Home County Bannock Keven Lewis, Candidate for Pocatello Council Seat #5, Responds to P.A.G.E. Questionnaire

Pocatello for Accountable Government Entities: Keeping Government Accountable

Keven Lewis, Candidate for Pocatello Council Seat #5, Responds to P.A.G.E. Questionnaire

October 18, 2025

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(Pocatello for Accountable Government Entities, October 14, 2025)

Pocatello for Accountable Government Entities, a local government watchdog group, sent each City Council and Mayoral candidate a questionnaire focused on current issues the city faces. Below are City Council Candidate Jim Young’s responses:

1. The Right-of-Way (ROW) fees currently built into the three Enterprise Department Budgets are nearly identical to interfund fees that were ruled unlawful in Nez Perce district court. Do you support or oppose the elimination of these fees? Why?

I’m concerned anytime a funding mechanism could be on shaky legal ground. If a court has ruled similar fees unlawful, we can’t afford to ignore that. But eliminating them overnight without a replacement plan could disrupt essential services like water and sanitation. We need a clear-eyed audit to understand which services depend on this revenue, and then explore safer, more transparent ways to fund them. Let’s guard every dollar like it’s our own—but let’s also protect the basics our residents rely on. Legal risk isn’t just a budget issue—it’s a trust issue.

2. Do you support or oppose the “One City” concept of combining Chubbuck and Pocatello? Why?

I have family in both Chubbuck and Pocatello, so I understand why this is a sensitive issue. But the reality is, Pocatello taxpayers are shouldering costs that benefit the whole region, and that imbalance isn’t sustainable. I’m not saying we merge overnight—but we need to start having honest conversations about shared infrastructure, emergency services, and long-term planning. A more equitable approach could save money and improve services for everyone. Let’s be pragmatic and explore where smart collaboration makes sense.

3. Do you believe that the public should be made aware of situations that could be viewed as placing the City or City elected officials in an unfavorable light so long as such disclosure does not disclose confidential information (Examples: City named in a lawsuit, City elected official accused of sexual harassment, etc.)?

Yes—transparency isn’t just a buzzword, it’s how we earn the public’s trust. I’ve knocked on hundreds of doors, and what I hear most is that people want a city government that’s open and accountable. That means sharing the hard stuff too, not just the ribbon cuttings. If the City is named in a lawsuit or an official is under serious scrutiny, the public has a right to know—within the bounds of the law. I even support the idea of turning part of City Hall into an open office space where councilors can meet residents face-to-face. We’re not here to hide—we’re here to serve.