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The letters below were submitted to GoBurley and no editing has taken place.  In order to remove GoBurley.com  from a bias role, we determined the best way to present Burley Politics was to allow the candidates to represent themselves. We are listing the information in alphabetical order. Comments on the letters have been deactivated, but you may leave comments on the post from yesterday entitled…City Canidates Reach Out On Go Burley To Get Their Message Heard

Casey Anderson

My name is Casey Andersen.  I am running for a seat on the Burley City Council.   I am a lifelong resident of the area and have lived in Burley for 33 years.   It˙s been a good community to raise my family in.    I have owned & operated an auto repair & restoration business for 30 years.

I was part of the team which allowed Burley to be certified as an Idaho Gem Community, which helps acquire grants for community development.    The Gem Team was also instrumental in creating Centennial Park.  I have been a member of the City of Burley Planning & Zoning Commission for the past 3 years and attended City Council meetings over the past 10 years.  My goals for the next 4 years and into the future would be continued economic development, fiscal responsibility, and a better quality of life for residents of the city.     City Council efforts should be to maintain infrastructure, keep both utility and tax rates low, and, at the same time, provide quality services for residents and businesses of Burley.  I am interested in serving the citizens of Burley and would appreciate your support.

Thank you,

Casey Andersen

Don Dean

My name is Don Dean and I have lived in Burley since 1996.  I am married to my lovely wife Tommie and between us we have four children and five grandchildren.  We love Burley and the Mini-Cassia area.  I am a former Burley City councilman, and would like to serve again for three main reasons.

I was formerly the CEO of a very successful ninety million dollar a year sales company and have learned that employees are any company’s biggest asset — and should be treated as such.  The City needs to give its employees the tools and encouragement to do their job.  They shouldn’t be spied on or allowed to be demeaned in public meetings.

During my career as a chemical engineer, I spent fifteen years selecting sites and building chemical plants all around the country.  This gives me a unique perspective of what businesses are looking for when they consider our city as a possible place to locate.  I have spent eight years on the Mini-Cassia Economic Development Commission (MCEDC), serving on both on the Executive Board and the Auxiliary Board.  Economic Development is more important now than ever.  With the recession and the closing of Dell in Twin Falls, we can’t let our guard down.  Our past successes have been the result of much hard work by many people – people from our area, Twin Falls, and the State.  Growth would not have happened “anyway” as one Council member stated a couple of years ago.  The Burley Council has to be actively involved in attracting jobs to our area, instead of “not doing anything to chase them off.”

The residents of Burley do the right thing when they know the facts.  I was a member of MCEDC when the bonds were voted on for the new sewer plant, and I went door to door.  The bond for the excess capacity in the sewer plant required a vote of two-thirds to pass.  It received nearly eighty percent.  People knew it would raise their sewer rates, and they would not receive any direct benefit for themselves, but they passed the expansion for the benefit of future generations of city residents.

Last, but perhaps the most important, we need to preserve our present City Administrator form of government.  The Council and Mayor who instituted this form of government some ten or eleven years ago were very forward looking.  I’m not talking about individuals, but the structure of the city’s government.  The present Council is one or two votes away from doing away with the Administrator’s position and going back to a full time Mayor.  You only have to look at the progress the City has made in the last ten years to realize this would be a huge mistake.  In the last decade Burley has been the most successful city in Idaho, due in large part to having a professional managing the city.  Let’s work to keep it that way.

Please remember to vote November 3^rd from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Burley City Hall.  I would appreciate your vote for Don Dean.

Dennis Dexter

My name is Dennis Dexter.  I am seeking re-election to the Burley Idaho City Council.

I have lived in the Burley-Rupert area since 1969 when my folks moved to the area.  After graduation from Minico High School, I attended the College of Southern Idaho where I received an AA degree in Law Enforcement.  The first job I had in my Law Enforcement career was in 1973.  I worked as a dispatcher for the Rupert City Police Department.  I started working for the Burley Police Department in 1974.  I changed to the Cassia County Sheriff Office in 1978.  During that time I served as patrolman, Resident Deputy assigned to the City of Declo, Detective Bureau Chief at the time that the city and county consolidated law enforcement, and Director of the Mini-Cassia Criminal Justice Center owned and operated by Minidoka and Cassia Counties.  I retired in December 2008 after 35 years service to the community.  I am currently employed in the Social Services Department at the Mini-Cassia Care Center.

