Two candidates vie for Seat 4 on Shelley City Council
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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 Sean Kress and Randy Haderlie for Seat 4, a 4-year term, on the Shelley City Council in the upcoming election. Kress is currently been serving on Seat 3 of the council.
Councilwoman Kim Westergard is currently serving on Seat 4 of the council and is now seeking to become the city’s mayor.
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 Kress and Haderlie 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.
Kress: I grew up in East Idaho (Chubbuck) and I am proud to raise my family here. My wife and I are raising our children with the same values of hard work and community service that shaped me. Professionally, I have built businesses in the technology, real estate, and energy sectors, focusing on growth, efficiency, and creating opportunities for others. I hold a background in business management and have spent my career leading teams and driving results.
My volunteer work has included youth programs, church service, and organizing local community events that bring people together. I have been serving on the Shelley City Council for the last year, I have enjoyed my experience working with city leaders, property owners, and local organizations on projects that required collaboration, planning, and fiscal responsibility.
Haderlie: Married with three children, 40 year law enforcement career.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Kress: My proudest accomplishment is my Family. I love them, and they have supported me so much and honestly, without them, I couldn’t have done any of the professional things I have been able to do. Outside of that, I would say it’s building businesses that not only supported my own family but also created jobs and opportunities for others.
Haderlie: My family and advancing to become Chief of Police!
Why are you seeking political office within your community? Briefly explain your political platform.
Kress: I am running to ensure Shelley’s growth is managed responsibly, while preserving the close-knit values we cherish. My platform centers on fiscal responsibility, smart infrastructure planning, affordable housing, and supporting local families and businesses. I want to bring a balanced voice that ensures resources are used wisely and that we prepare Shelley for the future without overburdening taxpayers.
Haderlie: Continue to serve the community!
What are the greatest challenges facing people in your community? How will you address them?
Kress: The biggest challenges include rapid growth, infrastructure demands, and keeping housing affordable. Many families worry about costs rising faster than incomes. My plan is to work closely with developers and city planners to ensure new growth pays its fair share for infrastructure, while also pursuing state and federal grants to reduce the tax burden on residents. By planning ahead instead of reacting, we can avoid unnecessary strain on city resources.
Haderlie: Rapid area growth, search out ways to meet needs of residents!
How will you best represent the views of your constituents—including those with differing perspectives? How will you communicate directly with constituents?
Kress: I will represent all residents by listening first. Even when opinions differ, everyone deserves respect and a voice in the decision-making process. My goal is not to push a personal agenda but to reflect the priorities of Shelley’s citizens.
Haderlie: Even differing opinions can be helpful!
What parts of the city budget could use more funding? Where could cuts be made?
Kress: Public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and parks and recreation need steady funding as Shelley grows. At the same time, we can find savings in administrative overhead, unnecessary consulting contracts, and projects that do not directly serve residents. Every dollar should be tied to a clear benefit for families and taxpayers.
Haderlie: Law enforcement and infrastructure! Don’t want to make cuts, find ways to work within our means!
Outgoing Mayor Pascoe has advised the city to maintain strong contingency funds for emergencies. How will you ensure adequate funding without burdening taxpayers?
Kress: I agree with Mayor Pascoe that contingency funds are essential. I also believe in pursuing grants and public-private partnerships to cover major projects, reducing the reliance on property taxes. By building reserves during good years, we can protect taxpayers when challenges arise.
Haderlie: Contingency funds are for emergency purposes, research ways to keep costs to a minimum!
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?
Kress: We must plan growth strategically, not let it happen unchecked. That means updating zoning laws to encourage affordable housing, ensuring new developments contribute to infrastructure costs, and preserving green spaces that keep Shelley livable.
Partnerships with builders and housing authorities can help provide options for young families and seniors alike. Growth should enhance our community—not price people out of it.
Haderlie: Need to research impact zones and make developers responsible for all cost associated with construction as to not burden the city.