The Idaho State Journal gave Pocatello’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: Mark Dahlquist
Position running for: Pocatello Mayor
Age: 60
What aspects of your background and life experiences make you feel like you’re the best candidate for this position?
Growing up, every road trip ended with that view from the Clark Street hill—Pocatello spread out like home. I’m a Highland grad, ISU business alum, and former Farmers Insurance manager who learned to build teams, balance budgets, and solve problems without drama. Service anchors me: Leadership Pocatello graduate, years on the Chamber Beautification Committee, Portneuf Greenway and Portneuf Valley Partners projects. At NeighborWorks Pocatello, I’ve led block-by-block revitalization—new homes, rehabbed houses, helped first-time buyers—and served as president of the Homeless Housing Coalition. I listen, convene, and deliver. My roots, experience, and stewardship make me ready to serve and get results.
Why did you decide to run for office?
Neighbors kept telling me the same story: housing costs are squeezing families, basics take long to get done, and economic development opportunities are not reaching the finish line. I’m running to put our community back in the driver’s seat. My life has been spent building teams, revitalizing neighborhoods, and helping folks put down roots. I know how to stretch a dollar, fix processes, and bring people together without drama. We deserve attainable housing, safe streets, transparent budgeting, and a city hall that treats everyone like a neighbor. I’m running because I love this place—and I’m ready to serve.
What will be your top priorities if elected?
Starting on day one, make housing attainable again. Update zoning for starter homes, speed permits, expand down-payment/rehab tools for homes. Back first responders. Fill vacancies, modernize equipment/training, strengthen transparency so every neighborhood feels safe. Be disciplined with your dollars. Zero-based budgeting, clear scorecards, plain-English reporting so folks see where every penny goes. Fix basics citywide. Pave streets, upgrade water/sewer, improve snow removal, take care of deferred maintenance issues at our parks. Grow local jobs. Cut red tape, support small business and ISU partnerships, and reinvest in downtown. Customer-service City Hall. One-stop permitting, reliable timelines, and a “neighbors first” culture.
Where can we learn more about you?
https://markforpocatello.com and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580086234911
Name: Greg Cates
Position running for: Pocatello Mayor
Age: 57
What aspects of your background and life experiences make you feel like you’re the best candidate for this position?
Public safety is the top priority in any community, yet we often take it for granted until it’s compromised. The Victor Perez shooting earlier this year shattered trust between the police department and the community in less than 20 seconds. Its repercussions still weigh heavily on us all. Our residents demand answers and change. With 16 years of experience as a Police Officer, I’m the only candidate with the training to understand what happened and create a plan for better hiring, training, and retention. These changes are essential if we’re to rebuild trust and begin the healing process together.
Why did you decide to run for office?
There are several reasons why I decided to run for Mayor, one of them being the fact that four of my five children moved away after high school to start careers and families elsewhere. They all said it’s because there is nothing here for them and they’re right. The sad reality is that I’m not alone. Families across Pocatello are losing their children to other cities for the same reasons: a lack of jobs and opportunity. When I’m elected Mayor, I’ll focus on creating livable-wage jobs with growth opportunities so families can live, work and thrive right here in Pocatello.
What will be your top priorities if elected?
For too long, the toxic culture of the Good Ole Boys Club has infiltrated every corner of Pocatello, spreading like a plague and holding back our city. It has drained morale, driven talented employees away and slowed growth for businesses and residents alike. This isn’t just a problem, it’s a crisis and it ends with my leadership. When I am elected Mayor, I will dismantle this culture of favoritism and intimidation. Every employee, every business, every resident will be treated fairly and given the chance to thrive. Pocatello deserves accountability, results, and real change and I will deliver it.
Where can we learn more about you?
catesformayor.com and https://www.facebook.com/CatesForMayor
Name: Brian Blad
Position running for: Pocatello Mayor
Age: 57
What aspects of your background and life experiences make you feel like you’re the best candidate for this position?
The reason I am the most qualified for this position is twofold. One, I have the experience for 20 years of being a small business owner in Pocatello. I am currently the mayor of Pocatello and have been for 16 years. I can’t imagine or think of anything that makes you more qualified than currently doing the job. I can assure you there is not another person more qualified for this position.
Why did you decide to run for office?
I am currently running for this position to make sure Pocatello continues to have steady growth. I have helped Pocatello be successful coming out of an economic downturn throughout the country. Pocatello is in the position currently to be very successful for the next four years if we continue doing what we are doing. If we want Pocatello to be successful, we cannot change the course we are on now.
What will be your top priorities if elected?
