Ellen 'Elle' Susnis

Background

Profession: Graphic Designer / Screen Printer, 33 years at Clearwater Gear; volunteerism: Chair of the Sandpoint Arts, Culture, and Historic Preservation Commission

Educational background: Graduate of Sandpoint High School

How many years as a Bonner County resident: 48 years in Bonner County, 38 years in City of Sandpoint.

Marital status: Not married

Family: Partner, Jason Warren. Son, third generation born at BGH, sophomore at University of Idaho, John Keegan. Mom, Cindy Susnis of Sandpoint. Sisters in Hope and Coeur d’Alene.

Questions

1. I am hopeful the updated Comprehensive Plan will be completed and approved by then. If not, I look forward to finalizing this important document. I would also expand on my work from the Arts, Culture, and Historic Preservation Commission, to continue developing protections for our community character, especially in our historic downtown core.
2. • Improved communication between city elect/staff and our constituents, especially before and during large projects. I hear many times that constituents are unaware of important decisions or projects.
   • Improving infrastructure (streets, sidewalks, wastewater treatment, stormwater treatment, etc). Always important.
   • Preserving our community character, especially historic preservation of the downtown core. Development is imminent, and we need to be prepared.
3. • Providing timely information in utility bills (mail and email), increased social media postings, attending public events, flyers.
   • Using public input to guide staff regarding prioritizing the most critical projects, allocating funding to those projects.
   • Using our ACHP Master Plan, the updated Comprehensive Plan (when adopted), and the results of the Downtown Waterfront Competition (when adopted) to codify design guidelines to protect our historic buildings and protect the look and feel of our downtown core.
4. I feel that listening and being empathetic goes a long way. Having an ongoing, convenient coffee talk kind of casual event for constituents could be a successful outreach.
5. The City Council has spent quite a few years in planning mode, now is the time to continue finding ways to implement infrastructure projects in a timely fashion.
6. I researched the critical issue of the last election, and it was developing affordable and workforce housing to support our citizens who work in our service and manufacturing jobs. A couple years later we have many units being built, but there are now concerns the infrastructure cannot support the additional population and traffic. We need to prioritize fixing the bottlenecks.
7. The issue that needs to be highlighted is preserving our community character, especially protecting our historic downtown buildings, and codifying guidelines for infill development there. We need to protect the look and feel of the downtown core, lest we lose one of the things that make Sandpoint so beautiful and unique. The 2009 Comprehensive Plan barely mentions historic preservation, however the Sandpoint Arts, Culture, and Historic Preservation Master Plan of 2021, and the Comprehensive Plan currently in development offer strong reasons to pursue this goal, and guide implementation. The Downtown Waterfront Competition results should also identify information to solidify this goal.
8. I believe it all comes down to communication, and giving residents enough time to receive information, digest it, and to give meaningful feedback on projects before decision making. That will mean more notices, social media posts, hearings, etc so that the community can share their thoughts and concerns on issues ahead of important decisions.
9. The people of Sandpoint are my favorite. The friends and neighbors I see wherever I am around town, and the new people I meet on the way. The tight knit community we have nurtured.
10. I volunteer at the Museum. Walk my miniature poodle, Georgie. Ride my bike on our awesome bike paths. Raised bed gardening. I dabble in art projects and sewing.
11. Yes. I routinely try to think about both sides of issues, ahead of making a concrete decision.
12. My mom, Cindy. She has always been a strong woman, protecting and nurturing her family at all times. She’s had some health scares in the last year, but resolved to do the work to get heathy, and is now living her best life in her golden years. She is my inspiration.
13. Empathy. Having the ability to place yourself in someone else’s shoes, and see issues from their viewpoint.
14. Why do you choose to live in Sandpoint? Because it’s as close to paradise as you can get.
15. Growth and change are inevitable, but I think together we can harness this energy to enhance the already wonderful things about Sandpoint. As a long time local, I feel I have a unique history and perspective to bring to City Council decisions. This is my hometown, and I love her dearly. I would love the chance to work toward a Sandpoint where my kids and grandkids can find the success and joy that I have had here. Thank you for your consideration.