My wife Dana of 26 years and children, Dan (Jenny), Chelsea (Kelly), and Sarah (David) and 7 ½ grandchildren reside in the Mini-Cassia community.

I have always felt compelled to serve my community.  In addition to my years in law enforcement I served for many years as a volunteer fireman for the Burley Fire Department and before running for City Council, I was a member of the Burley Planning and Zoning Commission for approximately 14 years.

Several years ago, Mayor Anderson requested that I chair a program that has become known as the Burley Area Action Team.  This was the 3^rd attempt to be certified as a “Gem Community” city.  I am proud to say that the team that was put together was instrumental in obtaining that certification.  The Burley Area Action Team is responsible for the organization of the Oregon Trail Recreation District, the City Park at 14^th and Overland, and other projects such as this year’s flower pots.  Association with the Burley Area Action Team is another example of a service to the community.

I have always considered the city council position as a continued service to our community.  After four years I feel that I have a much better understanding of how city government operates.  I am proud to have been a member during the economic expansion and increase infrastructure.  Burley is setting well for additional business expansion due in part by council members and existing city employees.

With your support, I will be honored to continue my service to the community as your council member.

Thank you.

Dennis L. Dexter

Randy Golay

Dear Members of this Community,

I’m running for City Council, because as an American citizen, it is my responsibility to be informed and involved in all levels of my government. The blessings of Liberty come with responsibility and I believe God expects these blessings to be appreciated and acted on.

I know each of our current City Council Members, as well as each of the men who are running. I also know Mayor Anderson and Mr. Greenman, the gentleman who is running for mayor. I know I can communicate and work with ( in a professional manner) whom ever is on the city council, as well as the mayor, and Mark Mitton.

My only mission is to represent the people of Burley in seeing their money is spent  in the highest regard for potential and betterment of everyone in this comminity.  I believe, I offer a fresh perspective, possibility-thinking, and positive energy.

Respectfully,

Randy Golay

Gordy Hansen

Serving on the Burley City Council is a privilege and an honor.  Burley is a “Great Place to Live” and has been good to me and to my family. Janet and I and our three children love living in a small town and being involved in the community.  We feel fortunate to have a small business in town and appreciate the support of our friends and neighbors. The recreational opportunities, good schools, and well-rounded safe community create a great quality of life for families in Burley.

As the longest serving member of the Burley City Council, I am proud of our successes including the formation of an urban renewal zone and development authority, new waste treatment plant, skate park, waterfront improvements, first phase of a new park on the truck route and the recent recruitment of many new employers such as: Pacific Ethanol, DOT Foods, Hy-Line Industrial, Specialty Packaging, Mulholland Positioning Systems, Dutchman, Fairfield Inn and High Desert Milk.  The city administration worked tirelessly within the realm of economic development to create incentives for these companies to locate in our area. Although we have made great strides for Burley, there is still much more we can accomplish.

Economic Development – I believe continued investment in economic development should be a top priority for the city council.  Jobs and a larger tax base are a great pay back on this investment. I represent the city council as a member of the Burley Development Authority (BDA) board. The BDA board is made up of elected officials from the City of Burley, Cassia County, Minidoka County as well as appointed individuals from the business community.  The BDA manages funds generated through Urban Renewal.  Infrastructure improvements in water, sewer and roads funded through Urban Renewal have greatly enhanced the communities’ ability to attract and retain industry.

Public Safety – Our current joint law enforcement agreement between the county and the city is an efficient use of the taxpayer’s money. I support this agreement but believe we should continue to press for accountability and a level of service to the city commensurate with the city resident’s contribution.  The fire department’s additional training as first responders is a great new benefit to the safety of Burley residents with reduced emergency response times to those needing medical assistance.

Code Enforcement – I believe we need to improve our efforts to enforce our local laws including weed control. The city council should fund and direct the administration to place a higher priority on the removal of weeds and junk that detract from the appearance of our community.  The council should also work with the planning and zoning board to update our comprehensive plan outlining land use policies within our city and buffer zone.

