Candidate Questionnaires

​Ammon City Council

GEORGE VANDERMEER- Councilman seat 4

1. I have served on Ammon City Council since February 2022. I feel that my voting record reflects in accordance with Ammon’s Comprehensive plan and official city code.

2. Republican – I do not feel that party affiliation should have any role in city government.

3. City council is a governing entity that reviews and updates budgets, current ordinances as well at enacting new laws. Council reviews approves or denies request for annexation, plats and request by individuals for a license to do business in the city. Council also has option or donate funds to non-profits that benefit the residence of the city.

4. I am asking to be re-elected for the office of City Council. I have been in the council for 18 months now and feel that I have made and will continue to make a positive impact bringing balance to the council. Currently there are a few members with 16-20 years on council and even one with less that one year. With any position there is a learning curve and I feel that I will continue to grow in this position and serve the city well.

5. Regarding changing zoning designations: With the city being an everchanging, living entity, oftentimes the city needs to change zoning to promote growth and development with the comprehensive plan being the guide to a healthy city. The request does come in from developers and landowners looking for change. Planning and Zoning will hold public meetings reviewing zoning requests prior to being brought to the council. The Council then makes final decisions.

6. Annexation of property in the county currently can be brought to the council by the property owner. Currently there are several areas within the area of impact that are called county islands that at some point they may be annexed if the planning & zoning and the council feels this would benefit the city. I believe that to bring a neighborhood that is currently in the county that most residents would have to approve annexation.

7. Eminent domain is used in accordance with the comprehensive plan if property is needed from a private property owner for public use such as construction of road, water lines and power lines. Fair compensation to the owner is applied. This can be done to promote better traffic flow within the city.

8. In Ammon and in all of Idaho we are seeing significant growth which will continue as we move forward. I would like to see healthy neighborhoods with access to parks and schools and easy access to shopping. I don’t want to see more shopping malls showing up in Ammon, but we do need to have a ratio of 20-25% business vs residential to be a healthy city. Higher density residential is okay closer to city center and thins out at we move out to the east over Crowley Road at a density of no more the 2.5 homes per acre. This is also important as we grow to the north and south of town keeping density to not more than 4 homes per acre. The good news regarding growth is that beginning the new few weeks we will see a new road being built to extend Curlew Road to First Street. We will also be upgrading First Street from Ammon Road to Hitt Road as well as replacing the Sand Creek bridge on First Street to 5 lanes. There will also be a new bridge constructed going east of John Adams to connect to Curlew. We will need to be patient and endure some short them payne for long term gain during the construction period, but the city will be better for it.​

9. I have nothing in my history that would prevent me from serving on Ammon City Council. To the contrary I have I learned the value of hard work growing up in Jerome on a 300-cow dairy farm. I moved from the farm and began a career in the insurance industry working for Combined Insurance for 11 years quickly moved up through the ranks to sales manager, territory manager, and district manager. From there I moved to local agency In Idaho Falls for a few years to gain experience in commercial lines insurance and Risk Management prior to starting Enterprise Insurance Services which I owned for 20 years until we 2020 when we merged with the Archibald - Leavitt insurance. I continue to work as an account executive providing commercial insurance in Idaho and surrounding states. I am currently a member of Idaho Falls Elks club #1087 and served as Trustee for two years. Also, member of Idaho Falls exchange club. I spent 10 years volunteering as member of Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue serving as commander and Deputy Commander and another 5 years as Bonneville County sheriff’s office reserve deputy. I currently serve as board member on the Bonneville Metropolitan Planning Organization which helps in growth planning for the entire county and councilor for City of Ammon since Feb. 2022.

10. Ammon currently has one of the lowest property taxes in the state of Idaho. At some point there may need to be a short-term funding request to upgrade some streets within the city limits. We see the school district bring more request for funding to the taxpayers. This does not have anything to with city budget and taxes, but we all feel the results.