My top priorities right now if elected will be to continue developing our Northgate area. We will see more housing in the next year. We are working with other businesses to locate in that area next year. I will also have a focus at our airport to help develop that property. We are currently developing new airplane hangers. We are also working with a large development group and a few other large businesses to expand their business and locate at our airport, bringing a number of well paying jobs.
Name: Steve Brown
Position running for: Pocatello Mayor
Age: 57
What aspects of your background and life experiences make you feel like you’re the best candidate for this position?
I’ve led at the city, county, and federal levels: serving on the Pocatello City Council, as a Bannock County Commissioner, and later helping small businesses through the U.S. Small Business Administration during the pandemic. I’ve managed multi-million-dollar budgets, turned around dysfunctional teams, and built partnerships across agencies, schools, and employers. I’m data-driven and practical: “return-and-report” budgeting, clear metrics, and customer-service standards. My focus is simple: a city that works, growth that lasts and a community that stands together so families and businesses can thrive.
Why did you decide to run for office?
Pocatello needs less drama and more delivery. After years of rising costs and rotating priorities, I’m running to restore basic competence: budgets that match outcomes, departments that efficiently serve the public, and rebuild regional collaborative partnerships. During COVID, I helped small businesses survive; that experience reinforced how responsive, clear government can change lives. Our local races are non-partisan for a reason. 99% of city work isn’t ideological, it’s operational. I’m stepping up to bring accountability, transparency, and steady leadership so we can lower the burden on homeowners, support employers, and focus on services that improve daily life.
What will be your top priorities if elected?
• Rebuild trust in government through open/direct communications.
• Create a shared regional vision for economic development and growth.
• Use planned growth to broaden the tax base, reducing the property tax burden.
• Seek out duplicative services within our region and develop cooperative agreements.
• Open financial services to the public with a searchable city budget database.
• Build a Unified Services Matrix and Resources Navigation program for those that need our help the most.
• Develop a citywide employee “We work for you” culture that rewards innovation and creativity.
• Work with SD25/ISU to build student-to-worker pipelines to help our kids stay here.
Where can we learn more about you?
pocatellosnewmayor.com and facebook.com/SteveBrownPocatello
Name: Alana Leonhardy
Position running for: Pocatello Mayor
Age: 32
What aspects of your background and life experiences make you feel like you’re the best candidate for this position?
I am not a career politician. I started a business in Old Town Pocatello. It was a great experience. Though difficult, it let me get to know the community better and see how regulations impact a business start up first hand. The skills needed in finance, project management, and really communication get well honed when betting your dinner, as many small businesses do. The “re-brand” of Pocatello is a good example. I would never re-brand. I would want people to see and trust my company. The city should invest more in trust than marketing.
Why did you decide to run for office?
I’m running for Mayor because the city government has steadily been separating itself from the community losing all of my trust. In 2022 half the council resigned sending Pocatello down a bad path. The city began removing options for public comment, and has not been able to maintain a Chief Financial Officer, while giving themselves pay raises. I don’t feel the other candidates will change direction. I started a small business here and love this community. It is a place of opportunity, and I want that opportunity preserved. I can bring sincere commitment to the community not the institution.
What will be your top priorities if elected?
Lower the Mayor’s pay to median income, attaching it to the community. Fill the Chief Financial Officer position to complete a transparent audit. This will be the start of lowering our tax burden to match our neighboring communities like Idaho Falls and Twin Falls. Start requiring community petitions from the people in an area a project affects before interfering with their lives. Build trust back with people by developing more community driven volunteer opportunities working with city employees. Put a stop to non transparent partnering and deals.
Where can we learn more about you?
www.alanaformayor.com and https://www.facebook.com/p/Alana-for-Mayor-61581737962558/
Name: James Bucci II
Position running for: Pocatello City Council Seat 4
Age: 42
What aspects of your background and life experiences make you feel like you’re the best candidate for this position?
I believe the fact that I have been a laborer all my life makes me the best candidate for City Council. I have cleaned toilets, cooked food, stocked shelves, shoveled snow, done construction, pumped gas, and served in the Marine Corps for eight years among other jobs. I have raised a son, who is now 19, and making his own way down in Texas. I don’t play games and am brutally honest. I will make this position my main concern. I am willing to dedicate my life to Pocatello but more importantly to the people who live here.
Why did you decide to run for office?
I decided to run for City Council because I believe I can make change and help bring the city together. I don’t own a business or have a college degree, and while I respect and admire all who run, my opponents won’t have the same viewpoint as me. I consider myself progressive. The founding of this country, The New Deal and the Civil Rights Movement were all progressive movements. We are fighting each other left, right and center, when we should be looking up to see where the problem lies.
