The Idaho State Journal gave Chubbuck’s mayoral and City Council candidates the opportunity to answer the following questions about their backgrounds and platforms ahead of the Nov. 4 election. Here are their responses:

Name: Rodney Burch

Position running for: Chubbuck Mayor

Age: 59

What aspects of your background and life experiences make you feel like you’re the best candidate for this position?

With over 37 years in engineering and surveying, I’ve built a career focused on service, community development, and leadership. I’ve founded three successful businesses and served as an Instructor and Program Coordinator at Idaho State University. My public service includes six years as Chubbuck’s Public Works Director and Executive Director of the Chubbuck Development Authority. In 2025, I was honored to be appointed to the Idaho Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. Today, I serve as Executive Director of the Strategic Communities Alliance, helping smaller municipalities thrive.

Why did you decide to run for office?

I’m running for Mayor of Chubbuck because I care deeply about the city where I live, work, and raised my family. I believe in long-range planning, strong leadership and transparent governance. My goal is to restore the vision of what Chubbuck can become, strengthen collaboration with other communities /agencies, and build a city that supports families and businesses through proactive, honest, and accountable leadership. I am prepared to manage the operations of Chubbuck in a professional /business-like manner.

What will be your top priorities if elected?

In my first 100 days, I will establish community workgroups focused on building and development, parks and recreation, local business, and economic growth. These groups will bring together stakeholders to provide input and help shape practical solutions. My goals include reducing unnecessary regulations, improving park maintenance and youth sports programs, and removing barriers for local entrepreneurs. I will also work to ensure our approach to economic development aligns with the broader regional vision. By engaging the community directly, we can create policies that reflect real needs and build a stronger, more responsive city government.

Where can we learn more about you?

https://www.rodneyburchforchubbuckmayor.com and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580427224275

Name: Kevin England

Position running for: Chubbuck Mayor

Age: 68

What aspects of your background and life experiences make you feel like you’re the best candidate for this position?

I have lived in this area my entire life and I love where we live. I have had a public serviced attitude since I was a young man. My occupation was based on service and my lifestyle was always to give to my community. I had wonderful parents that taught me and my siblings that we should always try to make a positive impact and give back. I served on the Chubbuck City Council for 4 years, 2 as the Council President. I then ran for the office of Mayor and have served there for 12 years. I love Chubbuck!

Why did you decide to run for office?

Twelve years ago it was a hard decision. I had to leave my chosen profession and take a major pay cut. But I wanted to serve this city. This time it is an easier decision. I believe that I have made a positive impact on Chubbuck and I believe that I have more to give this wonderful city. I have great relationships in and out of the city organization and feel confident that I can do great things for this city over the next 4 years. We are headed in the correct direction. Vote Kevin England for Chubbuck City Mayor.

What will be your top priorities if elected?

I have been working hard at developing Public/Private relationships with investors who are showing great desires to bring development to Chubbuck. We cannot ask the property owners in this city to fund all the venues that we would love to have in our area. We need to find private investors to invest in us and help carry that financial burden. Target coming is a part of this effort. Let’s stay the course as other investors are at the brink of making amazing investments into Chubbuck. A vote for Kevin England is a vote for prosperity. I will appreciate your vote.

Name: Mandy Peace

Position running for: Chubbuck City Council Seat 4

Age: 44

What aspects of your background and life experiences make you feel like you’re the best candidate for this position?

I was born and raised right here, where I’m now raising my children and continuing a family legacy of public service spanning over 100 years. From volunteering with animal rescues and serving as an EMT and Red Cross responder, I’ve built a life around service. Today, in my professional role, I assist in managing $15 million in resources supporting students, creating innovative systems that ensure transparency and impact. These experiences reflect my values of commitment, integrity, and community care. I believe Chubbuck deserves leadership rooted in hometown values, guided by practical experience, and focused on building a stronger future.

Why did you decide to run for office?

I chose to run because I believe Chubbuck deserves leadership that reflects both our hometown values and forward-thinking solutions. This community shaped who I am, and now as a parent raising children here, I want to ensure it remains a place where families can thrive. My lifelong dedication to service, from volunteering locally to responding during national disasters, has shown me the power of community and accountability. I’ve also built professional experience assisting with managing multimillion-dollar budgets that expand opportunities for youth. I’m running to listen, to serve with integrity, and to build a stronger future for every resident.

What will be your top priorities if elected?

I’m running out of a commitment to service, accountability, and community pride. Chubbuck’s growth brings both challenges and opportunities, and I aim to provide steady leadership that balances fiscal responsibility, safety, and thoughtful planning. My priorities include transparent budgeting, safe neighborhoods, family-friendly growth, and investments in schools and youth programs. I support smart, balanced economic development that respects tradition while fostering opportunity, and I am dedicated to civic engagement, listening to residents, and ensuring every voice is represented. My goal is to protect quality of life while guiding Chubbuck responsibly into the future.

Where can we learn more about you?

https://www.facebook.com/peaceforcouncil

Name: Norman G. Reece Jr.

Position running for: Chubbuck City Council Seat 4

Age: 65

What aspects of your background and life experiences make you feel like you’re the best candidate for this position?

My wife, Joy, and I have lived in Chubbuck since 1990. During those 35 years, I have become very familiar with Chubbuck — the wonderful people who call Chubbuck home, and the challenges facing our community. I’ve seen how we work together to meet those challenges. I began practicing law in 1990. Since 2006, my law office has been located in Chubbuck. I’ve served on the city council since February of 2022. I hope that my experiences as a citizen of Chubbuck and a member of the city council will help move our community forward to realize its full potential.

Why did you decide to run for office?

Joy and I have grown to love our community in the 35 years we’ve lived here. It has been a wonderful place to raise a family. School teachers, religious leaders, and many others have been such a positive influence for our children. Our grandchildren are now enjoying what their parents experienced — growing up in Chubbuck, Idaho. I am running for office to give back to this community and do what I can to preserve for future generations the qualities that make Chubbuck such a great place to live.

What will be your top priorities if elected?

We need to ensure our first responders have the resources necessary to safely and effectively carry out their responsibilities. Fire and police protection for our community is absolutely vital. We also need to keep our streets and roads maintained. If we postpone needed maintenance, the problem becomes exponentially more expensive to repair. All of these things cost money, so wisely using tax dollars is a top priority. Attracting new business is also a top priority for me, because it will help relieve the tax burden on individuals and families. Chubbuck can grow while we also preserve aesthetics.