Jordan Busby promises to provide continued hard work and dedication to the community of Rexburg if he’s re-elected.
Busby is an administrator and facilities director for Madison School District #321. He worked previously as the principal of Burton and Hibbard elementary schools and as a teacher in various capacities.
He has a an associate’s degree from Ricks College, a B.A. in Elementary Education from Lewis-Clark State College, and both an M.A. in Educational Administration and an Educational Specialist degree from Idaho State University.
He’s lived in Rexburg for 17 years and is currently finishing up his second term on the Rexburg City Council.
Busby said he has gained much from his experience as an administrator in the spheres of public education and local government. “I think the greatest thing I’ve learned is that by listening you can solve a lot of problems,” he said.
He called BYU-Idaho, Madison School District, and the city of Rexburg the “three greats” in the local community in that they are three of the largest employers and stakeholders in the area. Busby believes his positions in two of those areas offer him a unique and helpful perspective.
Over the past eight years—Busby’s time in office—he said the most important thing the city council has done is effectively plan for the future. He referenced the new water tank recently installed in Rexburg and a sewage system upgrade, both designed for the future demands of Rexburg’s population.
Busby said the roads in Rexburg “are in dire need of repair.” He explained that he’s satisfied with the way the roads are plowed in the winter right now but agrees with the public criticism that because of potholes and cracks, the roads are crumbling.
“The sad fact is they all need to be replaced,” the councilman said. “But you can’t do that with the budget that we have, so you have to look at different ways.” He also said he would support raising taxes to fund road repairs if it’s necessary.
As to how he would attract and support local business growth, he first heralded the efforts of Rexburg’s economic development coordinator, Scott Johnson.
“I think we have to tout what we have to offer,” he said. Busby referenced the large student populations at the high school and college level that create a pool of potential employees for businesses.
In addressing the concern that is sometimes shared in the community that there is a social disconnect between BYU-Idaho students and the community at large, Busby said he feels the problem is often blown out of proportion.
Busby said the city and community work to bridge any gap that does exist through events like Experience Rexburg and others. Overall, though, he feels the community isn’t greatly divided.
“I think we’re all getting along pretty good,” he said. “I don’t think there’s as big of a disconnect as people say.”
Busby said he wants to continue to work hard for the people of Rexburg if he’s re-elected. “Quite frankly, it’s a joy to be able to solve people’s problems,” he said.