11. Federal Grants – Yes, the city should always be looking for federal grants. We have recently built a bike/walking path on 21st Street east of Crowley with grant funding. We have grant funding to make improvements to parks and we will be utilizing grant funding in replacement of First Street Road and bridge. Our council members, the mayor and administration are always looking of outside funding to help with growth and improvements to our city.

12. Debt. Financed projects, yes, the city council should seek approval for debt finance projects. One that comes to mind is that the city needs a new pool. This project would cost between $3 and $5 million dollars to replace depending on whether to have another outside pool or construct with a building for year-round use. I believe that if such a request was brought to the voters this would pass with overwhelming majority in favor.

13. Right to Carry. I am a supporter of Right to Carry, I do have a concealed carry permit as it is our right keep and bear arms per the 2nd amendment of the constitution, with exception of public schools and courthouse. My main concern there is that the criminals do not obey the laws. Law abiding resident should have rights to protect themselves and others.

14. Yes, I do believe that citizens have the right to peacefully assemble, hold religious services, attend school, and exercise rights of free expression as long as it does not infringe on public safety.

It would be my honor that on election day the voters will place their choice next to my name for City Council Seat 4 so that I may serve for the next two years to represent the residents of Ammon.

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Nolan Wheeler- Councilman Seat 5

1. Do you have experience as an elected official and if so, what was your position, and how would you describe your voting record? have never been an elected official before. I am a active voter.

2. What is your current political party affiliation? Why? and how would you describe the purpose and proper role of government generally? ​am Republican because I believe in the constitution and the bill of rights.  

3. What is the purpose of the City Council? The purpose of the City Council is to create policies to govern their districts and make sure that new laws serve the needs of the people who live in that city.

4. Describe why you are running for this particular office. What are your qualifications? What are your goals? ​have always considered the city of Ammon to be my home, no matter where my travels have taken me. I have seen a lot of growth and improvements in this great city, and I a need for infrastructure mainly focusing on the roads in Ammon.

5. What is the process of changing zoning designations? How do you intend to balance the rights of the property owner in a proposed zone change vs the rights of the property owners adjacent to the zone in question? First there must be a request for zoning changes, then a request for annexations and initial zoning, plans for expenditures for expansion of major infrastructure such as water and sewer trunk lines and transportation facilities. Ammon is projected to grow 1.88% annually until 2040. With that being said it is time now to have our main focus on the infrastructure.

6. Do you believe the city council has the right to annex properties now held within the County? Please explain. [Not answered.]

7. Under which circumstances is it right for the city to impose “Eminent Domain” upon a property owner? The City should never have the right to Eminent Domain a property owner.

8. What is your plan to balance population growth, high density housing, and the infrastructure necessary for support of it, i.e. improving roads, schools, water, sewer, power, communications, etc. in time to meet the needs of the city’s citizens? After the election in November the city council should meet and be one of the main priorities being to focus on improving roads, sewer, and parks. Then look at the budget to see where we can move funds to make this happen. 

9. Do you have any history of tax liens, criminal record, bankruptcy or conflict of interest that may affect your future decisions or desirability to be voted into office? No I do not. 

10. What legislation would you propose or support to alter the tax burdens in your city? Are they now too high, too low, or about right?  The City of Ammon just passed a bond for 34.5 million dollars for a new elementary school in the Iona area to help build a school and work on the existing ones we have in the district. so, it would be hard to alter the tax burdens after most citizens approved this. 

11. Should the city be pursuing funding from Federal grants? Are there any areas of concern when accepting Federal funds? Federal grants can help with repairs on much needed road and bridge repairs.

12. Should the City Council seek voter approval before committing the city to debt-financed projects?

Appsolutly the City Council should see voter approval before committing the city to debt-financed projects. 

13. Do you support Right-to-Carry laws within the city? Yes, I do it is our 2nd amendment right.

14. Do you believe the citizens within your city have the right to peaceably assemble, hold religious services, attend school, or exercise their rights of free expression even in times of pandemics or other health emergencies? Appsolutly, I do believe that the citizens have the right to PEACEABLY assemble. Even during times of pandemics or health emergencies. 