What will be your top priorities if elected?
My top priorities if elected will be to get more teachers and focus on developing unused/rundown property. Getting more teachers will improve students’ grades and bring more people to the city. Pocatello has about a 19:1 student teacher ratio and I would like to get it down to 15:1. This will cost money but will be worth it with the families we bring in. Developing unused or rundown property will be better for the city than massive projects currently. Areas that are downtown or in underdeveloped housing/business areas will bring in more tax revenue per square foot.
Name: Dakota Bates
Position running for: Pocatello City Council Seat 4
Age: 35
What aspects of your background and life experiences make you feel like you’re the best candidate for this position?
I have had various experiences in and around political leadership in Pocatello for many years and I have learned that the most successful leaders are principled yet still open minded and confident while remaining humble. I see and understand the need for civic leaders who will collaborate with everyone and work to bring together people who seem on opposite sides of issues. I have learned through my professional and familial experiences that the ability to build and maintain working relationships is the key to successful leadership and I believe I posses the skills and temperament to do that.
Why did you decide to run for office?
I pursued an appointment to the Pocatello City Council because I felt that people were losing trust in their local elected officials and I knew that if I could get on the Council, I would have opportunities to do things differently than they always have been. I want to be elected to a full term so that I can continue to try and bridge divides in our community.
What will be your top priorities if elected?
I want our City to get on a secure financial path by having Council do the hard work of balancing the City Budget and not operating in a deficit as we currently are. Everything good and needful that our City provides is directly related to our management of your tax dollars. If we continue to mismanage city funds we put economic development, affordable housing efforts, critical non-profits, and emergency services at risk and I don’t want future City Councils to be tasked with making hard cuts to city services because we refuse to address the structural deficit in our budget.
Where can we learn more about you?
Name: Jim Young
Office: Pocatello City Council Seat 4
Age: 30
What aspects of your background and life experiences make you feel like you’re the best candidate for this position?
I moved to Pocatello in 2018 and instantly fell in love with this community. I have gone on to build businesses, bought my first home, and become deeply invested in our city’s future. I’ve opened Dude’s Public Market on Main Street, investing over $1 million in creating this historic downtown business. Through this experience, I’ve navigated city processes step by step and understand what issues local entrepreneurs face. I’ve also served on the Historic Preservation Commission, which has given me practical knowledge about how city government works and how we can better serve our constituents.
Why did you decide to run for office?
Living and working here, I’ve seen how local families and small businesses are all too often excluded from decision-making. I believe that there is a lack of diversity of experience and technical capability on our city council at the moment. I’m frustrated with inefficiency and poor management that affect our daily lives. Being a candidate for office is my civic responsibility — I am interested in ensuring the City Council represents not just big projects, but also the local business people, families, and residents that are the pulse of Pocatello. We require leadership that listens and makes wise choices for our future.
What will be your top priorities if elected?
I am interested in supporting local economic development and community involvement. I want to make Pocatello more prosperous, affordable, and livable for everyone. That’s accomplished by being an advocate for small businesses and local families in every decision. I will make sure there are responsible, fiscally smart decisions that serve long-term economic growth, not shortcuts. I will streamline city processes, reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, and make sure our tax dollars are spent wisely. Most importantly, I’ll listen to the people and make decisions that are what our community needs and wants for the future.
Where can we learn more about you?
Website: https://www.jimforpocatello.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579607415507
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimforpocatello
Email: jimforpocatello@gmail.com
Name: Linda Leeuwrik
Position running for: Pocatello City Council Seat 5
Age: 61
What aspects of your background and life experiences make you feel like you’re the best candidate for this position?
I came to Pocatello 21 years ago to be a professor at ISU, the natural beauty and close-knit community led me to make it my home. My father’s work took my family around the world before settling in Virginia. With a bachelor’s from Virginia Tech, I pursued an architectural/design career, gaining valuable project management experience dealing with multimillion dollar budgets and then became manager/buyer of a retail business. With a Master’s from Georgia State and a Master’s/Ph.D. from Bryn Mawr in cultural history, I taught in higher education for 20 years. I’ve served our community in numerous nonprofit/service leadership positions.
Why did you decide to run for office?
I’m honored to serve our city and pledge to continue working hard and building trust. As current Council President, I’m the only candidate who fully understands the role—what Council can and can’t do—defined in state statute. Pocatello has made strong progress and I’d love the opportunity to help maintain momentum and realize more of our goals and projects. Years of professional experience and dedication to public service inform my leadership, based on research, creativity, fairness, common sense, and empathy. I’ll continue working with community members, leaders, and staff, to keep us moving forward, always with a responsible, balanced budgeting approach.
