No Place Like Home
"Pocatello is where I raised my children, met my beautiful wife, started a small business, and served as a Police Officer for 16 years. I have built strong ties in this community and have developed friendships that will last a lifetime. Pocatello is my home, it's where I plan on spending the rest of my life"
- Greg Cates -
THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY
(what people are saying)
Over the past few months, I have received comments and feedback from several thousand people who live and/or work in Pocatello. I've also met with business owners, land owners, and community leaders. We spoke about all things Pocatello - The good, The bad & The ugly. First I'll share what they said (actual comments) then I'll discuss ways to cultivate a more unified and supportive community.
THE GOOD
"The great outdoors, people in the community, small town vibe, close to everything, historical buildings, enjoy all seasons, college town, beautiful surroundings, good place to raise kids, endless outdoor recreation, decent cost of living, historic old-town district, a city with lots of potential, Ross Park pool, wonderful memories"
THE BAD
"Armpit of Idaho, stagnant economy, lack of jobs, high property taxes, nothing to do, limited family activities, needs a new mayor, wasteful city spending, infrastructure is crumbling, roadways are dangerous, huge drug problem, school closures, run-down properties, lack of affordable housing, good-ole boys club, needs better shopping and restaurants, lack of code enforcement, too many car washes, apartments and trailer courts, subpar school district, poor city management, congested roadways, homeless transients"
THE UGLY
"Yellowstone Avenue, center street underpass, everything looks worn out, potholes in roads, no pride in ownership, weeds everywhere, Westwood Mall, mismatched store fronts, needs a serious facelift, abandoned vehicles, empty businesses left to deteriorate, car wash on every corner, the cemetery, our city's reputation, government corruption"
______________________________________________
I have learned over the past few months that our community is very divided in thought, vision, and purpose. The one thing everyone seems to agree on is that we live in a very beautiful valley with endless recreational opportunities. Most would also agree Pocatello has the potential to be something great, it just needs new leadership. But there are certain issues that are so polarizing that we’ll just have to agree to disagree.
The question is, as Mayor, how will I effect positive change in our community and make Pocatello a better place to live for everyone? There is an old saying “Fight for the things that you care about but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” With that in mind, I believe the following steps are crucial to my success:
Understanding the community, fostering open communication, practicing integrity and accountability, leading with empathy, encouraging participation and involvement, staying educated and well-informed, being adaptable and open-minded, delegating and empowering others, staying resilient and persistent, and engaging in self-reflection.
______________________________________________
MY TOP PRIORITIES
PROPERTY TAXES
"The problem is not that people are taxed too little, the problem is that government spends too much"
- Ronald Reagan -
People always ask "how are you going to reduce property taxes?" The answer is simple - The Mayor controls the budget, the budget controls property taxes.
City budgets are more than just numbers on a spreadsheet. Each line item is a reflection of our community's priorities and values. Every dollar allocated in the budget impacts the services you receive, the quality of life in your neighborhood, and the future development of our city. Whether it's funding for public safety, road improvements, or new parks, our city's budget directly affects your daily life.
Each year, the city prepares and the Council adopts a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. In conjunction with the budget process, the Council decides how much property taxes they will need to fund tax-supported services like streets, police, fire protection, parks, library, cemetery, etc. The Council also reviews utility rates and other fees as part of the budgeting process.
When expenditures (spending) exceed revenue (income), the shortage is passed along to the citizens in the form of property taxes. This happens every year and, unfortunately, the gap between income and spending is growing wider and wider. In 2025, your property taxes will cover 53% of the general fund.
Lets take a quick look at Pocatello's budget over the last 4 years (FY2022 - FY2025): In 2022, expenditures were $136 million, citizens paid $31.7 million in property taxes. In 2023, expenditures were $156 million, citizens paid $32.2 million in property taxes. In 2024, expenditures were $167 million, citizens paid $33.1 million in property taxes. In 2025, expenditures are listed at $164 million, citizens will pay $34.1 million in property taxes. As you can see, government spending has a direct and substantial impact on property taxes.
Everyone I speak with agrees that government spending and property taxes are a serious problem in Pocatello. One could argue that high property taxes are the very reason our city is struggling with economic growth. When comparing the 10 largest cities in Idaho, Pocatello routinely ranks at the top for highest levied tax rates. Unfortunately, 2024 was no exception. Pocatello was once again ranked #1 in the state.