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Sean Crystal- Councilman Seat 1

1. Do you have experience as an elected official and if so, what was your position, and how would you describe your voting record?

While I have not served as an elected official before, I view this as a strength, bringing a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to the table. My diverse experiences in business and community involvement have equipped me with a unique skill set and a deep understanding of various sectors, which I am eager to leverage in service to the Ammon community. My approach will always be rooted in listening to our residents, understanding their needs, and making informed decisions that benefit our community as a whole.

2. What is your current political party affiliation? Why? and how would you describe the purpose and proper role of government generally?

I stand before you as a candidate on the Conservative Republican Ticket, yet my approach is deeply anchored in constitutionalist principles. My belief is that government, whether in our tight-knit community of Ammon or on a broader scale, should be a steadfast steward of the community’s voice and resources. It should not only facilitate and mediate but also safeguard our collective interests and values. In Ammon, where every neighbor is valued, the government should serve as a supportive backbone, ensuring our decisions and initiatives are always steered toward the collective good. This involves a meticulous focus on robust infrastructure, economic stability, and unwavering fiscal responsibility. My pledge to you is to navigate these principles with unwavering dedication, ensuring that our path forward is prosperous and reflective of the values we, as a community, hold dear.

3. What is the purpose of the City Council?

The City Council is the governing body that makes key decisions for our city, ensuring that our community's needs and values are reflected in our policies and initiatives. It enacts laws, approves the budget, and serves as a vital link between the citizens and the city administration, ensuring everyone's voice is heard and considered in shaping the future of Ammon. It's about leadership, stewardship, and genuine engagement with our community.

4. Describe why you are running for this particular office. What are your qualifications? What are your goals?

I'm stepping into the race for a position on the Ammon City Council out of a profound commitment to our community and a hopeful vision for our collective future. My journey, from navigating personal challenges to establishing a startup here in Ammon, has instilled in me a deep understanding and appreciation for the myriad of experiences and challenges faced by our residents.

Qualifications:

• Entrepreneurial Insight: While my startup is in its nascent stages, the journey has provided me with a firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by businesses, particularly in the realms of strategic planning and navigating regulatory environments.

• Community Connection: My active and engaged life in our community has offered me a clear perspective on the aspirations and concerns of our fellow residents.

• Problem-Solving: The experiences from various facets of my life have refined my problem-solving and adaptive thinking skills, which are vital in addressing the multifaceted issues encountered by our city.

Goals:

1. Sustainable Development: Advocate for and manage growth in a manner that aligns with our infrastructure capabilities and preserves the cherished quality of life for all residents.

2. Infrastructure Enhancement: Address the critical infrastructure needs that accompany rapid development, ensuring they are synchronized with growth and the needs of the community.

3. Community Involvement: Enhance transparency and cultivate a culture where every resident feels heard, valued, and actively involved in shaping our city’s trajectory.

4. Economic Stability: Support local businesses, especially small and emerging ones, and create an environment that encourages economic development while maintaining our beloved small-town charm.

I am here to bring a fresh, community-centric perspective to the council, ensuring that as we navigate through periods of growth and change, we remain a tight-knit, supportive, and thriving community. Together, let’s shape an Ammon that future generations will be proud to call home.

5. What is the process of changing zoning designations?

How do you intend to balance the rights of the property owner in a proposed zone change vs the rights of the property owners adjacent to the zone in question? Changing zoning designations involves a multi-step process that typically includes a comprehensive review by the city’s planning and zoning commission, public hearings, and ultimately, a decision by the city council. It's a meticulous procedure that seeks to balance various interests and impacts, ensuring that any changes align with the city’s master plan and overall vision.

1. Application Submission: A property owner or developer submits an application for a zoning change.

2. Planning and Zoning Commission Review: The application is reviewed for its adherence to the city’s comprehensive plan and potential impacts on the community.

3. Public Notification and Hearing: Adjacent property owners and the public are notified of the proposed change, and a public hearing is held to gather feedback.

