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Mayoral candidates kick off forum season

by ELLI GOLDMAN HILBERT
Staff Writer | September 23, 2021 1:07 AM

POST FALLS — Voters for Post Falls mayor will have two distinctly different choices Nov. 2.

Some of those differences were on display Wednesday when the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidate forum featuring Mayor Ron Jacobson and challenger Austin Hildebrand.

The forum focused on growth, the effects of COVID and political divisiveness in the community. It will be shown at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28 on www.postfallschamber.com.

THE CANDIDATES

Jacobson has served as mayor for over seven years. Born and raised in Coeur d’Alene, he's a third-generation North Idahoan.

Jacobson has spent 43 years working in banking, is a graduate of Coeur d’Alene High School and earned degrees from North Idaho College and the University of Idaho.

He has served on the boards of NIC Foundation, Kroc Advisory, Post Falls Education Foundation, Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency, Post Falls Parks & Recreation and Post Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Jacobson is a 27-year member of the Post Falls Rotary Club, served as president and was a Rotarian of the Year.

Married 41 years, Jacobson and his wife Susan have four children and six grandchildren.

Jacobson has 30 years of experience serving the city of Post Falls.

“Many people do not understand the role of mayor, what they do and don’t do, or can’t do,” Jacobson said. “Fiscally proven leadership is needed and I meet the requirements and needs of this position.”

Hildebrand is a two-year Post Falls resident and 21-year Kootenai County resident. He's married, owns a local brewing business and is a University of Idaho student.

He was recently elected to serve on the board of the Idaho State Brewers Guild, he said, but acknowledged his lack of public service.

“I have not had any involvement with the chamber or city projects or programs, but look forward to the opportunity to explore those avenues,” he said.

Hildebrand chose to run for mayor to represent the voice of the people.

“What makes my perspective unique is that it is not one of politics," he said. "I have skills in personal relations, business and communications that will be an asset to the people of Post Falls.”

GROWTH

Jacobson said the influx of people to Post Falls can’t be stopped, and that property owners are free to sell or develop their land. But that doesn't mean there are no controls.

“One way to mitigate growth is through the annexation and zoning process,” he said.

Jacobson plans to prepare needed infrastructure to keep up with growth, using urban renewal programs and relying on impact fees as ways to support it.

Hildebrand’s solutions are simple, he said. ”Require that every decision made about growth goes through the mayor and council,” Hildebrand said. “The voice of the people needs to be represented at all times.”

Hildebrand supports incentives for business growth and wants “to highlight the amazing ideas people have right here.”

Funding growth, from Hildebrand’s perspective, will not include any tax increases.

“I strongly believe we can secure funding by examining the current budget and improving the way the city handles hard-earned taxpayer dollars,” he said.

Hildebrand said he opposes future annexations.

“I think the city should maximize the efficiency of current land before looking at annexations as solutions,” he said.

Jacobson said future annexation is necessary.

“You annex property to ensure that you have lots available for future growth,” Jacobson said.

He said many citizens don't realize that growth going on now was approved 15 or 20 years ago.

COVID-19

The candidates agree that COVID’s effect on businesses is a concern.

Jacobson said the city responded appropriately when the pandemic struck.

“It was a new virus and it was unknown what impact it would have,” he said.

He has numerous family members in the medical field and definitely listens to their advice.

A proponent of masks and the vaccine, Jacobson said that other than the human toll of COVID, the biggest disappointment is “the wide divide that it has created among our people.”

Mask mandates are not on either candidate's agenda.

“I am not a fan of mandates,” Jacobson said. “People won’t comply and it increases the wide chasm that already exists in our state.”

Hildebrand is concerned about keeping businesses open.

“The use of force and mandates will not be tolerated again,” he said.

POLITICAL DIVIDE

Hildebrand takes a hands-off approach toward political division in the community, believing that the system itself breeds divisiveness.

“People should learn to take control of their own lives and not worry about the lives of others,” he said.

During his years of service, Jacobson has seen plenty of division in the community. He has been slandered, libeled and accused of having ulterior motives, he said.

“You hear people who want to create anger and divisiveness,” Jacobson said. “I will continue to listen and treat people with respect, but it is a two-way street and the lack of civility is astounding.”

A forum for Post Falls City Council candidates will be presented at 5:30 p.m. on Monday and the school board trustee forum will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 30. Viewers can connect to the zoom link on the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce website or Facebook page.