C. Swisher

Infrastructure / Transportation I support making new development pay its fair share for the infrastructure it requires, reviewing zone laws to make sure they match the long-term needs of the county and its cities, and ensure that development happens in a way that helps limit future infrastructure costs. Government Reform I support freezing Commissioner pay in the near-term and directing any potential pay increases to the salaries of our sheriff’s deputies, EMTs, and county jail employees. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Having an over-crowded jail with antiquated technology creates another potential liability for Ada County taxpayers. I support making incremental improvements that the county can afford while finding a larger funding source for the broader expansion. Housing I’ll ensure that as new communities develop, there will be a mix of housing options – at various price points in every area of the county. I’ll support policies that increase housing supply, streamline responsible development, and encourage a wider mix of housing options. And I’ll support public transportation options that are effective, but efficient. The goal is simple: make sure Ada County remains a livable place where people can start families, build careers, and stay for the long term. Environment / Energy The longer we wait to act, the worse Ada County’s rat problem will be and the tougher it will be to contain. With pest abatement districts already established for certain species, the county is well suited to address our new rat problem. While the state is dragging its feet to address the issue or even declare rats as a nuisance (so that counties could tackle the problem), I’ll work to find ways to get the problem under control. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Ada County houses inmates for the state of Idaho, and the state compensates Ada residents for that service. But the state pays roughly half of what it costs the county to provide that service. Ada County taxpayers pick up the balance. If the state has money for tax cuts, then Ada County taxpayers shouldn’t have to subsidize the state inmate population. I support forcing the state to fully compensate Ada County for the use of our jail.