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A dedicated veteran and proven leader, my career spans security, complex project oversight, and hands-on mechanical expertise.
I began my professional journey in the U.S. Air Force, serving in security forces and law enforcement. This experience instilled a foundational expertise in protocols and decisive action, skills that have been critical throughout my career.
For the past 20 years, I have excelled in demanding civilian roles. I've served as a Project Manager in building construction and as a Superintendent in underground utilities, successfully overseeing complex projects, managing large teams, and ensuring projects met critical deadlines and budgets.
Adding to this operational depth, I spent several years as a heavy-duty diesel mechanic and gained extensive logistical experience as a truck driver, handling both local and Over-the-Road (OTR) routes. This unique background provides a blend of strategic planning, mechanical problem-solving, and on-the-ground operational expertise.
As a resident of Buhl for almost 10 years, I am deeply committed to the local community. My diverse experience—from military service to managing multi-million dollar construction and utility projects—is defined by my reliability, discipline, and successful track record in driving results.
Mayor
Doug Howarth
Service
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How are you currently serving in Buhl? What past or current community activities have shaped your approach to leadership?
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Although not currently serving in Buhl I have been involved with committees in development and planning of subdivisions, I also served as assistant scoutmaster and scoutmaster in the BSA. I have also done past service in city softball leagues as a coach and assistant coach.
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Transparency
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How do you plan to address the community’s concerns about trust and transparency in local government decisions?
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I would like to see all city council meetings posted on a platform such as youtube. Many cities do this exact thing, giving citizens easy video access to these meetings. We could also host informal public meetings in addition to the formal meetings for major decisions and any other decisions that have diverse opinions within the city residents.
Division
How will you work to bridge divides in our community, especially among groups with differing views?
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I feel the main thing causing the division within the residents of Buhl is lack of communication from the city leaders. I would like to use public meetings, make statements from the mayor's office, and utilize social media to benefit all. I'll take a hands on aproach to every voice, make site visits to the location residents are voicing concerns about, and spend time looking into and providing concrete answers and results to concerns.
Public Input
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What role do you believe public input should play in your decision-making process if elected?
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​Public input plays a very important role in decision-making. Not only does it provide new ideas, it also provides compromise and solutions and insights to what everyone sees and feels that may not have occurred to us as city officials. ​
City of Buhl - urgent needs
What is one specific issue facing the City of Buhl that you believe needs immediate attention, and how would you approach it?
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One issue I believe needs immediate attention is the growing division among our citizens. I believe it’s important to understand what’s contributing to that division. As mayor, I will prioritize listening to residents, especially those with concerns related to the Eil Johnson case, the Pool Committee meetings, and trailer parking. Our community deserves thoughtful, timely responses to these and other concerns.
Trailer Parking and the Pool
The city council’s decisions to close the community pool and ban trailer parking on city roads have sparked significant debate. How would you address these concerns and balance community needs with safety and budget restraints?
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The pool is a city service, just like the park, the streets, trash pick up, etc. Make employment at the pool more lucrative. Adults that work at the pool can also work part time in other departments such as the library, or city hall. Keep the pool open as long as possible to give employees hours. Allow RV and trailer parking 48 hrs. to do what ever they need to do. Contractors needing more time can contact the city for a free permit.
City Infrastructure
What strategies would you propose to improve Buhl’s infrastructure and services while maintaining fiscal responsibility?
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For Buhl's growth to be sustainable, developers must pay 100% of the cost for new subdivision utilities, streets, and connections. If city line upgrades are needed, due to new demand, the developer must provide financial support, not current residents. City leaders must proactively seek grants for maintaining and replacing our aging infrastructure.
Economic Development
How would you support economic development in Buhl to attract businesses and jobs while preserving our small-town character?
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To preserve Buhl's charm and grow its economy, we must encourage residents to start small businesses (economic gardening). This means using historic preservation for downtown revitalization and heritage tourism. It also means employing smart planning with design standards, prioritizing infill development over sprawl.