BYU-Idaho Scroll

City Council Candidates vie for student votes

Nine candidates are running for three positions on the Rexburg City Council in the Nov. 8 city election. Scroll has invited each candidate to provide four statements regarding issues facing Rexburg and BYU-Idaho. Below are views of those who responded.

Name	What role would you like BYU-Idaho play in the city?	What are some of the most pressing issues Rexburg is facing?	Why should BYU-Idaho students be involved in Rexburg issues?	How will you reach out to students who are from all over the world and who do not vote in Rexburg?
Irma Anderson Retired Educator	One is for the city to provide opportunities for students to enhance their education through service learning, part time jobs, and internships. The other is to encourage participation in city-sponsored events, enjoy the parks, visit the museum, and participation in the orchestra.	Keeping up with growth while preventing sprawl. Deterioration of the city streets is a problem, but the public schools are also challenged with expansion needs. Good schools and good roads are typically a benchmark used to evaluate a city.	The students are at a stage in their lives where there may not seem to be a need to know the issues of a city, but soon most will be settling in a community. Being informed about the issues of a city now might help them make informed decisions later.	It was my opportunity for 33 years to interface in many ways with the students. Four years ago, I befriended a young couple from East Africa who came to Rexburg to attend BYU–Idaho. It has been a pleasure to help them through adjustments such as leaving their families and coming to a foreign country with so many different customs.
Marion “Kay” Bybee Retired	The students need to buy and play in our city if the facilities are available. When and if they need employment, we like them to work in our community. Rexburg is trying to meet the needs of the students by supplying employment, housing, entertainment, and stores. I believe these areas have improvement to the point of offering some internship opportunities.	Streets, safety for the increased pedestrian and motor traffic, supplying needed businesses for the added population so we can keep our citizens buying in our community.	They may decide to live here after school as well as while they are attending school, the experience will prepare them for life in other locations.	I have had some sons go on Foreign missions and I can relate from their experiences in dealing with the different customs. I have worked with other cultures over the past 25 years.
Nyle C. Fullmer Business Manager-One Stop Auto Sales	To work closely in maintaining the strong relation ship already in place. Also to work closely and carefully to stimulate economic growth which will benefit both the student population as well as the city as a whole.	Continued rapid growth. Planning and Zoning which should be done carefully, fairly, and with an open mind to the effects of the changes for all parties involved. Development of Streets and other infrastructure and creative ways to find funding to support all of the above.	Everyone in Rexburg, local as well as student, should view Rexburg as their home for as long as they live here. By doing so we will all feel more a part of our community family and hopefully all work together to make it a better place for us all.	In recent years we have asked BYU-I students to participate in and on a number of our committees; this program could, and should, be expanded to involve more students so that we may better understand the needs as they apply to our city.
Chrisotpher J. Mann BYU-Idaho Food Court Manager	BYU-Idaho needs to play an active role in the community. Because many Rexburg residents are students, what we do in the city affects them and what they do affects us all. As we develop a mutual respect and draw from the talents of all, we all become stronger and better able to accomplish goals.	Growth, growth, and more growth. The impact of growth on our neighborhoods, streets, schools, and business community challenges us to find new solutions. As we seek for these solutions, we will have continued opportunities for cohesive living.	Because most students are residents of Rexburg, the decisions made by the City Council do affect them. Some of these issues include student housing, parking, booting, traffic, and other issues that have a direct impact on the quality of the student experience.	I am adamant about reaching out with greater effort to BYU-I students. I would like to see programs such as forums and informational meetings held in a campus setting which would allow them greater access to city officials allowing them the opportunity for student input.
John B. Mordecai Entrepreneur	The student body has an abundance of talent, enthusiasm, and a need for practical experience. Rexburg, as a growing city has challenges to confront as well as inevitable obstacles in the not too distant future. It only makes sense to work together and mutually benefit from each other.	Traffic management: Congested roads compromise efficiency, generate tension, and creates hazard potential. Property tax: The constant pull on one’s income is stifling and discourages investment. Safety: Especially regarding winter driving. Also a lot can be done about ensuring older homes safety as well.	I’ve observed a tendency of people to have a “guest” mentality. This can continue for years down the line. Unless a broader portion of the BYU-I student body gets involved they will always be acted upon by others, rather than contributing to progress.	Mostly I prefer in-person contact. I will most likely not be “reaching out” as it denotes an unequal act of charity to me. I look forward to lots of interaction and communication with students, faculty, and administration.
Gary O. Rogers Owner, Neighborhood Mortage	Officials of the university should continue the rigorous selection process, thus sending students here with high standards and who are great citizens. Students should be encouraged to give service back to the community that houses them.	While continuing in the tradition of strong youth leadership training and innovation, the city leadership needs to address growth, rising costs, road repair and economic development.	Most are here to live for four years or longer. Many choose to continue living here after they graduate. They should be concerned with schools, economic development and how they as students are impacting the city.	I would encourage the student body officers to gather ideas and concerns from students and meet regularly with the city council.
Bart Stevens
Bruce Sutherland
Randall M. Schendiman