SCOTT TILMANT
FOR CALDWELL
CITY COUNCIL
PLATFORM
As someone who believes in small government, I feel government should only be as big and intrusive as is required to provide the services the residence need. Anything done beyond that, means the government is either over taxing its people or overstepping its authority.
I am also a staunch supporter of both the U.S. and Idaho Constitutions. I believe that anything done should first be put up against those Constitutions, decide whether or not they fall within the preview of government, listen to the concerns and desires of the residents, and only then make a decision.
LIST OF ISSUES
Taxes
Taxes are a necessary evil that no one likes. People should only be taxed the absolute minimum to run the City and its necessary functions. All too often City’s will begin growing, taking in more and more taxes, and end up funding wants and desires instead of sticking to the necessities.
Caldwell is one of the highest taxed city’s in Idaho, and we have very little to show for it. I would like to work to correct that.
Increasing our tax base by growing residential properties, which had been touted by some of our current Councilmen, is not an answer. Being wise in our growth of our Commercial base and other sources of income is where the City should be looking to lighten the burden on residents.
Safety
To me, safety is the number one job of a City Council. Our Police and Fire Departments are what ensure that residents can live and conduct business freely in the City. I have spoken to both our Police Chief and Fire Chief, and the rapid growth of Caldwell has put a strain on both departments. Both need addition personnel as well as additional facilities. These are challenges that should be a top priority for the City.
I have seen a radically positive change in the demeanor and professionalism of all of the Caldwell Police force. I would like to see that continue while meeting the challenges that a growing city has. Crime and property damage have been and should remain their top priority.
Our Fire Department is actively tackling the issues of outdated facilities and increasing personnel shortages. Long term plans to upgrade our Fire Departments infrastructure as well as train and create one of the valleys finest group of men and women firefighters is currently underway. I would like to help ensure that these men can continue to improve and grow their departments while offering the highest safety and security the City has ever seen.
Growth
Growth is an area that the City Council has the most say in, and in my opinion, growth should pay for itself. I currently sit on the Impact Fee Advisory Committee for the City and I work to ensure that the City is getting the maximum it can, by law. The City has a long term plan; this is what should govern what and where things can be built. It's the job of the City Council to stick to that plan while listening to, and taking into account, the concerns of those that live in the City.
The City should have no say in who can buy or sell property; that is a privet transaction between the parties involved. The City should, however, have a clear and concise plan as to what they, and the residents, want for the future in those areas. This way a buyer has very clear direction for what they can do with the property to fit the City’s long term goals.
Most of what a City Council does is infrastructure and growth, yet those currently on the Council have little to no knowledge of construction, construction technics, or how to actually build infrastructure. This is where I feel I can bring the greatest value to the Council. I currently work in the civil/structural engineering industry, and have for over 30 years. I have worked at all levels of construction doing projects that range from complex highways (including bridges, tunnels, retaining walls, etc.) to simple parking garages and small buildings. This gives me a unique perspective on what developers are trying to do as well as knowing the “tricks” many developers try to use to get developments passed.
I’d like to help Caldwell grow, but in a constructive, reasonable and resident centric way.
Education
While City Council has nothing to do with education directly, they can affect schools in major ways. The approval, or denial, of new residential projects has a direct impact on the needs of schools in the City. The Council should always consider this and should be urging developers to work with local schools to see if there are thing that can be done to aid schools with the increased growth. Examples could be land donations, financial help or even time delayed or staggered construction schedules that could help schools cope with the growth. Having a construction background helps me have a better concept and knowledge of what developers can and can’t do for schools and allows me to understand and work with them easier.
If you feel I'm someone who could represent you and you would like to see me on the City Council, please support my campaign.
If you would like to find out more about me or help in any other way, please reach out.
I want to be a Councilman that listens and truly respects the people of Caldwell.