4. City Council Decision: The city council reviews the application, the commission’s recommendations, and public input before making a final decision. Balancing the rights of the property owner seeking the zoning change with those of adjacent property owners and the broader community is a delicate task.

My approach to navigating this balance involves:

• Thorough Evaluation: Ensuring that the proposed change aligns with Ammon’s long-term planning and development goals.

• Community Input: Actively seeking and valuing the input of adjacent property owners and the wider community during public hearings.

• Impact Assessment: Evaluating the potential impacts of the zoning change on traffic, public services, and the character of the surrounding area.

• Legal and Ethical Adherence: Ensuring all decisions comply with legal standards and ethical practices.

• Mitigation Strategies: If the zoning change is approved, working to implement strategies that mitigate any negative impacts on adjacent property owners and the community.

My intent is to navigate these decisions with a steadfast commitment to ensuring that the development trajectory of Ammon is not only sustainable and strategic but also reflective of the values and needs of all its residents. Balancing individual property rights with collective community well-being will be at the forefront of every decision made.

6. Do you believe the city council has the right to annex properties now held within the County? Please explain.

Annexation is a complex issue and one that requires a delicate balance between the growth and development of the city and the rights and desires of property owners. Legally, city councils do have the right to annex properties within certain statutory guidelines, but the ethical and community-focused approach to such actions is crucial. I believe that any decision to annex properties currently held within the County should be approached with utmost caution and transparency.

It's vital to ensure that:

• Community Involvement: Residents, especially those directly impacted, are thoroughly informed and have opportunities to voice their opinions and concerns.

• Mutual Benefit: The annexation provides clear, tangible benefits to both the city and the residents of the annexed area.

• Infrastructure and Services: The city is adequately prepared to extend necessary services and infrastructure to the newly annexed areas without diminishing the quality of services to current residents.

• Strategic Growth: The annexation aligns with the strategic growth and development plan of the city, ensuring sustainability and preservation of the community’s character.

While the city council has the right to annex properties, it is imperative that such decisions are made with a deep consideration for the impact on the community, the desires of the residents, and in a manner that is transparent, inclusive, and aligns with the broader vision for the city of Ammon. It's not merely about the legal right to annex but ensuring that the action is in the best interest of all parties involved and enhances the collective well-being and future of our community.

7. Under which circumstances is it right for the city to impose “Eminent Domain” upon a property owner?

"Eminent Domain" is a potent tool in the hands of government, and its use should be judicious, sparing, and only in circumstances where there is a clear, undeniable benefit to the wider community that cannot be achieved through any other means. My perspective, rooted in respect for individual property rights and a commitment to community welfare, dictates that such a measure should be a last resort.

Here are the circumstances under which I believe it might be considered:

• Overwhelming Public Interest: When the project in question serves a critical public need, such as essential infrastructure development or providing public amenities that significantly enhance the quality of life for the wider community.

• Exhaustive Exploration of Alternatives: Only after all alternative solutions have been thoroughly explored and found to be unviable or significantly less beneficial to the community at large.

• Fair Compensation: Ensuring that property owners are provided with fair, just, and timely compensation that genuinely reflects the value of their property and any additional costs incurred due to the imposition of eminent domain.

• Transparent Process: The process must be transparent, with clear communication and genuine engagement with the community, especially those directly affected, to understand their concerns and provide accurate information about the necessity and benefits of the action.

• Minimizing Hardship: Taking steps to minimize the hardship on affected property owners, including providing assistance with relocation and ensuring that the impact on lives and livelihoods is mitigated as much as possible.

In essence, while the city has the authority to impose "Eminent Domain," it must be exercised with utmost caution, empathy, and a steadfast commitment to ensuring that it is in the best interest of the community. Every possible step should be taken to avoid such measures, and when deemed absolutely necessary, it should be executed with fairness, transparency, and a focus on minimizing the impact on affected individuals.

8. What is your plan to balance population growth, high density housing, and the infrastructure necessary for support of it, i.e. improving roads, schools, water, sewer, power, communications, etc. in time to meet the needs of the city’s citizens?

