Ann Swanson for Pocatello City Council

Community service has always been a calling. When I was in my twenties, I did an exercise in a religious education course that asked, "What do you want to be remembered for?" I wrote "being a good parent and community servant." Family, leadership and volunteerism are always high priorities.

I am fortunate that my career as director of our local Small Business Development Center gives me the opportunity to improve the lives of small business owners and employees and volunteer with the Chamber of Commerce.

I want to join the Pocatello City Council because I would direct my service mission toward caring for my home. I grew up in Pocatello, I raise my children here, and I see how much the City has to offer its citizens. 

I will contribute my experience with economic development, financial management, communications, and my commitment to study issues and provide thoughtful input.  

Specifically, I will focus on:

• Housing: Prioritize affordable, safe rentals and first time home buyer options. These are the building blocks of our city. Idaho home prices are working against home ownership and home inventory is low.
• Right-size business recruiting: Our focus should be on recruiting small businesses (those with 10-40 employees). The potential for hundreds of new jobs sounds great, but Pocatello does not have housing to support large business recruiting.
• Keeping our Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed population (ALICE) top of mind during decision making:  45% of Bannock County citizens are at or below the ALICE threshold.  I will prioritize policies that address the needs of these citizens.
• Walkability and Accessibility: Walkable communities are healthy communities. Our City Recreation Department does a great job with programming and facilities maintenance. I want to support those efforts with additional sidewalks and development that grows walkable, multi-use neighborhoods.