Two candidates seek to replace outgoing Shelley Mayor Stacy Pascoe

EDITOR’S NOTE: EastIdahoNews.com will be publishing the responses to candidate questionnaires every day through the municipal election on Nov. 4. Read them all here.

SHELLEY — Voters will choose between current city councilwoman Kim Westergard and Alan Dial in the upcoming election to replace outgoing Shelley Mayor Stacy Pascoe, who is not seeking re-election.

RELATED: Three-term Shelley mayor won’t seek re-election

Each candidate was given the same list of eight questions, with a 250-word limit per answer. Responses were only edited for minor punctuation, grammar, and length.

Learn more about candidates Westergard and Dial in their responses below.

Elections are on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

QUESTIONS:

Tell us about yourself—include family, career, education, volunteer work and any prior experience in public office.

Westergard: Serving Shelley has been a privilege. Over the past 12 years on City Council, I’ve worked to shape policies that keep our small-town values strong while preparing us for the future. As a fifth-generation Shelley Russet, this isn’t just my hometown; it’s my family’s legacy. Brett and I raised our children here, and now our grandchildren are growing up in the same community. That’s why I’m so invested in getting it right.

I’m running for mayor because I believe Shelley needs leadership that understands both where we’ve come from and where we’re headed. Growth is inevitable. What matters is how we guide that growth, ensuring it strengthens rather than erodes our sense of community. My record shows I ask the hard questions, prioritize fiscal responsibility, and value both tradition and innovation.

More than anything, I want to ensure that the Shelley my grandchildren inherit is safe, family-friendly, and sustainable. Running for mayor is less about politics and more about people. It’s about making sure Shelley continues to be the hometown we’re proud to pass down to the next generation.

Dial: I have been married to my beautiful wife Tammi for 46 years. We have three hard working sons, two intelligent beautiful daughters in-laws, 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. I graduated from Rigby High School and served in the United States Army for three years. I worked in construction for several years, earning my journey electrician license.

I proudly served the City of Shelley with the police department for 30 years, 24 of which as Chief of Police. I earned my Idaho Police Association certificate. I have volunteered as a grid kid football coach, little league boy and girl baseball coach, church leader and boy scout leader. Since retirement I have worked for the Shelley School District as a bus driver.

Currently, I hold the position of Interim President on a national, multi-million dollar board. I am not a natural politician. I know I can be Shelley’s Leader and lead us into a successful future.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Westergard: My proudest accomplishment will always be my family. Raising our children in Shelley and now watching our grandchildren grow has been the greatest joy of my life. They inspire my commitment to public service because the decisions we make today will shape the community they inherit tomorrow.

This year, our family faced heartbreak after losing a grandchild before birth. Out of that grief came a project close to my heart: creating a memorial at Hillcrest Cemetery for families who have lost little ones too soon. The way our neighbors rallied around us reminded me that Shelley is more than a city; it’s an extended family bound by compassion and care.

To me, leadership isn’t just about numbers on a ledger. It’s about listening, showing up with empathy, and creating spaces where people feel supported. The Hillcrest memorial became a testimony to the kind of community Shelley strives to be, one that strengthens each other through every season of life.

Just as I’ve worked to provide a strong foundation for my own family, I will continue to build a solid foundation for the Shelley family; balancing growth with small-town values, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and creating opportunities for the next generation.

Dial: My proudest accomplishment is the success of our three sons and their families and I can attribute that to teachers, church leaders and coaches. And my marriage of 46 yrs. Serving my country in the US Army. Knowing that I did my best to serve, protect and help the citizens as a police officer.

Why are you seeking political office within your community? Briefly explain your political platform.

Westergard: I am running for mayor because Shelley is my home. It’s where I grew up, where Brett and I raised our children, and where our grandchildren now thrive. As a fifth-generation Shelley Russet, I feel called to continue the tradition of service that has shaped our community. After 12 years on City Council, I know both the challenges ahead and the opportunities worth seizing.
My platform is centered on three pillars:

Economic growth and opportunity—supporting local businesses, pursuing grants, and attracting jobs so families can thrive here.

Investing in services and infrastructure—safe water and roads, strong police coverage, and parks and recreation that enrich family life.

Fiscal responsibility with compassion—ensuring every tax dollar is wisely spent while building a community where all residents feel heard and valued.

Public service, to me, is not about politics but about people. I want to ensure Shelley grows in ways that honor our values while providing a bright future for families.

Dial: The City of Shelley has been good to my family and myself. I believe it is time to give back to the community. I believe every citizen in the city has the same rights as any other citizens of the city without discrimination of age, race, income status, sex or opinions. Some of the priorities:
● Responsible city growth.
● Responsible spending of city funds.
● New businesses.
● Continued safety of our citizens.

What are the greatest challenges facing people in your community? How will you address them?

Westergard: Shelley’s greatest challenge is creating opportunities that allow families and young people to stay, work, and thrive here. Too often, our graduates feel they must leave to find jobs or amenities elsewhere, while many small businesses struggle to grow.
Building a stronger local economy is key. That means supporting small businesses, pursuing grants, investing in downtown revitalization, and strengthening infrastructure to attract new investment. At the same time, we must prepare amenities and services like safe walkways, modern parks, and programs for youth and seniors, that make Shelley not just a place to live, but a place to stay.

Meeting these challenges will take partnerships with residents, businesses, and regional organizations. My approach is collaborative and pragmatic: prioritize projects that matter most, stretch dollars through outside funding, and keep an eye on long-term sustainability.
By focusing on economic stability and family-friendly spaces, we can give our residents every reason to build their lives here. When families and businesses succeed, Shelley succeeds.