Balancing population growth, high-density housing, and the requisite infrastructure is a multifaceted challenge that demands a comprehensive, forward-thinking strategy.

Here’s a succinct outline of my plan:

1. Strategic Planning:

• Comprehensive Development Plan: Develop a comprehensive plan that aligns population growth with infrastructure development, ensuring that as our city grows, our facilities and services expand correspondingly.

• Collaboration: Work closely with developers, city planners, and the community to ensure that new developments are strategically planned and beneficial for all.

2. Infrastructure Enhancement:

• Prioritization: Identify and prioritize key infrastructure needs related to roads, schools, utilities, and more.
• Funding Allocation: Ensure that budget allocations for infrastructure development are prudent, timely, and in alignment with our growth strategy.
• Technology Integration: Leverage technology to enhance our infrastructure, ensuring it is smart, sustainable, and efficient.

3. High-Density Housing:

• Sustainable Development: Advocate for developments that are sustainable and in harmony with our city’s character.
• Affordability: Ensure that high-density housing options are affordable and accessible to a diverse range of residents.
• Community Input: Engage the community in discussions about new developments to ensure they meet our collective needs and preserve our city’s charm.

4. Community Involvement:

• Transparent Communication: Maintain open channels of communication to keep residents informed and involved in development projects.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Implement mechanisms for community feedback to understand and address the concerns and ideas of our citizens.
• Inclusive Decision-Making: Ensure that the voices of Ammon’s residents are heard and considered in all decisions related to growth and development.

5. Education and Schools:

• Capacity Planning: Work with school districts to ensure that educational facilities can accommodate growing populations.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure that the quality of education is not compromised amid expansion.

6. Environmental Consideration:

• Sustainable Practices: Ensure that all developments adhere to sustainable practices, preserving our environment for future generations.
• Green Spaces: Maintain and enhance green spaces to ensure that Ammon remains a healthy and pleasant place to live.

7. Economic Stability:

• Support Local Businesses: Ensure that developments support, rather than displace, local businesses.
• Job Creation: Encourage developments that create jobs and support the local economy. 8. Traffic and Transportation:
• Traffic Management: Implement strategies to manage increased traffic, ensuring that our roads remain safe and efficient.
• Public Transportation: Explore and enhance public transportation options to alleviate traffic and provide alternatives.

In essence, my plan is to navigate Ammon’s growth in a manner that is sustainable, inclusive, and beneficial for all residents, ensuring that our infrastructure, housing, and community services evolve in tandem with our population, preserving the essence of what makes our city special.

9. Do you have any history of tax liens, criminal record, bankruptcy or conflict of interest that may affect your future decisions or desirability to be voted into office?

Embracing full transparency and honesty, I acknowledge that my past does include a mix of juvenile and adult offenses, not all of which were minor. These experiences, while not moments of pride, have been pivotal in shaping the person I am today. They have taught me invaluable lessons about accountability, resilience, and the importance of supportive communities and second chances. I have no history of tax liens or other conflicts of interest to my knowledge.

My journey, with all its ups and downs, has been a testament to the transformative power of learning from one’s mistakes and utilizing those lessons to foster personal and professional growth. Today, as a dedicated community member, a family man, and an entrepreneur, I stand before you not as a perfect individual, but as someone who deeply understands the multifaceted nature of life’s challenges and the profound impact of redemption and community support.

I firmly believe that our past does not define us, but how we use those experiences to better ourselves and serve others does. My experiences have enriched my perspective, enabling me to approach governance with a unique lens of empathy, understanding, and a staunch belief in providing opportunities for redemption and support to all members of our community.

I am committed to leveraging every life lesson to serve our community effectively, advocating for policies that are compassionate, fair, and supportive of all Ammon residents. I welcome open dialogue and am available to discuss any aspect of my history, perspectives, or plans for our community with any constituent who wishes to engage further.

Together, let's build an Ammon that champions support, understanding, and collective growth.

10. What legislation would you propose or support to alter the tax burdens in your city? Are they now too high, too low, or about right?

