Luci Wilitts
I’m an Idahoan. I’m a doer, a thinker, and a problem solver. I’m the daughter of a farmer and small business owner. I know what it’s like to work hard, and the importance of taking care of the place you call home.
I grew up in the potato country of Eastern Idaho and came to the Treasure Valley for economic opportunity more than 20 years ago. I graduated from Idaho K-12 and higher education systems. I’ve been married for 25 years to Mike Willits and I am the mother of two adult daughters who graduated from West Ada high schools.
Over the course of my career, I’ve worked in private industry and for the state and federal government. I started my civics involvement early by chartering a Teenage Republican Club at Rigby High School with my friend, who later became my husband. I worked for Congressman Mike Simpson and the Idaho State Board of Education in communications and then as the Chief of Staff for the Idaho Department of Education. I have the unique perspective of both private and public industries, including the state and federal government. With this knowledge, not only am I in a better position to be an advocate for West Boise, but I know how to get things done to the benefit of taxpayers. We need a new voice on the city council that is a fiscal conservative.
Boise is changing. Without vision and proactive solution making, we’ll face the same dire issues of sister cities of Seattle and Portland. We need leadership now! I want to maintain our clean streets, safe neighborhoods, and family and outdoor-centered living. Join me in having a “can do” attitude on what’s possible for our great city.
TOP THREE PLATFORM
- Law and Order/Public Safety: I support public servants who put their lives on the line to serve and protect. We need more public safety resources in our growing community, not less. You can count on me to support law enforcement.
- Transportation: Boise is the most isolated city of its size in America. We need a valley-wide and regional approach to create viable transportation solutions that make sense for Idaho.
- Patriotism and 4th of July: It’s a disgrace that Idaho’s Capital city doesn’t host a Fourth of July parade. We need a City Council that supports bringing the community together and patriotism. I will make it my mission to have a community-based Fourth of July parade.
LINK TO WEBSITE: http://www.luciwillits.com
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Hillary Smith
I am a mom, a lawyer, a neighbor, a friend. My husband, an Idaho native, and I have five children ages 15, 11, 9, 7, and 4. My husband works for a company downtown, and I spend most of my time caring for our children. Our children attend West Ada schools, and are involved in a myriad of extra-curricular activities. We love our neighborhood, our church community and our city. I have a degree in political science and am licensed to practice law in Idaho. I am passionate about preserving all the things about Boise that make it so wonderful, even as it continues to grow.
TOP THREE PLATFORM
- Zoning code update and increased density: I am concerned about the increased density provided for in the zoning code update. While in some areas of Boise increased density makes sense and is welcome, in others it would destroy the character of the community and reduce the quality of life for many Boiseans.
- Homeless and displaced populations: I am concerned about the lack of cohesive planning for housing and providing services to homeless and displaced populations in Boise. City Hall’s movement on these issues has been tone-deaf to the needs and desires of surrounding communities.
- Safety: As Boise grows, I would like to keep a focus on safety. Safety first as we consider new housing developments and adding open spaces. Safety also includes adequate funding and support for Boise fire and police departments.
LINK TO WEBSITE: https://www.hillarysmithforboise.com/
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Jesse Gonzales
TOP THREE PLATFORM
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Josh Johnston
Josh Johnston is a software engineering executive who lives in Boise with his three daughters. His career has spanned fighting online identity theft, building robots for the military, and developing artificial intelligence. He enjoys fishing, backpacking, sailing, and the performing arts, including Boise Contemporary Theater where he is a board member.
I love Boise and our unique lifestyle, opportunities, culture, and the great outdoors. I moved here as a kid, graduated from Boise High, and now I treasure seeing my daughters at the same schools and enjoying the same activities I did.
Recently, I’ve seen elected leaders taking our vibrant downtown and enviable quality of life for granted, expanding government scope while failing to deliver on legitimate functions. Politically-driven decisions without transparency have led to distrust. Once the best place to do business in the valley, Boise is losing retail and employers to new projects in other towns. That, combined with less affordable housing for everyone means that residents aren’t seeing an improvement in services to match their rising tax bills.
I’m a scientist and engineer, having led teams developing self-driving cars, bomb disposal robots, and protecting us from digital identity theft. I solve problems with data and critical thinking, but I also know how to empower good people with the tools to be successful. I try to put my money where my mouth is, supporting great organizations like Good Samaritan Home, Boise Rescue Mission, and Corpus Christi House, along with performing arts like Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Boise Bard Players, and Boise Contemporary Theater, where I serve on the board of directors.
The City Council is how residents direct our government. Business should be performed in the open while building consensus. City workers deserve to understand the vision and expectations of the political leadership. The council doesn’t have to be the domain of professional bureaucrats and government specialists. It works best when members reflect the breadth of people who live and work in Boise.
Boise is my home and I’m not leaving. In some ways, my desire to serve is selfish. My career is limited to our opportunities, cultural experiences to our organizations, and recreation to what we preserve. I’m all in for Boise and ask your support in running for City Council. It’s already the best hometown in America. I want the best future for us, as well.
TOP THREE PLATFORM
- Bring Our Voice to City Hall and Services to our Neighborhoods: Political power in Boise has been concentrated in a few parts of town and services are distributed the same way. Many residents are miles away from city parks, libraries, community centers, summer childcare, and pools. I’ll work toward a more equitable city.
- Keep Our Community Safe: Maintain our public spaces for their intended uses. Address the staffing shortages in public safety departments by supporting our public safety professionals and providing accountable leadership.
- Reduce the Cost of Housing: Bring supply in line with demand through new neighborhoods downtown and on empty land to the southeast. Our city won’t become more affordable by redeveloping our most affordable neighborhoods or raising taxes to subsidize rents.
LINK TO WEBSITE: www.boisejosh.com
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Christopher Blanchard
TOP THREE PLATFORM
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