Citizens for Valley County

Friends, family, and concerned locals all approached me and asked if I would consider running for the office of Valley County Commissioner. It was a difficult decision to make, but while looking at the beauty of the snow on mountains east of McCall, I decided to formally ask the community to consider my offer to serve this county.

I am motivated by a deep appreciation for the local landscape. I will fight for continued public access to our surrounding federal land. I also, however, believe that our local knowledge enables us to be effective stewards, managers, and utilizers of our local resources. While working, briefly (its bloody hard work!) for Ikola logging, I saw how well-guided use of the land can be done for everyone's benefit. I want to use this well-grounded, balanced perspective for the good of the community.

I am also concerned with ensuring that our county is an affordable place to live. With the recreational access we have, it is easy to understand why it can be expensive to live here. Affordable housing must be a priority for those who want to maintain our areas vibrancy as a community. While I am lucky to live in my childhood home (yeah, I know) I also watch people of my own age fret and hustle as they try to join, or even stay, in our community.

I, admittedly, have limited experience in direct governance. Since high school and McCall-Donnelly, I have engaged in various volunteer committees and other leadership roles. Currently, I am a member of the McCall Library's Board of Trustees, the McCall Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC), and the Big Payette Lake Water Quality Advisory Council.

One special strength that I have is my ability to understand and appreciate various viewpoints and perspectives. As a doctor of philosophy, I am particularly well trained in this ability. For example, being raised by wildlife biologist, I am by nature motivated towards environmental protection. However, I also appreciate and endorse the wise-use of natural resources. While working with the EAC I've worked to protect the quality of the lake, but have also endorsed the relaxing of stormwater run-off regulations where such changes were supported by common sense.

I greatly appreciate your consideration and support as a candidate for the office of Valley County Commissioner. Please contact me here, or by email at gould4valleycounty@gmail.com. I want to listen to you.