. Reducing taxes is likely every citizen’s dream, growth and expansion of the tax base would help. Neglecting maintenance of public infrastructure is no way to reduce spending, this causes long term issue that are costly.
5. What is your policy with respect to economic development?
Economic development is critcal for any city. Good growth is needed to bring more jobs and business to the area. City government should work with the community to attract new business. New residential and commercial growth helps the tax base as well. One of my favorite quotes would apply well here, rising tides raise all boats. Growth in one city helps the neighboring city and viceaversa.
6. What do you believe are the most important issues facing Chubbuck right now, and how would you address them?
Growth, budget and consolidation are important issues for Chubbuck. I welcome the growth, city staff has implemented creative zoning to promote good growth in our city. It is exciting to see what the future holds for Chubbuck. Budget and property taxes used to pay for the budget are a concern for most citizens. I supported the budget for the City of Chubbuck to fund its greatest asset, the employees at the City of Chubbuck. I also spoke for efficient, deliberate spending all while being mindful of increasing property values and tax assesments. City consolidation was another important issue. Chubbuck is a great place to live, work and raise a family. I fully support Chubbuck remaining its own city. Competition between cities can be a great thing as both cities work together to grow. I was a huge proponet of Chubbuck by running the positive #KeepChubbuck campaign, highlighting the benfits of Chubbuck. Again, rising tides lift all boats. I hope to help raise the tide and guide Chubbuck as we grow and continue the great community we are a part of.