Navigating Ammon's tax burdens requires a thorough and empathetic approach. While I acknowledge the varying perspectives on our current tax levels, a detailed examination of our city’s finances is paramount before asserting whether they are too high, too low, or just right.

Here's my approach:

• Evaluating Tax Structures: A meticulous review of our tax structures to ensure they are equitable and do not compromise essential city services.
• Supporting Local Businesses: Implementing tax incentives to foster economic growth and stability within our local businesses, particularly smaller enterprises.
• Community Voice: Engaging you, the community, in vital discussions about tax allocations, ensuring your voices and concerns are at the forefront of any proposed changes.
• Transparent Reporting: Upholding transparent mechanisms that keep you informed about the utilization of your tax dollars, fostering a culture of accountability.

Your insights and experiences are pivotal. Together, let’s navigate towards a future where our tax policies are not only fair and balanced but also reflective of our collective commitment to the prosperity of every individual and business in Ammon.

11. Should the city be pursuing funding from Federal grants? Are there any areas of concern when accepting Federal funds?

Embracing federal grants can indeed be a pivotal strategy in enhancing our city’s sustainability and facilitating vital projects that directly impact our community. However, it's imperative that we navigate this path with discernment and vigilance.

Here’s my stance:

• Beneficial, But with Caution: While federal grants can significantly aid in advancing our infrastructure, educational systems, and public services, we must tread cautiously to safeguard our autonomy.
• Preserving Local Control: It’s crucial that we maintain our local control and decision-making capacities, ensuring that the acceptance of federal funds does not compromise our ability to govern and make decisions that are in the best interest of Ammon.
• Balancing Power: The balance of power between federal and local governance is delicate and integral to our nation’s foundational principles. We must ensure that our reliance on federal funds does not inadvertently shift this balance, undermining our state’s authority and the voices of our residents.
• Transparent Utilization: Ensuring that the utilization of any federal funds is transparent, accountable, and aligns with the needs and values of our community.

In every step, your voice, concerns, and insights will be pivotal. Together, we will navigate through these financial decisions, ensuring that they are made with the utmost consideration for our community’s integrity, autonomy, and future prosperity.

12. Should the City Council seek voter approval before committing the city to debt-financed projects?

Navigating the financial waters of our city, especially when it pertains to debt-financed projects, demands a blend of prudence, transparency, and community involvement.

Here’s my perspective:
• Inherent Caution Toward Debt: While I inherently lean towards a cautious approach regarding debt, I recognize that in certain contexts, especially for infrastructural and developmental projects, it becomes a necessary tool to foster growth and development in our modern society.
• Community Involvement is Key: I firmly believe that the community should be integrally involved in decisions that could potentially impact our city’s financial health and their own quality of life. Therefore, seeking voter approval for debt-financed projects is not only a matter of transparency but also a commitment to ensuring that the voices of Ammon’s residents are heard and respected.
• Balanced Approach: It’s crucial to strike a balance, ensuring that while we utilize debt strategically for essential projects, we also maintain a steadfast commitment to fiscal responsibility, ensuring that such decisions do not jeopardize our city’s financial stability.
• Strategic and Judicious Use: Any commitment to debt-financed projects should be strategic, judicious, and always with a clear and viable plan for repayment, ensuring that we are not unduly burdening future generations.

In every financial endeavor, my commitment is to navigate with a lens of fiscal responsibility, always prioritizing the well-being and future of our community. Together, with your insights and participation, we will ensure that Ammon thrives both now and for generations to come.

13. Do you support Right-to-Carry laws within the city?

Yes, I do support Right-to-Carry laws within the city. My stance is deeply rooted in a constitutionalist perspective, which inherently upholds the Second Amendment and the rights it bestows upon citizens.

