Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad and Chubbuck Mayor Kevin England spoke to the public and media at a State of the Cities Address held at the Idaho Central Credit Union Bengal Alumni Center on Idaho State University’s Pocatello campus earlier this month.

Mayor England spoke first, thanking City Council members and recognizing the “movers and shakers in the community” while expressing gratitude for the opportunity to speak and represent the city of Chubbuck.

England reflected on a discussion he had with an equine veterinarian, contrasting the difference between an owner that treats his horse with respect and care versus an owner that mistreats and fears their filly.

“I started thinking about that and the way we treat each other,” England said. “How important it is, first and foremost, for us to have respect for each other. We’re different and that’s not a bad thing. Too often we have a tendency to get sideways with each other because of our differences. We don’t need to do that. I think we need to respect one another and recognize that we are all walking this walk together and we can all do well together.”