When city government increases financial pressure on homeowners due to wasteful spending, it results in rising property taxes that eventually put the dream of owning a home out of reach for many who can afford a mortgage but not the taxes.
Property taxes don’t just affect homeowners, they also affect our economy. Businesses won’t invest in Pocatello if they are being taxed to death. Teresa McKnight, the CEO of Regional Economic Development for Eastern Idaho (REDI), told the mayor and City Council that data obtained via REDI’s site selection process with various businesses interested in setting up shop in East Idaho suggests high property taxes are a major detriment. McKnight stated “One thing that has come up consistently has been costs.” McKnight added “The second thing that’s been a factor, especially with the one company we are talking to right now who is looking to move their entire operation here … is they just don’t know what is happening with your property taxes. We have people that are looking at homes right now and when they look at the cost comparison of what they are paying in California … and what their property taxes are, it’s a concern for their employees.” Unfortunately, our mayor discounted everything Teresa McKnight said in that meeting, her contract with the city was subsequently terminated.
As Mayor, I will make it my priority to eliminate wasteful spending and improve the efficiency of our city government. This will result in substantial property tax relief for every homeowner and renter in Pocatello.
One very recent, controversial example of wasteful spending is the $94,000.00 rebranding project that involved the design of a new city logo and tagline "The One and Only." For some reason, our mayor and city council decided to hire an out-of-state company to complete this project rather than hiring a company from within our own community and helping to boost our own economy. Estimates to fully implement this new logo and tagline citywide have ranged from $2,000,000.00 to $3,000,000.00.
I will mandate that every city department head prepare a budget that is sustainable and aligned with our mission to reduce wasteful spending. We will assess our current financial situation, set clear goals, prioritize essential expenses, incorporate sustainable practices, and consistently monitor spending. By working together, we will submit a budget to city council that is balanced and efficient. A budget that is focused on reducing property taxes and allocating funds to essential needs first to ensure the integrity of our public safety, city services, infrastructure, transportation, and housing.
Aside from protecting your hard-earned tax dollars, I will shine a light on spending and bring transparency back to our budgeting process. I will require that every dollar spent be easily tracked and understood by members of our community. After all, it's your money, you deserve to know what it's being spent on. Let’s work together to strengthen public trust, streamline budget communications, and create a more accountable financial future for our community.
I understand my position on reducing spending may cause some to believe I will be needlessly cutting jobs and services, but nothing could be further from the truth. I want everyone to know, It is not my intention to eliminate city services or employees. I worked for the city for 16 years and I truly value the dedication and hard work of everyone who works there. I also understand your families rely on you to earn an income.
Fortunately there are more rational, effective ways of reducing spending than taking a hacksaw to the workforce or cutting services. For example, when someone quits or retires, I will get together with supervisors and department heads to determine if it's necessary to fill the position with someone else. If it doesn't make sense, then the position could be eliminated. The resulting savings could then be shifted to better pay and benefits for existing employees or help fund essential services. The process is called attrition and it's commonly used during times of financial strain or when trying to manage a budget.
Other ways to reduce spending include weighing needs versus wants, asking ourselves is it necessary or just more convenient. For instance, do we need 260 employees running around with P-Cards (city credit cards)? Over the last few years, P-Card purchases have totaled between $300,000.00 to $500,000.00 per year with very little oversight. Does every supervisor need a take-home vehicle? Do we need an on-site NAPA Auto Parts store inside our city's Fleet Services Department at a cost of thousands of dollars every month? Do we need to be spending millions of dollars to subsidize Delta Airlines profit-loss margin and expenses?
There are many other examples where our city could adjust spending and reduce the budget. I believe we need to focus on being fiscally responsible whenever possible in order to bring much needed relief to our taxpayers.
PUBLIC SAFETY
"Safety isn't expensive, it's priceless"
- Jerry Smith -
"Public safety is something we all take for granted until it’s compromised. It’s not just a concept, it’s the foundation of a thriving community. When people feel safe, they’re free to live, work, and connect without constant worry. It’s what allows neighborhoods to flourish and businesses to grow."
