Margaret Mjelde

1. My tenure as mayor (and as a city council member prior to that) was a privilege, I had the opportunity to complete projects that were advantageous to both Kootenai residents and those who visit and travel through our area. Projects during my term in office included the turn lanes on Highway 200, paving the city’s streets and developing the city park. I love Kootenai and look forward to being of service to our community again. I am retired, and I have even more time and energy to help move Kootenai to the next phase. Growth is upon us and I want to apply my knowledge and experience to help guide that growth in a direction that will benefit us all.

2. I have lived in Kootenai since 1983 and have seen many changes during that time. I have experience with the city as mayor and developed a strong planning and zoning plan. For example, McGhee Road used to consist of a little farm and a feed lot. Together, we worked with the Panhandle Area Council and the developer to make changes and create what is now; a thriving industrial development. When I was previously on the council, we were able to pave the streets and develop the city park without raising taxes. As mayor and a council member, I have worked well with other local cities. Those cooperative efforts brought projects like the SPOT bus system, Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail and a water agreement with the city of Sandpoint to reality.

3. Budgeting can be a challenge, especially with one of the lowest tax rates in Idaho. It can cost a lot of money to run any city, but we were able to accomplish the projects mentioned above, as well as many others, with the use of grants instead raising taxes. “Smart budgeting” is a focus.

Growth is another challenge that all of Bonner County faces. Kootenai has done an excellent job with subdivisions,while maintaining our beloved small-town atmosphere. “Smart Growth” is what we need to continue to improve and implement.

I would like to see the continued improvement of Highway 200. I would also like to help lead the effort to create more parks and bike trails and develop the already-designated park lands in our area.

4. I look forward to working with the council and community to continue our ability to “accomplish a lot with a little” and, thus, assure our Kootenai friends and neighbors that the community we love will stay the same, yet progress in a way that is beneficial to all. We can continue to secure applicable grants to help fund projects, work together to leverage both money and labor, encourage volunteers to participate in moving our community forward and be vigilant that we always understand citizens’ desires for our area.

5. I would like to be a part of assuring that our parks lands — both designated and already in use — are further developed, maintained and become central gathering places to our family-oriented community. More bike paths and quiet, beautiful areas for simply “catching our breath” will be a benefit to us all.

Kootenai is a small community; we need to make sure that commercial and industrial growth is compatible for the people living in our community. Whatever comes into our community affects almost everyone.

6. There is no such thing as a typical workday for an elected official in a small city like Kootenai. I have time — and a lot of energy — to put into this position. We will have committee work, trainings, researching projects, and much more.

7. I look forward working with the city council and being a part of Kootenai headed forward. Because we have an amazing grade school in Kootenai, we have a of young families. I want to expand our special events. We have the Easter Egg hunt, and with the city of Ponderay, the Santa Express. Our Centennial Celebration was such a success, having another similar event in our park would be fun.

8. Typically, I have encountered constructive conversations, rather than conflict. I look forward to sharing my ideas with the community while campaigning.

9. Having lived in Kootenai for 35 years, I love it here. I would really like to work to keep Kootenai the special little town that it is.

10. Do you have a personal agenda that you want to pursue? I don’t have a personal agenda. I want to look out for the citizens, especially the safety and wellbeing of our kids.