‘State of’ address highlights Idaho Falls achievements, goals

With the new year comes a fresh slate.

Not that Idaho Falls mayor Jared Fuhriman thinks the city needs one.

On Thursday night at Idaho Falls city hall, Fuhriman said through tears the state of the city is, “great.”

He also emotionally expressed his hope for an even stronger 2013.

In a review of 2012 accomplishments, Fuhriman highlighted the completion of both the Memorial Drive project and Pancheri Drive overpass project.

He said 2012 also brought some city management departures, including the retirement of police chief Steve Roos. The city is tasked with replacing the long-serving chief’s job soon. Fuhriman said the IFPD’s approval rating jumped 30% to 92% during 2012.

He said 2013 holds at least one major public works project:

“Future public works schedules include the long-awaited D Street underpass,” said Fuhriman.

He said construction on the project would begin in early 2013.

Another initiative from the city in 2013 will be a big social media push.

Fuhriman said the city is planning a freshly minted new Facebook page and Twitter account to keep citizens up to date on events and news.

He said the city is also planning a smart-phone app in 2013.