Among
the highlights of serving as mayor of this great city is the
opportunity to sit down to lunch with the youth occasionally.
Talking with the younger generation offers a unique perspective. They
don’t sugarcoat things, yet the staple of these conversations has
long been optimism.
Occasionally,
though, I’m amazed from these talks as the students’ hopes and
dreams take a backseat to concerns about their family’s economic
well-being. We’ve all heard stories of the misery inflicted by the
economic slump that’s gripped the nation for the last three and a
half years. Millions of our fellow Americans have lost their careers,
their homes and, in some cases, their hope. The social safety net set
up to help in times like these has been frayed from the surge in
need.
The
downturn certainly has not spared Idaho Falls, but we have plenty to
be thankful for, and look forward to, as we ring in the new year.
First and foremost, I am pleased to report that, once again, the City
of Idaho Falls is financially sound! Yes, we have had to be very
frugal and make tough decisions, but our “pay as we go”
philosophy has allowed us to continue to provide the services and
amenities this community expects and deserves.
We’re
fortunate to be recognized as the hub of eastern Idaho, with Idaho
National Laboratory, two fine hospitals and a thriving arts scene.
Our historic downtown, the Greenbelt, museums and an abundance of
locally owned restaurants and retail shops serve as magnets for
tourists and visitors from across the region.
In
fact, hotel stays held steady in 2011, despite a drop in visitation
at Yellowstone National Park.?Construction leveled off after a big
increase in 2010, but the outlook was buoyed by the continued
development
of
INL’s in-town campus – a reminder of how critical a role the
nation’s premier nuclear and energy research laboratory plays in
the local economy. Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center is a cog as
well. One of just two Level II trauma hospitals in the state, EIRMC
recently completed a $20 million renovation of its Women and Infants
Center, along with the addition of a neonatal intensive care unit.
Melaleuca, one of our homegrown businesses, met a milestone in 2011
with $1 billion in sales for the year – a remarkable feat and yet
another indicator that the economy is on the rebound.
Though
every City department finished the year under budget, we tackled a
number of projects in 2011. With the help of Fish and Game and
several generous sponsors who has stepped up to stock fish in the new
Ryder Park pond where countless children and community members, both
old and young will be able to enjoy this great sport no matter the
their age or ability.
This
past year, four soccer fields were added at the soccer complex on Old
Butte Road, including two with lights for night play. Significant
renovation took place at the Joe Marmo/Wayne Lehto Ice Arena along
with renovating the parking lot at the Wes Deist Aquatic Center.
This
past year, we also moved forward with the North Loop transmission
project, which will upgrade the city’s electrical infrastructure
and ensure Idaho Falls Power’s ability to reliably provide safe
power as the City grows. ?We received great news last May when
voters approved the formation of the Idaho Falls Auditorium District
– a significant step toward the construction of an events center.
Though construction likely won’t begin in 2012, this development is
seen as an economic boon for the city and its businesses,
particularly the hotels, shops and restaurants downtown.
The
auditorium district is the latest bit of good news for downtown,
which has seen a flurry of activity with the addition of Idahoan
Foods, Syringa Wireless, and the expansion of several other locally
owned eateries and businesses along with plans to renovate the old
Rio Theater into an interactive children’s art center.
We
were also very happy to hear that work recently commenced on the
Marriott hotel on Broadway, and plans for the Memorial Drive Master
Plan and Realignment Project to kick off in July. With the help of
the Idaho Falls Redevelopment Agency, Downtown Development
Corporation and Bonneville County, the city laid the groundwork for
the project with the addition of two parking lots to replace the
parking that will be lost when Memorial Drive is reconfigured and the
Greenbelt expanded. This long-awaited project is yet another example
of the good that can be accomplished when we work together.
Collaboration
is a powerful tool, and it’s been a focus for me as mayor. Working
with both School Districts has helped the local youth attend college
through the Mayor’s Scholarship Fund. In its sixth year, more than
144 sponsors have contributed more than $315,000, allowing us to
award 139 scholarships to students in grades 8 through 12.
Collaboration with Grow Idaho Falls, the Chamber of Commerce and the
state Department of Labor has also borne fruit through the annual
Mayor’s Business Day event, which is in its third year and has
proven to be an excellent way to pair up those looking for work with
local companies in need of qualified workers.
Looking
forward in 2012, We will be launching three significant projects to
upgrade the city’s wastewater treatment plant and reconstruction
work on the D Street underpass and the Pancheri Bridge over
Interstate 15.?To sum it up, you can expect to see a flurry of
activity across this great city in the coming months and throughout
2012.
I’d
be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the role that the City Council
has played in these developments. The “pay as we go” fiscal
policies the council has adhered to have left Idaho Falls on firm
financial footing. The councilmembers’ commitment to this great
city is astounding as is the devotion of the City’s Division
Directors and all city employees.
The citizens of this
community deserve a pat on the back as well. I’ve never seen such
an outpouring of support for those in need. Coat drives, canned food
drives, anti-bullying campaigns – you name it, the caring folks of
this wonderful community never cease to amaze with their consistent
acts of kindness. And perhaps the best part of it is the number of
charity events spearheaded by the youth in our community. That’s
another thing that has struck me while working with the youth, they
don’t hesitate to take action when they see a need. Even those
worried about their family’s economic uncertainty are quick to help
others. This unselfish attitude – the personification of what I
refer to as the Spirit of Idaho Falls – inspires and convinces me
that we will emerge from this recession stronger than ever.
