.png)
I love this town and want to see Buhl's charm and rural atmosphere protected, while still allowing for reasonable growth. I'm running because sitting on the sidelines is no longer an option. We need change in our town.
I've worked in a variety of jobs including both blue and white collar positions. I have 30 plus years in management experience and understand how to work with others to achieve mutual goals. I'm a good listener, and strongly believe in the concept "seek first to understand, then to be understood." I'm very conservative in my views, and I believe strongly in limited government and transparency in city affairs.
City Councilman (4 year term)
Mark Dowding
Service
​
How are you currently serving in Buhl? What past or current community activities have shaped your approach to leadership?
​
I've been serving as Assistant Pastor at Buhl Bible Church for the past 5 years. My Christian values shape my approach to all of life, including how I lead.
​​​
Transparency
​
How do you plan to address the community’s concerns about trust and transparency in local government decisions?
​​​
First of all, I'd like to see the council meetings live streamed to a commonly used platform such as YouTube. This will provide opportunity for those who are unable to attend the meetings to hear first-hand and in full what goes on in the meetings. Secondly, I will make myself available through email, phone, and social media to hear from citizens and discuss issues.
Division
How will you work to bridge divides in our community, especially among groups with differing views?
​
I will work to get input from as many citizens as possible, encouraging people to find common ground among differing opinions. I will seek to educate and inform in order to bring people together. I will recognize the legitimate concerns of people even when I disagree. I don't think I need to get everyone to agree; rather my goal would be to help people feel heard, respected, and part of the process. I will work to use multiple channels for communication--social media, meetings. and email.
Public Input
​
What role do you believe public input should play in your decision-making process if elected?
​​
I believe input from citizens is of utmost importance. It will play a large part in my decision making. ​
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?
​
Aging infrastructure seems to be the biggest issue to me. Our water systems, roads and recreational areas are in need of repair or improvement. I'd approach this issue by: Identify the most urgent or high-risk need, develop a multi-year plan for emergency repairs and long term improvements.
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?​
​
Both these issues seem to be related to not hearing community input. I would pursue a better and more timely way to listen to and involve community members. There was a considerable effort on behalf of the community to get the pool opened--government should encourage and use such efforts where possible. I'm just stumped by the trailer ordinance. The amendments that I heard seem reasonable to me. If I'm elected I will work to encourage citizen committees to effect positive change.
City Infrastructure
What strategies would you propose to improve Buhl’s infrastructure and services while maintaining fiscal responsibility?
​
I'd approach the infrastructure issue by: Identify the most urgent or high-risk need, develop a multi-year plan for emergency repairs and long term improvements.
Economic Development
How would you support economic development in Buhl to attract businesses and jobs while preserving our small-town character?
​
First we need to decide what "small-town character" means to Buhl. What do we want to preserve? Once we know that, we prioritize how to attract the businesses that fit the "small town" vision; small, locally owned businesses, perhaps agriculture related business, skilled trades, etc. Offer incentives to attract them like small business start up grants or lease subsidies for downtown vacancies. The plan would need to include retention of existing business as well. Community input is key.