Three candidates emerge for Idaho Falls mayor on first filing day

On the first day allowed for filing, three people completed the necessary steps to become an official candidate for Idaho Falls mayor.

Sharon Parry, Timothy Downs and Rebecca Casper all became candidates Monday, but the deadline to file is Sept. 6.

Rebecca Casper, a business owner and political science instructor at BYU-Idaho and Eastern Idaho Technical College, said she wants to solve Idaho Falls’ problems.

“I represent a kind of leadership this city hasn’t seen lately,” said Casper. “I’m not an insider, but I am one who’s been involved in a lot of things.”

Timothy Downs has been an officer for the Idaho Falls Police Department for 19 years. He said he’s running because he needs to step up and make a change.

“I live here in the city, I’m a city worker,” said Downs. “I’m also a taxpaying citizen. I get hit from all three angles, and I want to make it better for everyone else.”

Sharon Parry has spent six years as a council member of the Idaho Falls City Council. She thinks her experience in municipal government sets her apart.

“There is a potential of four, if not five, out of seven seats turning over in this election, so experience is going to matter more than ever.”

The election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 5.