What will be your top priorities if elected?
My top priority will be to continue serving, listening to, and working with all community members, to support wise investment in the city and its employees, and to promote opportunity and an enhanced quality of life for all. I will continue being professional, accessible, and transparent; promoting honesty and open, civil discourse; and treating people with respect and compassion. I will continue working hard, doing my research, and leading with integrity and empathy. As a public servant, you can always count on me to emphasize the importance of balance and compassion and to be a voice of reason for Pocatello.
Where can we learn more about you?
https://www.facebook.com/linda4pocatello
Name: Keven Lewis
Position running for: Pocatello City Council Seat 5
Age: 36
What aspects of your background and life experiences make you feel like you’re the best candidate for this position?
As a fifth-generation Pocatellan and a funeral director, I’ve spent my life showing up when it counts—whether in moments of grief or community need. I’ve worked in restaurants, education, agriculture, and public service, gaining a firsthand view of how policy impacts everyday people. My roots here run deep, and so does my belief in compassionate, accountable leadership. This city deserves more than politics as usual. It deserves someone who listens, who leads with humility, and who’s not afraid to ask, “If not now, when?” I’m not here to climb a ladder. I’m here because I love this community—and I’m ready.
Why did you decide to run for office?
I decided to run because I love this city—and I believe it deserves leadership that leads with heart. As a funeral director, I’ve witnessed the ripple effects of policy in real lives. I’ve seen what happens when government shows up too late. That’s not good enough. I’m running because our neighbors are facing real challenges—housing, childcare, trust in City Hall—and we can’t afford to wait for someone else to fix it. I’m not driven by ego or ambition. I’m stepping up because I believe Pocatello can be more just, more compassionate, and more prepared—and I’m ready to help lead that.
What will be your top priorities if elected?
If elected, my top priorities will be making housing more affordable, restoring trust through transparency, and supporting the working families who keep Pocatello running. I’ll push for smarter zoning, faster permitting, and partnerships that help renters and first-time buyers. I’ll keep City Hall open—public comment, plain-language budgets, real-time updates—so folks aren’t left in the dark. And I’ll fight for access to childcare, better infrastructure, and fair wages for first responders. I’m here to serve—not to score points—and every decision I make will ask the same question: does this make life better for the people who call Pocatello home?
Where can we learn more about you?
https://www.kevenforpocatello.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/people/Keven-for-Pocatello/61574795003089/
Name: Stacy Satterfield
Position running for: Pocatello City Council Seat 5
Age: 45
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 here in Pocatello and have seen great things in Pocatello while at the same time seeing where Pocatello needs to improve for its citizens. This community has given me so much over the years, and now it’s my turn to give back. I want change and growth for Pocatello and that is why I decided to step up and take action and run for City Council. There are four candidates in Seat 5. That alone shows you people want change in this seat. I know my common sense, my determination and stance go hand in hand with the majority of this city and that is why I am the best candidate for Seat 5. I want to represent the people of this city. It is their city that we at City Hall represent. If I can always keep that perspective and remember why I am working at City Hall, I will succeed! Together as a community, I want to build a city where our families, businesses, and neighborhoods all thrive together.
Why did you decide to run for office?
I decided to run for City Council Seat 5 for change. The incumbent has been there for 8 years. The city needs new energy, vision and action. We need responsible stewardship, no rubber stamping. Forward thinking and transparency in our budget while working on unifying our community.
What will be your top priorities if elected?
My top priorities will be first making the most of every tax dollar while planning for Pocatello’s future. My approach includes: Careful use of city resources so spending is wise and effective. Long-term investment in roads, parks, and public services without creating unnecessary burdens for future generations. Supporting sustainable, healthy growth that meets community needs while preserving Pocatello’s natural surroundings. I pledge open communication and accountability at City Hall. My vision is to unify Pocatello to bring Pocatello’s diverse voices together while encouraging collaboration between neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and community organizations.
Where can we learn more about you?
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Up62nEbLR/ or search Satterfield for Pocatello
Name: Jeremy S. Marley
Position running for: Pocatello City Council Seat 5
Age: 42
What aspects of your background and life experiences make you feel like you’re the best candidate for this position?
I’m a lifelong Pocatellan, small business owner, Educator, and father of four. I’ve hired, taught, and served hundreds of local residents and small businesses, giving me first hand experience with the challenges and opportunities our city faces. From technology and infrastructure to economic development and community building, my work has always centered on connecting people, solving problems, and creating local opportunity. I understand how a city is supposed to function but also have an ear for the people of our community from the small business sector to City Hall—and I’m ready to bridge the gap between vision and action.