Dial: When talking to the citizens of Shelley, the popular concern was growth and how it will impact the current residents. I believe in responsible spending of city funds. I believe we need to make a solid plan on our growth and make sure we have water and other resources for the future. And ensure our current residents are not impacted.

Making sure we have affordable housing for everyone.. Involve residents through city counsel meetings, surveys, and workshops. Get input from our city department leaders, land developers, and builders to ensure our city is fundamentally prepared to handle this level of growth in a responsible and sustainable way. We must watch our spending to ensure we have strong contingency funds.

How will you best represent the views of your constituents—including those with differing perspectives? How will you communicate directly with constituents?

Westergard: For nearly three decades, I’ve run my salon in Shelley. Every client who sits in my chair brings their own story, concerns, or ideas. My responsibility has always been to listen carefully, respond with respect, and leave them better than when they arrived. I believe city leadership should work the same way.

As mayor, I will bring that one-on-one care to City Hall. That’s why I am committed to something Shelley has never had before: designated mayor’s office hours. These open sessions will give every resident the opportunity to sit down face-to-face, share ideas, or raise concerns in a welcoming environment.

I know issues are rarely one-sided. Real solutions often come from hearing all perspectives and working toward common ground. My promise is to listen first, weigh carefully, and then act transparently on behalf of the whole community.

Shelley deserves leadership that is approachable, accessible, and deeply committed to hearing its citizens. With my experience in business and city service, I’ll ensure every voice matters in shaping our future.

Dial: In my police work conflict resolution is not new to me. It requires listening with an open mind, clearly identifying the problem, discussing in a respectful, honest manner, and working together to find a solution that is in the best interests of our city and its residents. I believe that there is a compromise on everything. There should always be an open dialog to ensure everyone is heard and all aspects are observed.

What parts of the city budget could use more funding? Where could cuts be made?

Westergard: Budgets reflect priorities. My top priorities are clear: public safety, infrastructure, and quality of life. This past year, our police force grew to provide 24/7 double coverage, an investment I strongly supported. Infrastructure remains equally vital. Reliable water lines, well-maintained roads, and community parks are critical for current residents and future generations. And beyond essentials, spaces for families, walkways, recreation, beautification, make Shelley the kind of hometown people are proud to call home.

At the same time, I believe in careful stewardship of tax dollars. That means watching administrative costs, scaling back non-essential projects, and looking for partnerships to reduce burdens on residents. My experience has shown that grants and outside funding can often cover major needs. By pursuing these resources, we improve services without raising taxes unnecessarily.

My philosophy is simple: spend smarter, not just more. With transparency and accountability, we can keep Shelley safe, welcoming, and fiscally strong while preparing responsibly for growth.

Dial: I believe our city officials are doing a great job managing our city’s budget. The mayor does not make these decisions alone—the budget is a collaborative effort between the mayor, city council, and input from our citizens. The budget is planned year to year. For me to define what will happen next year would be irresponsible.

I strongly believe that we must be financially responsible. Our citizens have voiced their concerns are lack of parks-play areas for our children, water issues, and need for new businesses. We must all work together to ensure we succeed as a safe community we all love.

Outgoing Mayor Pascoe has advised the city to maintain strong contingency funds for emergencies. How will you ensure adequate funding without burdening taxpayers?

Westergard: Strong contingency funds are essential. As a City Council member, I’ve helped build and safeguard those reserves, knowing they are Shelley’s safety net in times of crisis.

As mayor, I will continue that discipline by focusing on three strategies: managing spending carefully, prioritizing needs over wants, and seeking outside funding whenever possible. I’ve already seen how effective grants can be, most recently securing $250,000 for new courts at Brinkman Park, a major improvement made without added taxes.

This balanced approach; saving consistently, spending wisely, and aggressively pursuing external support, ensures Shelley is always prepared for emergencies while staying fair to taxpayers.

Dial: I have worked under four former mayors and councils as their Chief of Police. Each year the contingency fund has been carefully and responsibly budgeted. I plan on continuing this. I will work with the city’s counsel, planning and zoning committee and other city leaders to ensure that the contingency fund remains strong.

Shelley is experiencing rapid growth, edging closer to Idaho Falls. How will you prepare the city for the future, particularly regarding growth and affordable housing?

Westergard: Growth is here, and the key is guiding it wisely. Completing our Area of Impact agreement with Bingham County will allow Shelley to set clear boundaries and policies for nearby development. By planning proactively, we protect infrastructure, preserve small-town character, and ensure growth pays its fair share.

At the same time, new recreation opportunities like the Rec District will strengthen community life as our population grows. Expanding essential services, water, sewer, and public safety, must also be done in phased, responsible ways, with developers contributing to the costs.

Schools are another critical piece. With our high school nearing capacity, I’ll work closely with the Shelley School District to ensure classroom space, safe routes, and student needs are addressed.

Affordable housing remains an urgent priority. Families, seniors, and first-time buyers all deserve options. By encouraging well-designed, mixed housing and collaborating with builders and community partners, we can meet demand while keeping the heart of Shelley intact.

Our future depends on balancing growth with values. With thoughtful planning, Shelley can remain both vibrant and true to the hometown spirit we love.

Dial: Affordable housing means making sure that every current and future citizen of Shelley can live within their means without being priced out of our community. We have a planning and zoning committee that we rely on and work with to make these decisions. With the council, planning and zoning committee. I would like to work with land developers, business owners and citizens to get their input.

Throughout my career I attended City Council meetings, managed the police budget, handled conflict/resolution with logical and sound thinking. I had to come to the best solution, whether it was popular or not. I worked as an electrician in both commercial and residential buildings. I feel I have a grasp on the construction and impact growth has on our community.

As development continues, I want Shelley to remain a smaller, pocket community where people feel safe, happy, and proud to call home.