Forum on Tuesday allows candidates to address community concerns
The League of Women Voters hosted a forum Tuesday night for the four men running to lead the city.
The candidates are the current mayor, Brian Blad; the previous mayor, Roger Chase; a city employee, Paul Shepard; and outspoken community member Idaho Lorax. While each of the candidates differ on who is the best, all agreed that growth in Pocatello needs to be a top priority.Each candidate was very vocal on why they are the best choice.
Current mayor Brian Blad said Pocatello’s growth compared to other cities has been very minimal, and said he’s focused on putting personal differences aside to work on reversing that trend.
“We don’t have egos right now in our city government,” Blad said. “We’ve been able to set our egos aside and do what’s best for the community. And that’s what I’ll continue to do.”
Former mayor Chase said he agrees Pocatello needs to grow, but said he is the candidate who has the years of experience to get Pocatello’s development on the right track.
“Currently I think we’re struggling as a community,” Chase said. “I think I’m the one candidate that can bring those factors together and make Pocatello a successful community — more successful than we are today.”
Paul Shepard said with the work that needs to be done in Pocatello, he wants people to know he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty and work side-by-side with his fellow Pocatello residents.
“When problems arise, I will be out there shoulder-to-shoulder,” Shepard said. “If you want candidates that jump around the questions, lie to you and make broken promises, there are some good choices. But I’m not one of them.”
Idaho Lorax showed up to the forum wearing an orange construction vest and hard hat. He said he wants to show people he’s ready to get started on cleaning up Pocatello right away.
“I’m the person here to save lives,” Lorax said, discussing what he says is uranium contamination all over the city. “I’ll get the contamination cleaned up and get the money for it. I’m the only one who’s done anything about it in the past and apparently, the present.”
If you were unable to attend this forum, the link will be provided here once the video becomes available. There will also be a city council candidate forum on Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
Click here to find parts one and two of the forum under ‘Mayoral Candidates’: www.pocatello.us
