Kathy Osborne

1: What inspired you to run for elected office?

For the last year and a half I have been serving on the Ponderay City Council as an appointee of the mayor. While my prior experience with budgets, grants, and working with several departments was helpful, I learned much more about the ongoing relationship between cities. This is very inspiring to me as I run for office.

2: What unique qualifications would you bring to office that no one else could match?

I have served on the board of directors of the Bonner County History Museum for 12 years, five as president. I own a farm and have been a small business owner. My experience with agriculture, ITD, land conservation, and planning and zoning position me well to work with the leadership of Ponderay.

3. What are the most important issues facing the community? Why?

Growth and development management will likely be in front of Ponderay for quite some time. Consider the Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail. Questions should arise such as how much development to allow along the lake shore, what kind of development, or if there should be any at all. The citizenry needs to be part of the conversation because it will eventually be impacted.

4. How do you plan to address these issues?

My hope is to increase public attendance at the city council meetings. With community involvement working within the confines of existing codes, I believe public input can help city government decide which development path to take.

5. If elected, what legacy would you hope to create? Why?

I hope I am remembered for having beaten the drum of community involvement. That every time the mayor comes to a public comment portion of the agenda, someone in the community has something to say, good or bad, compliment or complaint.

6. How do you foresee your typical workday as an elected official?

Each day will include variations of talking to people and businesses in the community. There will be visits to the Plan-ning and Zoning meetings, occasional attendance at training meetings, and sewer district meeting. Each day will include a drive around the city to see how development is coming along on current projects, and time spent becoming more familiar with city code.

7. What do you most look forward to after you are elected?

I have seen how a fiscally responsible leadership can function successfully to keep costs under control while making sure each department has what it needs to serve the people of the community. I look forward to learning more. I had a few opportunities to participate in community-wide events. I look forward to serving and participating more in the coming years.

8. What’s the harshest criticism you expect to face on the campaign trail and how would you respond to such criticism?

I have not been made aware of any criticism thus far. Should there be any, I expect to respond as I always do, with respect and lots and lots of questions.

9. If you could only get one thing across to voters during your campaign, what would it be?

Community participation is so needed. Along with existing code, the Mayor and Council look to the people for ideas and suggestions to make sure that necessary changes and development are of the most benefit to the community and the city.

10. What question should every candidate be asked? What is your answer?

"What is your agenda?" My only agenda is to continue serving the people of Ponderay through existing codes and laws, combined with continuous communication with businesses and the community. .