Tom Rist announces run for mayor's job

Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Tom Rist

City councilman Tom Rist has announced his candidacy for mayor in the upcoming city election this November.

Rist will be giving up his council seat in hopes of unseating incumbent Mayor Joe B. McNeal. McNeal has not made a formal announcement yet, but has said in public on several occasions that he intends to seek re-election to a second term.

The council has been sharply critical of the mayor's administrative skills and lack of communication and compromise with council members. Rist's candidacy is expected to be strongly supported by the other members of the city council.

Rist has extensive experience in city operations.

He served for five year's on the Mountain Home Planning and Zoning Commission and subsequently has served 12 years as a city councilman (beginning during Don Etter's final two terms as mayor). Rist said that experience "provides me with the extensive background one needs to address challenges faced by a growing community such as ours.

"I made a pledge in 1995 when running for my first term on the city council that I would work diligently and tirelessly for the betterment of Mountain Home's citizens. I also pledged that I would be accessible to my constituents, that I would listen to all sides before rendering a decision and that I would provide timely feedback.

"I have met this commitment and would continue to do so as mayor of Mountain Home," he said.

"I take my responsibility as part of the city council very seriously," he added, "and am committed to staying informed on issues. To do this, I read extensively, talk to constituents freely, and have attended all but one city council meeting over the past 12 years.

"Through all of this, I have enjoyed being involved and helping on any projects I can that will benefit Mountain Home, its residents and business entities."

In his initial candidacy announcement, Rist noted that "during my five years on Planning and Zoning, I helped design ordinances and a comprehensive plan for growth which provided me with invaluable knowledge on the intricacies involved in a city's expansion. Mountain Home has experienced rapid growth in the past but nothing quite like the residential growth we have experienced lately.

"Those of us who have lived here many years and those new to the community understand what a special place Mountain Home is, but we are facing problems inherent to unprecedented growth that need to be addressed.

"Major issues facing our community today deal with insuring our infrastructure supports our growth. We need to protect the services we have all come to take for granted, such as fire and police protection, quality education, medical services, and our water supply. To do this, we must be proactive, but we must also be vigilant in preserving the unique qualities of our cherished community.

"I plan to actively approach the revitalization of our downtown core," Rist said. "I will direct my energy toward finding economical means to assist businesses and property owners to increase their customer base, while making Mountain Home's downtown an inviting and pedestrian friendly area. In this end, I will also address parking issues and assist in finding tenants for vacant properties."

Rist said that "Mountain Home needs a strong cohesive city government, of both elected and appointed individuals sharing in the responsibilities. Any future endeavors taken on must have council support and it is my intention that the city council will certainly have an expanded role in projects I or others might propose.

"The individuals you elect represent you and you have a right to be heard, you have a right to accessible government, and you have a right to understand why decisions are being made. There should be nothing withheld from you.

"As a small town, we are very fortunate to have such a diverse citizenship. People from all over the United States bring their experiences and backgrounds to this community.

"We also have Mountain Home Air Force Base as a fantastic neighbor with many active military personnel living in town and choosing to retire in Mountain Home. This knowledge and experience makes Mountain Home different than other small towns in Idaho and the ideas and suggestions brought forth will help our city stay ahead of the growth curve while still maintaining our small town atmosphere.

"I ask for your support, and if elected as your mayor, I pledge as I did in 1995, that I will dedicate my time, energy and service to insure Mountain Home stays a viable community that we all are proud to call home."

Rist has lived in Mountain Home for the past 50 years and is an Idaho native. Tom and his wife, Shirley, have been married for almost 40 years and have a married daughter, Kasie, son-in-law Brian, and two "very dear" grandchildren, Gregory and Mackenzie, residing in Boise. In addition to his being a husband and father, Tom's personal life consists of 30+ years with Meadow Gold Dairy as a salesman, woodworking, gardening and actively participating in community events.

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