Why is Brandi Running?

If Brandi has the honor of serving the citizens of Boise she will work diligently toward:.

• Promoting economic growth without sacrificing quality of life.

• Ensuring the voice of the people is heard on the City Council especially with issues such as annexation and voting on the public display of the Ten Commandments.

• A strong commitment toward protecting the natural and scenic beauty of Boise.

• Limited government and taxation.

• Networking with Boise’s faith communities to build strong, healthy, safe and caring neighborhoods.

• Working to protect our shared community values with efforts that would include no taxpayer funds for organizations that promote and provide abortions.

Boise Native. Boise Values. Boise’s Voice!

Vote for Brandi on November 8th!

Does Boise need three branch libraries and should the city borrow $30 million to build them?

I don’t believe that assessing the need for more libraries is something for the Council to unilaterally decide. I won’t support this measure unless the voters approve it via ballot initiative. $30 million is just too much money to borrow without getting their input. We need to put the question to the people of this city and let them answer. I’ll abide by whatever they decide. Allowing voters to decide whether or not they want to raise their own taxes is a critical part of self-government and self-determination. Libraries are such an important part of the learning process, I am confident the citizens of Boise will make sure the needs of our community are met.

Should the city actively oppose large planned communities proposed for unincorporated Ada County, such as Avimor project and Hammer Flat? What's the appropriate way for the city to work with other local governments and especially the county in deciding on how growth should occur?

I believe we need to support managed, responsible growth in the valley. Currently I think the city council and county commissioners are not working together to address all of the growth issues our valley is facing. When I am elected I will work hard to foster a better relationship with the county officials to decide on the best route to positive growth for the Treasure Valley.

The Boise School District has lost 1,400 students since 1997 and expects to lose more. The district believes rising home prices are driving young families to choose Meridian and other local communities to get more bang for their buck in a home. Is this a valid concern? What, if anything should the City Council do to encourage more affordable housing in Boise?

The way to stop the loss of people in Boise is less regulation and restriction. That means keeping property taxes low, and encouraging economic growth instead of burdensome measures that makes it difficult for people to move here.

It is important that we focus on what takes place within the city limits of Boise. By reducing regulations and barriers to new home construction, we can make Boise an attractive place for home-builders and home-buyers. I have been talking with builders about some of the barriers they encounter. I will work with them for the sake of Boise families to simplify the process towards quality development.

What should the city do to encourage other "infill" developments? Should the city speed up the permitting process for some infill projects? If so, how should the city ensure neighbors have an adequate opportunity to comment on proposals?

We must observe whatever legal standards are in place to protect neighborhood environments. However, builders must be allowed to build affordable housing, including neo-traditional homes, if such developments are in keeping with legal standards. Infill developments can provide young Boise families with smaller and therefore more affordable housing, and so can be one way in which we attract young families back to Boise and begin to repopulate our schools. Permitting processes should eliminate redundant and unnecessary obstacles to encourage economic development within Boise city limits. This also grows the tax base, and creates the possibility that property tax rates can be lowered and yet overall tax revenue can grow. Neighbors must be notified of a proposed infill project in order to give them the opportunity to address valid concerns. Communication between neighbors and builders should be encouraged to maintain healthy neighborhoods.

What role should the city play in social services? For example, should the city be leasing Community House shelter to Boise Rescue Mission? Should the city work with the Salvation Army to provide homeless care at its Booth home? Should the city work with other agencies to provide for a detox center?

Faith-based outreaches almost always do a better job than government-run efforts. The Boise Rescue Mission and The Salvation Army have a long history of providing essential help to the neediest people in our community without drawing a single dollar out of the public treasury. Faith-based outreaches should be actively encouraged and supported by city leadership. It is important that city government, non-profit organizations, and citizens have clear communication so that everyone is more open and receptive to positive community outreach. Public concern must heard in order to reach a healthy conclusion. It is important to address the need for a detox center in our community. We must take a look to see what truly produces lasting results and choose that course. A good way to do that would be to provide tax incentives for companies and organizations that join in these important endeavors.

Did the city make the right decision in removing the Ten Commandments monument from Julia Davis Park?

It was a mistake for my opponent, Maryanne Jordan, and the city council to remove the monument from Julia Davis Park. It had been a part of our community and culture for almost 40 years. It was a mistake for the city council not to hold a public hearing on this issue, since it was obviously a matter of great concern to many Boise citizens. It was a mistake for the city to turn down the offer of free legal assistance from the American Center for Law and Justice.

It was a mistake for the city to block the right of the 19,000 people who signed the initiative to have that initiative come before the people for a vote. A Zogby poll showed that 72% of Boiseans disagreed with the city’s decision to remove the monument. The city council was elected to represent the citizens of Boise, not a hate group from Topeka, Kansas. Neighboring cities like Nampa and Caldwell stood their ground and continue to enjoy their Ten Commandments displays.

I am as bothered by the disregard for public opinion as I am by the removal itself. Whether it is the cross on Table Rock, or the Black History Museum, or the historic buildings in Julia Davis Park, I will work to preserve and protect our cultural heritage.

The police department has reassigned officers to patrol to respond to a growing number of police calls. That reassignment eliminated mounted horse police patrols, five school resource officers, and the Neighborhood Traffic Officer program. Do you think the police department is taking the right approach to community policing?

The fundamental purpose of government is to provide for the safety and security of its citizens. One of my priorities will be to see that we have an adequately staffed police force, with enough personnel to provide for safety and security whenever and wherever it is needed. This is a high enough priority for me that if I am elected, I will be willing to prioritize the needs of law enforcement within the city budget.

As a woman that enjoys the greenbelt, it is always a comfort to see one of the bike patrols. I think it is important that we make our entire community as safe as possible.