• Upholding the Second Amendment: I firmly believe in the fundamental right of individuals to bear arms, as enshrined in our Constitution. This right is not only pivotal for personal protection but also serves as a cornerstone in safeguarding the freedom and security of our citizenry.
• Balancing Rights with Responsibility: While I advocate for the Right-to-Carry, it is imperative that this right is balanced with a staunch commitment to responsible and lawful gun ownership. This includes ensuring that individuals who carry firearms are doing so lawfully and with a clear understanding of the responsibilities that come with it.
• Safety and Education: I am a proponent of robust firearm safety and education programs. Ensuring that individuals who choose to exercise their Right-to-Carry are well-versed in safe handling and usage of firearms is crucial in maintaining a safe environment for all.
• Community Safety: The safety of our community is paramount. While supporting the Right-to-Carry, I also advocate for measures that prevent unlawful and dangerous use of firearms, ensuring that our community remains secure and that the rights of all citizens are respected and protected.

In every policy and stance, my commitment is to uphold the constitutional rights of our citizens while ensuring that Ammon remains a safe, secure, and thriving community for all its residents.

14. Do you believe the citizens within your city have the right to peaceably assemble, hold religious services, attend school, or exercise their rights of free expression even in times of pandemics or other health emergencies?

Absolutely, I firmly believe in the fundamental rights of citizens to peaceably assemble, practice their religion, attend school, and exercise their rights to free expression, even amidst pandemics or other health emergencies. These rights are enshrined in our Constitution and are vital to the functioning of a free and democratic society.

• Right to Peaceably Assemble: The ability for citizens to come together, whether in protest, support, or community gathering, is a cornerstone of our democratic values. It is crucial that this right is upheld and protected, ensuring that voices are heard and that citizens can advocate for change or support causes they believe in.
• Freedom of Religion: The right to practice one’s religion and hold religious services is a deeply personal and constitutionally protected right. It is imperative that individuals and communities can practice their faith, even in challenging times, while also adhering to guidelines that safeguard public health.
• Access to Education: Ensuring that children and students have access to education, even during health crises, is pivotal. Balancing the right to attend school with the necessity of maintaining public health is a nuanced challenge that requires thoughtful, community-oriented solutions.
• Free Expression: The right to express oneself, whether through speech, writing, or other forms of media, is fundamental to our democracy. This right must be upheld, ensuring that citizens can share information, express their views, and engage in constructive dialogue.

While these rights are paramount, it is also crucial to balance them with the collective responsibility to protect public health and safety, especially during a pandemic or health emergency. This involves ensuring that the exercise of these rights is conducted in a manner that is mindful and respectful of public health guidelines and community safety. Navigating the balance between preserving fundamental rights and ensuring public health requires thoughtful leadership, open dialogue with the community, and policies that are both respectful of individual freedoms and protective of our collective well-being.

Closing Statement:

Ammon Residents,

As we stand on the precipice of change, I, Sean Crystal, am here, not just as a candidate but as a fellow community member, who has lived, learned, and grown amidst our vibrant community. My journey, albeit sprinkled with challenges and triumphs, has sculpted me into a person who understands the depth of our collective experiences, aspirations, and concerns.

My candidacy for Ammon City Council Seat #1 is not merely a pursuit of a position but a heartfelt endeavor to serve, uplift, and steer our community towards a future where every voice is heard, every concern is acknowledged, and every triumph is celebrated collectively.

In every challenge I've faced, I've seen an opportunity to learn, grow, and emerge stronger. It is this resilient spirit and learned empathy that I bring to the table. My experiences, both as an entrepreneur and an active community member, have fortified my belief that together, we can navigate through the complexities and challenges ahead.

I am not here to make lofty promises. Instead, I am here to assure you of a leadership that listens, understands, and acts. A leadership that values transparency, upholds constitutional principles, and places the community at the forefront of every decision.

Your support is not just a vote for me; it's a vote for our collective future, our shared values, and our beloved community. Together, let’s weave a future where Ammon not only grows but thrives, ensuring a prosperous and stable environment for us and the generations to follow.

Thank you for considering me as your representative. I am Sean Crystal, and I am here to serve you, to work with you, and to build with you. Let’s embark on this journey together, shaping a future that resonates with our shared dreams and aspirations for Ammon.

Warm Regards,
Sean Crystal

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Scott Wessel- Councilman Seat 1

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