Kate McAlister

1. I love where I live and am inspired by those who serve our community on a daily basis, especially the unsung heroes; teachers, servers, nurses, those who work retail, foresters, landscapers, office workers, the worker bees who don’t get recognition but continue to keep our community going. Earlier this year, several local business owners approached me and asked me to consider running. It is my time to step up and stand up for our community.

2. By virtue of my job with the Chamber of Commerce, I have gotten to know and be involved in Sandpoint and the region. From business development to tourism, the Chamber has given me insights into who we are as a community. I’ve lived in Sandpoint for almost 27 years and have also enjoyed giving my personal time in service to local nonprofits. I would like to think I’m well-versed in Sandpoint.

3. Affordable housing — How can our community thrive and be sustainable if our citizens can’t even find an affordable rental? There are very few long-term and they are expensive and often restrictive, and purchasing a starter home is well beyond the local wages. All voices matter — This community belongs to all of us and we deserve to be heard. Educational choices with better funding — This is the foundation for our future and generations to come.

4. Affordable housing: I will collaborate with participating groups. Concerned citizens are already working to begin solving this issue. This affects all of us and we need to create an implementable plan. All voices matter: I will continue to listen. All of us are a part of this community and deserve to be heard. Education: We need to continue our partnership with NIC and Lewis-Clark to create educational programs to fill the jobs we need here.

5. All elements of the master plan are important. A lot of thoughtful discussion has narrowed it down to what we see in the plan. Everything works in tandem and deserves focus. It is a matter of priority as to how each element is addressed. It is vitally important we have a plan for going forward and addressing future issues and growth. Without a plan how do we know where we are headed, or how to budget?

6. I respect the city’s decision to put a moratorium on rezoning for development until the comprehensive plan is complete. If you have read the plan for the airport, then you know there are many things to be taken into consideration. I feel the city has tried to capture all issues pertinent to completing the plan. As always, the community needs to speak up and be involved.

7. I am not an expert either in trains or environmental impact issues. I have to trust the experts who created these reports did a thoughtful and thorough job. Citizens have been encouraged to voice their opinions in community gatherings and BNSF has had several presentations regarding the second bridge. Also keep in mind, the railroad is practically a nation unto themselves. We should be thinking about what they can do for our community.

* Disclaimer: BNSF did not donate to my campaign

8. I would hope when others think of me and my time on City Council they would say I worked with all citizens, even those of differing opinions, to resolve issues and find solutions for our community. All reflecting the will of the citizens and our common values, and that my actions followed my words. That I represented our community well.

9. Working at the chamber, I don’t see it changing much. My staff and I have always attended the shopping district meetings and we go out and talk to business owners and staff on a regular basis. I imagine there will be more meetings, in addition to City Council meetings, and lots of reading. I do both now, so again, I feel my typical day will be business as usual.

10. Being a voice for those who feel disenfranchised and being a part of the decision making process. Our community belongs to all of us.

11. As a leader, being liked is not my goal. My goal is to be fair and represent our community to the best of my ability based on community input. It takes very little effort to get to know someone, but it hardly ever happens. As to handling critics, I will address them as needed. At 60, I know who I am and what I stand for.

12. This is your community, be involved, don’t be afraid to ask questions or speak out. Be informed. If you want to know something about what is going on, find out. Elected officials work for all of us. Get out and vote. I had a veteran tell me the best way for all of us to support the troops and our country is to get out and vote. That’s what he fought for, and what other brave individuals are still fighting for.

13. What does leadership mean to you?

For me, leadership should be based on common-sense solutions, not partisan or ideological convictions, to bring balance to our political process. A leader takes in all information and makes the best decision possible. An effective leader knows it’s not about sides, it’s about representing even those who disagree with us because that is what a leader does for the greater good. A leader helps bring about change and guides others through the change.