Why did you decide to run for office?
I’m running because I believe Pocatello has everything it needs to thrive—but it takes collaboration, transparency, and focus to get there. We’ve watched as opportunities pass us by while politics and outdated systems hold us back. I want to help Pocatello reclaim its identity, keep our local dollars working locally, and make families proud to plant roots here. This campaign is about uniting residents, businesses, and city departments around a shared vision: We Are the Destination—a city where people don’t just pass through, they choose to stay and build their lives.
What will be your top priorities if elected?
My priorities are clear:
1. Transparency and accountability—bringing city operations and budgets into public view.
2. Local investment—prioritizing city contracts for Pocatello-based businesses.
3. Community spaces—developing year-round gathering places for families and seniors.
4. Collaboration—aligning city departments and leadership toward shared goals.
5. Identity and growth—building a walkable, connected city that supports entrepreneurs, tradespeople, and residents alike.
Every initiative I support will strengthen Pocatello’s economic backbone and enhance its sense of belonging.
Where can we learn more about you?
www.jeremymarley.com and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579213962220
Name: Melissa Hartman
Position running for: Pocatello City Council Seat 6
Age: 53
What aspects of your background and life experiences make you feel like you’re the best candidate for this position?
I’ve dedicated my career to advocating for veterans and their families. In 2006, I took over the Veteran Services Department for Bannock County, which was just a small program at that time. Since then, I’ve developed it into one of Idaho’s most successful County Veteran Services Offices. In 2010 I began championing the Idaho Field of Heroes Memorial, bringing together residents from Pocatello to create a solemn and nationally recognized remembrance. While I’m new to the political arena, I believe that my decades of leadership, service and commitment to the community equip me to serve with integrity and effectiveness.
Why did you decide to run for office?
I am seeking a seat on Pocatello City Council because I want to continue serving our community in a broader capacity. My years leading veteran services have shown me the power of local leadership to bring people together and create meaningful, lasting impacts. I believe city government should be accountable, transparent, and focused on practical solutions that improve the quality of life for all residents.
What will be your top priorities if elected?
Pocatello faces challenges with affordable housing and livable wages, which affect families’ ability to thrive. My approach is community-centered: encouraging responsible housing growth, supporting local businesses, attracting new opportunities, and investing in workforce development. I will listen to residents, collaborate with local organizations, and ensure city government is responsive and accountable. By focusing on economic stability, housing accessibility, and strong community connections, we can create a Pocatello where families and workers feel supported, neighborhoods flourish, and everyone has the opportunity to build a bright future.
Where can we learn more about you?
https://melissa4pocatello.us/ and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579651895111#
Name: Ann Swanson
Position running for: Pocatello City Council Seat 6
Age: 54
What aspects of your background and life experiences make you feel like you’re the best candidate for this position?
I’ve spent my career doing the hands-on work city government requires—listening, problem-solving, and managing tight budgets. As Marketing Director at Portneuf Medical Center and now Director of the Small Business Development Center, I’ve learned how to balance business and community needs with data-driven decisions. I’ve raised my kids here, using the Rec Center, youth sports, and more—giving me a deep understanding of what families need. City Council isn’t ceremonial—it’s a service job. I’m ready to show up, do the homework, and deliver practical results that make Pocatello safer, more affordable, and easier to get around.
Why did you decide to run for office?
I decided to run for office as a way to give back to the community that raised me. Pocatello has always been home—I grew up here, I’m raising my children here, and I want them to have the same opportunities I did. I’ve built my career helping small businesses thrive and volunteering across the community. Public service feels like a natural extension of that work. Encouraged by local mentors, I realized I could contribute a thoughtful, balanced voice to city leadership. Running for office is my way of serving Pocatello and helping shape its future with care and purpose.
What will be your top priorities if elected?
If elected, my top priorities will be ensuring public safety, supporting working families, and fostering responsible growth. I’ll advocate for strong funding and staffing for emergency responders while practicing fiscal responsibility. I’ll prioritize affordable housing options—especially for renters and first-time home buyers—and focus on walkable, accessible neighborhoods. I’ll work to support small businesses that fit our city’s infrastructure and values. I’m especially mindful of Pocatello’s ALICE population—families who work hard but still struggle to make ends meet. Every decision I make will be grounded in community input, transparency, and a deep commitment to the well-being of all Pocatellans.
Where can we learn more about you?
https://www.annforpocatello.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576611680748