Deciding how to vote
With election day coming up on Tuesday, I thought I would explain my approach to voting as a member of city council.
I have no specific political agenda for the city council, and I have no pre-prepared votes for any specific issues that come before the council. I give all issues a fair shake.
As an example, recently, Sergeant Cameron Stanford from the Madison County Sheriff's Office came before the council to suggest we may want to begin to consider the city's role (or lack of role) in the process of private property owners enforcing parking restrictions. The sheriff's office provided copies of both Rexburg's and the State of Idaho's laws regarding towing and booting on private property.
Sugar City has a close relationship with the Sheriff's Office, and it was great they came and provided information about this issue. After some brief discussion, no action was proposed by the mayor or the council. Our current position on the issue is generally a hands-off approach, as the issue is really between the private property owner and the vehicle owner.
Now, if the day comes when this issue rises to the level of possibly needing action by the city, I will do additional research on the issue. I will seek opinion and comment from residents, from property owners, from the city staff, from the mayor, and from the other council members. We will discuss and debate. Then when the vote is called, I will cast my vote. Up until that moment, I'm happy and willing to learn more and consider more about the issue. This is how I will work with any possible "booting" action in the future, and it is the same way I have approached and will approach any other issue. I remain open and willing to hear from and be reasonably influenced by all parties involved throughout the process.
Once I have made a vote, and the issue before the council is settled one way or the other, I'm always ready and willing to explain the reasoning behind my vote. I'm also willing to readdress a particular issue if the need arises.
This is a wonderful town, full of great residents. I'm optimistic for our future. There are some important issues coming before the council in the future, and I'm confident in the city's ability to handle them with energy and intelligence and with dedication to the principles and values that have made this such a special place.
As you go to the polls on Tuesday, I would appreciate your vote, and I will continue to work hard on the council, serving the great residents of our city.
Glenn