Thomas Jefferson once said “Nothing is more important in a democracy than a well-informed electorate.”
That electorate is you, the voter. To help you with your ballot decisions this fall, the two candidates vying to fill Jan Simpson’s Blackfoot City Council position are featured here.
Debbie Barlow
“I was born in Pocatello. I have been married for 28 years and have five children. I graduated from the University of Utah in physics and am a teacher at Idaho Science & Technology Charter School. I have served Blackfoot City on the Planning and Zoning Commission for seven years and I am currently the chair.”
What is Blackfoot’s greatest need and how would you address it?
“The greatest need for Blackfoot is our infrastructure. Our water, sewer and streets are all in need of better maintenance and repair. Coupled with that, we need to be proactive in our planning of new developments, so we have the resources and infrastructure already available.
As a member of the city Planning and Zoning Commission, I am already working to update the comprehensive plan to plan where infrastructure needs will be. As a City Council member, I would commit to prioritizing the maintenance of our infrastructure when budgeting decisions arise.”
How would you revitalize downtown Blackfoot?
“The downtown area suffers from a lack of accessibility. First, we need more parking so that people can more easily support the many shops and businesses that are there. Our small business owners are the life-blood of our downtown. Second, the sidewalks, especially where they slope at the intersections, need to be improved so that they are more ADA accessible. They are currently so steep that individuals in wheelchairs have tremendous difficulty making it up to the sidewalk, even when they are assisted.”
What are your priorities for using the $2.4 million in ARPA funds?
“One of the allowed uses for this funding is to help fund water, sewer and broadband infrastructure. There are currently sewer pipes in the city that are so corroded that essentially only the memory of the pipe in the soil is carrying the waste. At approximately $300 per linear foot for sewer pipe replacement, the $2.4 million in ARPA funding could replace 8,000 feet, or just over 1.5 miles of sewer mains. This funding could significantly kick-start improvement of our vital city infrastructure and help stretch remaining funds further.”
Cara Fitzgerald
“As a passionate Blackfoot native I’ve raised my family and established a successful business here. I also founded the non-profit Senior Advocates of Southeast Idaho and co-chair the County Board of Guardians, overseeing care for vulnerable adults. If elected, I’ll donate 100 percent of my city council income to the community.”
What is Blackfoot’s greatest need and how would you address it?
“Focusing on our aging infrastructure stands out as a critical requirement. Growing up in Blackfoot, I’ve had the privilege to observe substantial development and transformation. Growth is positive, but our town must adapt responsibly to support this expansion. The aging state of our sewer system, roads, water infrastructure and the absence of adequate sidewalks demand urgent attention. We aim to attract new residents to a city that can ensure their safety and comfort.
As your city council representative, I am committed to making the enhancement of Blackfoot’s infrastructure my foremost priority.”
How would you revitalize downtown Blackfoot?
“Revitalizing downtown Blackfoot is a comprehensive effort that would involve a combination of physical improvements, economic incentives, community engagement and a clear vision for the future. It requires the support and commitment of the city, businesses and residents to achieve a vibrant and thriving downtown core. Incentivizing small businesses, investing in infrastructure, encouraging community support, creating public gathering spaces, preserving and restoring historic buildings to keep our unique character, promoting local art and culture and most importantly work together to coordinate efforts and resources for revitalization.”
What are your priorities for using the $2.4 million in ARPA funds?
“This specific allocation of funds should be determined through a transparent and inclusive process that involves input from residents, city officials and experts in relevant fields. It’s essential to prioritize projects that not only address immediate needs but also have a lasting positive impact on the community’s well-being, economic stability and resilience in the face of future challenges.”
As far as the most critical issue for Blackfoot, it looks like the city’s infrastructure won that contest, unanimously. Now it is your turn to decide which candidate will be addressing that and other city needs. And, which can best fill 10-year veteran council member Jan Simpson’s shoes?
In this race, all registered voters within Blackfoot city limits will help make that decision, either by absentee ballot, early voting, or at the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Plan now which way, when, and how you will vote to shape the city’s future.