Longstanding political family in Idaho might make a run for Pocatello City Council

Sometimes bureaucracy and politics can get in the way of getting things done, and Pocatello’s South Valley Connector is no exception.

The name Frasure coupled with the bright yellow signs might take some Idahoans down memory lane. Brothers Evan and Ron Frasure both served Idaho from the state and local level for years.

“(Ron) served for 15 years on city council, when he left, nobody was there longer,” said Evan Frasure, former Idaho senator.

Evan and Ron are now retired and enjoying life in other areas of the U.S., but that didn’t stop Evan from coming back to Pocatello to honor his brothers’ contribution to the city’s infrastructure.

“He’s the one–it was his idea. He came to me, I was the Senate Transportation Chairman, and I got the funding for it. But it would never have happened without Ron Frasure,” Evan said. “That’s what this bridge needs to be named, after Ron Frasure.”

The South Valley Connector took more than 20 years to come to fruition. Multiple council members, mayors and state and federal officials contributed to making the $22 million roadway a reality.

But, Evan Frasure thinks his brother should be honored for his commitment to the project from the very beginning.

“We’re gonna make fun of our brother a little bit. His name was Ron Frasure? No! It’s Ronnie Frasure! This is Ronnie’s Run,” Evan said.

Family fun aside, Evan is encouraging his younger brother, Bob, to join in on the family’s legislative legacy.

“And this is my brother, Bob. Bob, do you have anything you want to say about us politicians?”

“I don’t know if I ever want to be one,” Bob said.

“Well, I’ve got something… I think you ought to be one. You know what you ought to do. There’re seats at city council open coming up, why don’t you run for city council?”

“You know, that’s probably a good idea,” Bob said.

Bob’s candidacy is not confirmed yet, as the filing period hasn’t opened yet. People can officially begin declaring their candidacy tomorrow for two weeks.

Information on official candidates will be available in the coming weeks. To find out how to declare your candidacy for city council, click here.

Three city council seats are opening in Pocatello, and they are currently held by Jim Johnston, Beena Mannan and Roger Bray.