Public safety is a broad term that encompasses a variety of measures to protect people, their rights, their property, and their quality of life. It includes crime prevention, law enforcement, emergency response, public health, safety education, and infrastructure. In the realm of public safety, the adage "It takes a village" holds particularly true. Through strategic partnerships with our first responders and the community, we can enhance emergency response and build a safer, more prepared community.
As mayor, I will focus on improving public safety and quality of life for everyone. That includes safer streets, safer neighborhoods, and safer schools. I will provide full support to our Police Officers, Firefighters, and Paramedics, by making sure they have all the resources necessary to do their jobs. I will utilize my 16 years experience as a Pocatello Police Officer to evaluate our processes and support proactive measures that address risks, reduce crime, enhance safety, and strengthen community relations.
I was fortunate to have served 18 months as the Community Resource Officer and Public Information Officer at the Pocatello Police Department. During that time, I streamlined crime reporting, encouraged community involvement, reimplemented a neighborhood watch program, and improved transparency within the police department. I also fostered strong working relationships with surrounding law enforcement agencies, community organizations, business owners, local charities, news organizations, and members of the judicial system. I will utilize that experience and the connections I have built to empower our community to take an active role in creating a safer, more secure city for themselves and their families.
ECONOMY
"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it"
- Ronald Reagan -
Idaho has been ranked as one of the "best places to live" and "fastest growing states" in the country. Cities like Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Coeur d'Alene, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls have all experienced record breaking growth and prosperity, but not Pocatello.
Pocatello is situated in the perfect location, surrounded by beauty and endless outdoor recreation. Two major interstates literally converge at our front door. Pocatello has an airport, a railroad, and a university. It's conveniently located within a few hours of Salt Lake City, Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole, and some of the best fishing, hunting, and skiing in the country. So why isn't Pocatello flourishing like everywhere else in Idaho?
Some say it's intentional, that our city leaders don't want Pocatello to grow. Others say it's too expensive and difficult to develop land or start a business in our city. Regardless of opinion, there's no arguing the fact that Pocatello's economy is stagnant, showing little to no substantial growth over the last 16 years.
When comparing the 10 largest cities in Idaho, Pocatello routinely ranks at the bottom for population growth, economic growth , workforce growth, industry growth (-8.2%), and median household income. As a direct result, Pocatello has the highest poverty rate at 13.9% living below the poverty line, compared to the Idaho average of 10.1%, and the percentage of our citizens relying on food stamps has remained mostly unchanged while other comparable cities have reduced their citizen's reliance on government assistance. (US Census Bureau 2010 - 2023)
We need to establish policies that promote smart growth while supporting existing businesses and attracting new businesses to our city. We must focus on creating jobs that pay a livable wage and offer long-term employment opportunities that enable people to lead productive, prosperous, and meaningful lives. More jobs and growth will result in higher household incomes and revenue streams that will help alleviate the burden of high property taxes.
There are several ways to strengthen our economy and make Pocatello a more desirable place to do business. SICOG recognized three pathways: Elevate Industry, Advance Individuals, Strengthen Communities. As mayor, I will work with our city council, city departments, and members of the community to accomplish the following goals:
-
Create a business friendly environment by reducing property taxes and regulations.
-
Support local businesses by incentivizing them to increase wages and expand operations.
-
Utilize tax increment financing (TIF) and business improvement districts to revitalize commercial centers.
-
Stabilize the housing market by supporting regional housing partners who address housing needs and solutions.
-
Streamline permitting and approval process, making development more timely, cost-effective, and predictable.
-
Develop / implement a city-wide marketing strategy.
-
Involve our community and local business owners in the decision-making process.
-
Energize existing industry and commerce.
-
Build partnerships between ISU College of Business and local business owners, Career Path Internship Program.
-
Support start-up businesses by developing accelerator programs that help them overcome challenges and scale quickly.
-
Build a stronger identity for Pocatello (who are we?) by adopting a consistent messaging platform.
-
Optimize pubic transportation for easier access to jobs, shopping, services and recreation.
-
Develop long-term economic sustainability.
-
Work strategically with local & regional economic development partners to attract new businesses.
-
Address aging infrastructure, support advancements in technology.
-
Encourage entrepreneurial business start-up development and growth by offering resources for success.
My vision for Pocatello is a city that offers everyone the opportunity to live, work, and play right here in our own backyard. A big part of that vision involves keeping our families together, which is why it's imperative to retain our locally educated and trained young adults. We need to create a job market that affords them ample opportunities to stay here, instead of moving away to start a career, start a family, or buy their first home. When our children move away, and our families are broken apart, it weakens our community and impacts our quality of life. Keeping our families together is crucial to the success of Pocatello.
