Below is an explanation that reflects conservative values and focuses on long-term results for you the taxpayer.

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1. Responsible Growth Management

 

Population growth is the single biggest driver of government expansion—and taxes.

In Idaho, growth does not pay for itself. The cost of new development is largely paid by existing residents through higher taxes and a degradation of services.

 

If we don’t manage growth responsibly, we risk

pricing people out of their own homes.

 

That’s why:

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• You can’t have small government with unlimited growth

• You have to make more laws when density increases

 

Higher density always leads to more regulation, more service needs, and more taxes. This is why large cities—even in conservative states—tend to be more liberal compared to those in lower density areas.

 

Responsible growth policies help preserve a conservative quality of life and maintain affordability.

 

Key tools include:

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• Strong impact fee laws that shift costs to new development

• Up-to-date Comprehensive Planning with a lower density model

• Defined service levels that allow government to say “no” when growth outpaces infrastructure

 

When cities and counties work together under a shared plan, growth becomes predictable, manageable, and fair.

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2. Properly Funding Public Safety

 

As population increases, so does crime and public safety demands. Studies consistently show that urban areas experience significantly higher crime rates than rural ones (between 50% to 100% more crime per capita).

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The real question isn’t whether public safety costs money—it’s whether we choose to have a proactive or reactive sheriff’s office. Proactive public safety:

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• Prevents crime before it escalates

• Saves money long-term

• Protects both residents and officers

• Maintains a higher quality of life

 

Proper funding also ensures we attract qualified professionals and reduce costly turnover. Well-trained, well-supported public safety departments reduce liability and protect both public safety and taxpayers.

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3. Smarter, More Efficient Government

 

Operational efficiency doesn’t mean using technology to issue more tickets. Instead, it means accountability and doing more with less.

 

Today, salaries make up about two-thirds of the county budget. Staffing requests should be supported by data, not anecdotes.

 

In the private sector, decisions are driven by measurable metrics. Government should be no different. Too often as a commissioner I’m presented with emotional arguments. That’s not how you spend taxpayer money.

 

When citizens can see the same data elected officials see:

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• Decisions make more sense

• Transparency and accountability improves

• Costs can actually go down

 

Efficiency also allows fees to remain low, since counties are not allowed to profit from them. Better system efficiency benefits everyone.

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4. Fair Cost Allocation

 

Tax dollars should be spent where the benefit is received.

 

Too often, costs are shifted from cities or special interests onto county taxpayers. That’s not right—and it’s not sustainable. When costs are properly allocated:

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• Growth decisions become clearer

• Taxpayer subsidies are reduced, thereby allowing them to either go toward state mandated services or back into taxpayers’ pockets

• Government becomes more accountable

 

This principle is standard in business and should be standard in government as well.

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5. Transparency That Actually Matters

 

Transparency isn’t just about open meetings—it’s about access to information about YOUR government. True transparency means:

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• Citizens can see the same reports as elected officials see

• Decisions are discussed publicly whenever possible where you, the citizen, have access to the same information

• Policies are debated openly and honestly

 

When people understand how decisions are made, trust increases—and so does confidence in local government.

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So What Does This Mean for You?

 

It means better planning, lower long-term costs, safer communities, and a government that works with clarity instead of confusion. That’s why I ask for your support during the upcoming election.

 

We’ve started down the road toward achieving all of the great policies outlined above, but it won’t happen if I don’t get re-elected. Please consider making a small investment in your community by contributing to my campaign.

 

Every dollar will be used to help me inform more citizens about how their government works and what can be done to preserve the wonderful, rural life we all want to preserve. I thank you in advance for your support.