Shannon Mitchell

1. My two daughters inspired me to run for office so I could give back to a town that has given to me and my family for the last 17 years. I’m ready to step off the sidelines and participate in the decision-making processes of the city and be part of the solution. Sandpoint deserves important decisions to be made by council members such as myself who are family-oriented and experienced with facilitating communication and solutions.

2. I work for Bonner County government and believe this enables me to bridge the disconnect between the county and the city. My Bachelor’s degree in English helps me to communicate effectively, and as an IT technician, I’m a problem-solver. Rhetoric and opinions do not solve problems, actions do. Government processes are not intimidating to me as I’ve worked for local government for 10 years and I’m familiar with leveraging government processes to effect change.

3. Traffic flow and parking seem to be constant issues, as well as housing. Whether or not young families can afford housing is an issue, and also its relation to the sewer treatment plant and growth. I would like to work toward a solution before it’s a huge problem rather than spend money afterward. Government transparency and citizen involvement are also hot issues.

4. For housing, we could explore the possibility of tax forgiveness to incentivize developers, and also look into the possibility of federal HUD grants. Traffic flow and parking need expert analysis and local perspective. I haven’t found the plan for the treatment plant yet, so if there isn’t one, then this topic needs some attention. As for transparency and citizen involvement, my communications experience lends itself to disseminating written, verbal, and digital information to the community.

5. Honestly, all 17 elements are important at some level, and many are interconnected. Housing is an important topic for first time buyers and families, as are sidewalks and water drainage. Safety should be a priority and affects our quality of life here. Pedestrians and bicyclists should be able to continue to enjoy our city safely. The efficiency of permitting is important as well. I believe public awareness of the plan, and participation, is critical.

6. The city has jurisdiction outside the airport. The airport itself is a Bonner County function and they must operate in compliance with the FAA regulations and the Airport Master Plan or they lose funding. I believe the county needs to work with the city, and my experience working for Bonner County government would help facilitate this, as the airport is a significant economic engine that generates money for the local economy.

7. The second track in itself could reduce train congestion, but as a concerned citizen and an avid fisherman, I’d like to be sure the checks and balances are in place to ensure potentially toxic materials would be transported without affecting our lake. I feel like this is more of a question of safely transporting hazardous materials than it is a “second track” issue, requiring a combination of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and community input.

8. My legacy will be that City Council is more transparent and accessible once I take office, and that information is spread more aggressively to the community. The other important legacy is for my daughters and others, that you can and should become involved in the things that matter to you, and that you can and should strive to make a difference.

9. Although City Council is a part-time position, I would dedicate time to reading materials and research so that I will be well prepared to discuss and vote on issues. I would reach out to the community for input and information. I am a hard worker and very willing and able to devote time to get work done. I also plan on being in constant communication with the other council members, including the mayor.

10. I look forward to having a seat at a decision-making table for the city of Sandpoint, being sworn-in and ready to start. I look forward to having a voice in solutions. I also look forward to setting an example to my daughters. I am ready to dig in.

11. Possibly that working for the county could be a conflict of interest. I would like to dispel this idea, as I believe it’s quite the opposite. I bring a unique perspective and experience to the table. How better to develop a solution, small or large, than to be able to comprehend multiple viewpoints?

12. My experience working with many government officials can be put to work for the city of Sandpoint, and I wish to bring the concerns of the residents, the kitchen table topics as well as larger issues, to the City Council so that they can develop a deeper understanding of the issues and make educated decisions for the benefit of the community.

13. What do you bring to the table that would make you a successful councilperson, and what do you consider the most important characteristics of a councilperson? I bring extensive experience in local government and/or public service, including budgeting, project management, managing staff, and technology. Important traits for a successful councilperson are honorability, transparency, and trustworthiness with the intellect and drive to make a difference.