“It is of the utmost importance that Pocatello elects a mayor who puts public safety first, prioritizes property tax relief, spends your tax dollars wisely, and delivers city services efficiently. We need someone who’s capable, accountable, and committed to serving the people of Pocatello."
WHY AM I RUNNING FOR MAYOR? I’m running for Mayor because Pocatello is my home and I'm not happy with the direction our city is headed. I believe we all deserve better. We deserve a Mayor who will put the best interests of the citizens first. A Mayor we can trust to do the right thing even when no one is looking. We deserve a Mayor who will lead by example with the highest level of integrity and transparency. A Mayor who understands the challenges we face and who has the vision, courage, and determination to overcome them. It's time for change.
WHY AM I THE BEST CHOICE? The Mayor's #1 responsibility is ensuring the safety and security of the community. Having served as a Pocatello Police Officer for 16 years, I am the only candidate who possesses the training and experience necessary to effectively fill that role. I've handled over 30,000 calls for service. I spent 10 hours a day, 4 days a week, for 16 years patrolling every inch of this city. I have a unique perspective of Pocatello and the citizens who live here. I know this city inside and out, I know what happens at night when the lights go out, I know the struggles our community is facing. No other candidate has seen what I've seen or risked their life on a daily basis to protect your family.
WHAT MAKES ME DIFFERENT THAN OTHER CANDIDATES? I have spent most of my life as a public servant and business owner. My experience doesn’t come from textbooks or classrooms. My experience comes from decades of hands-on, real-life situations that have taught me how to remain focused, solve problems, and survive under the most stressful conditions imaginable. During my career in law enforcement, I learned the importance of treating people fairly and with respect, having a strong moral compass and unquestionable integrity, being an effective communicator, having the courage to risk my own life for someone I’ve never met, being able to solve problems quickly under extreme pressure, getting people to listen and compromise, showing empathy and compassion for others, being able to take charge during emergencies, and being strong enough - mentally and physically - to go home at the end of the day and fill my role as loving husband and father.
WHAT ARE MY VALUES? I was raised by my father. He worked three jobs to provide for our family. He was a full-time San Jose Police Officer, a bank teller, and a grocery clerk. He sacrificed everything to make sure I was well-cared for. My father was my hero, my protector, my best friend. He taught me that anything is possible if you try hard enough and never quit. He instilled in me the importance of family, hard work, accountability, sacrifice, integrity, courage, fairness, independence, and compassion. To this day, I apply these values and principles to every aspect of my life.
WHY IS THIS ELECTION SO IMPORTANT? Pocatello has been struggling for way too long. It’s time for change. It’s time to elect a mayor who can usher in the next chapter for our city. A mayor who will rebuild trust in our city government, reduce wasteful spending to lower property taxes, make livable wages and affordable housing a priority, keep our families together, improve the safety and security of our community, improve our infrastructure, build safer roads, protect open spaces, and work diligently to improve quality of life for everyone. There is so much work to be done, but through a collaborative effort between citizens, community leaders, local organizations & activists, city council members, department heads, local government agencies, Idaho State University, business owners, and experts in the field of economic development, I have no doubt we can make our vision a reality.
WHY SHOULD YOU VOTE FOR ME? I've received comments and feedback from thousands of people over the past few months. What I'm hearing is very troubling. A lot of citizens are saying they've lost trust in our city government. They are tired of being silenced, fooled and ignored by the very people they elected to protect them. I also find myself questioning the effectiveness of our city government and the motivations behind their decisions. I watched as Mayor Blad removed public comment from city council meetings. I've also witnessed our Mayor and City Council trash talk surrounding communities and insult our own citizens for daring to speak out against their agendas. This is not the way a city government should be conducting business. Our elected leaders should exhibit intelligence, grace, patience, and a commitment to respond diplomatically to public comment they may not agree with. Genuine leadership recognizes a variety of opinions exist within the community and values the ongoing public debates that occur between government and its people. When I'm elected Mayor, I promise to bring integrity, transparency, accountability, and open communication back to our city government.
NEWS
FOLLOW GREG ON SOCIAL MEDIA