Recreation – We have beautiful parks within the city and on the riverfront. I was a leading voice in the recent successful negotiations for a permanent easement along a portion of the river that will serve as a basis for a new greenbelt trail system. When I am re-elected I will continue to work on the acquisition of property and rights of way along the river that will preserve public access for future generations. The city should continue to partner with the Recreation District in making improvements that will benefit both members of the district and city residents. I believe that the city should continue to provide facilities such as ball fields and tennis courts and advocate for local volunteer organizations that provide city residents with youth and adult sports programs.  The golf course greatly enhances our community as an attractive entrance to our city and healthy form of recreation. I support efforts to market and promote our golf course, which will boost revenues and reduce additional city funding.

Infrastructure – Our new state of the art wastewater treatment plant is a great success and has positioned Burley for growth through increased capacity and the ability to meet the stringent discharge regulations. The City has been proactive in creating and maintaining a reliable water system through the construction of new wells and storage systems. However Burley is falling behind on street repair.  We must increase funding for cost effective maintenance such as asphalt patching, chip sealing and overlays.  We also need to resume curb and gutter work as well as install more curb cuts and ramps on our street corners.  I support the creation of a sidewalk fund to aid residents in the replacement and installation of sidewalks in the older sections of town.

Power – Burley has a reliable power system with few outages and low rates.  As Chairman of the Electric Committee I support the planned installation of a new automated meter system that will save the city money. These new automatic meters provide more accurate measurement of power use and give residents greater privacy.  City electric department crews continue to maintain and replace aged power poles and lines as well as build out for new construction.

New Library – Because a library is such an important and vital educational asset to the community, I am in support of building a new larger library. The library staff, board, and volunteers are planning for the future growth of our community and the increased demand for library services. The city council should lend its support to the library through in-kind contributions, funding, the commitment to dedicate city property for a future site, and to dedicate funds from the sale of the current library to new construction.

Relocation of the Airport -  I support moving the airport to another location that will facilitate a longer runway.  A new modern airport will greatly benefit Burley and the surrounding communities as we continue to grow and work to attract and retain industry and development. The existing airport property could be used as a great economic development tool as a new business and industrial park.

City Staff – We are served by many excellent city employees, and I believe that they should be compensated comparably to other similar municipalities as well as to private sector rates.  The city council and administration must continue to utilize the standing system to evaluate and score the performance of city employees.  The council should continue in its efforts to retain and recruit staff that will ensure the efficient delivery of city services.

Budget – The city has a balanced budget but challenges lie ahead as we can expect less revenue sharing from the state.  We must continue to stretch our dollars and prioritize the best use of city revenues.  As a steward of public funds I feel a great responsibility and pledge to be frugal with your money.  We must continue to pursue grants and outside funding that leverage our funds for public works projects, parks, and waterways.

I appreciate your continued support for another term on the Burley City Council. I ask for your vote on November 3^rd.

Steve McGill

This letter was received October 14, 2009 and posted October 20th

I was appointed to the city council in January 2008 and it has been a pleasure and privilege to serve the community. Previous to being appointed to the council I served a two year term on the planning and zoning commission and had been a regular attendee of City Council Meetings. I am a lifelong resident of Burley and my wife Jenny and I have three children: Michael, Stephanie and Andrew. We have found that Burley is a great place to live and raise a family.

As a councilman I see my job as that of a representative of the people, a watchdog of the administration of the city and a spokesman and policy maker for the taxpayers.

I believe that a councilman should set aside strong personal views in order to serve the taxpayers as impartially as possible.

Councilmen should work together as a group through consensus. I believe my record shows that I have always put the taxpayers ahead of all other considerations. Consensus is achieved through a willingness to accept the differences all of us have and to put aside any personal views that could affect the correct outcome.

I do not believe that a councilman should accept everything that is proposed to him outright. It is only by questioning various proposals and giving input that the council can bring about an effective and open government.

I support the city having a full time administrator. Burley is growing and will continue to do so. Maintaining Burley’s core infrastructure i.e. sewer & water, streets, curb & Gutter are just as important as new growth, and I believe a balance is critical and achievable.

Burley offers a high quality of life with an outstanding library system, beautiful parks, and many recreational opportunities.

I pledge to continue my dedicated service to the citizens of Burley.

Thank You,

Steve McGill