Gary Kunzeman
1. I saw progress being made in Ponderay and I wanted to help continue the different projects in our community.
2. In this election, I am seeking my second four-year term as a city councilman. I have spent the last four years working on the council to better Ponderay. I have held the position of Ponderay City Council president for over two years, standing in for the mayor when he is not available. I have been the Ponderay representative to the Bonner County Area Transportation Team and I sit on the SPOT Board of Directors as the vice-chair representing Ponderay. I am retired and I have the time and and the ability to interact with those in our community and the different agencies in our state and neighboring cities.
3. Ponderay is unique in that we are the commercial hub of Bonner County and because of that we find ourselves in sort of a quandry. Our community is geographically small and our population is only 1,150 people but those taxpayers are responsible for keeping up the roads and the services to protect everyone who lives, shops or has businesses in our city. It is a complicated issue. Because of the financial burdens placed on our residents it has become necessary to look to the only resource a city has to help with the increasing costs. Because of this issue the city has placed a local option tax on the ballot.
4. The local option tax on the ballot might seem controversial but there are 13 cities in the state that have had the opportunity to pass this measure and locally Sandpoint is one of them. It is a complicated issue. Because of that it is our job as city representatives to educate our voters on why this is good for our city. We are having open houses in our community before the election to educate the public on why local option tax is needed.
5. I strongly support it.
6. Safety is the paramount reason for the underpass to give our children and residents a safe passage to the lake. We have a beautiful lake a stone’s throw from our residential area that children and adults have been walking unsafely across double railroad tracks to swim and recreate for decades. It is terrifying to watch children dragging their siblings under and between railroad cars to go swimming. The underpass would give us a way for an emergency vehicle to enter the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail in Ponderay in an emergency.
The previous city administration bought the 50 acres with a dream of a huge recreational park where our children could play sports, learn to swim, play ice hockey, where teens had a teen center, and seniors had a center to gather and enjoy activities. We need a place for community gathering. I strongly agree that both the underpass and the Field of Dreams is a great commitment to our community and will be the jewel of Ponderay.
7. I do not look at public service as a councilman as a “legacy.” I see it as a commitment to the public to ensure we do the best for the people we serve.
8. I have spent the last four years working for our residents, attending meetings representing our city. If re-elected this will not change. I have a great rapport with my mayor and council, and I interact with many city officials and state officials and I plan to continue to be available to the residents. I am retired and have no other job responsibilities other than to work 24/7 to devote my time to the city.
9. I look forward to business as usual and working for the people I serve.
10. Being in public office brings along criticism by some people. You can not make everybody happy. I totally understand that not everyone is going to agree on everything but being a good listener to those who disagree with you is important to hear their point of view. I am a good listener.
11. If you could get one thing across to voters during your campaign, what would it be?
I would want them to know that I take my responsibilities as a city councilman very seriously. I know I work for them and I do my best. I have worked very well with our mayor and our council and believe we have done a great job.
I am hoping that with this election we all will continue to work together for Ponderay.
12. Candidate did not answer this question.