Ellstrom is a home physical therapist and political newcomer with his eye trained on political neutrality. He’s challenging West Bench incumbent Colin Nash.
The unedited responses for District 2 candidate Josh Ellstrom are below.
Read the rest of the questionnaire responses here.
1. What’s the most pressing issue you want to address as a Boise City Council member?
The most pressing issue is obviously housing and growth. We have constantly been one of the fastest growing states in the nation year over year. Many zoning changes were implemented to incentivize developers. The supply and demand equation cannot be "developed" in a rate to lower housing costs. While we must increase housing we also need to respect old Idahoans while building housing for new Idahoans. MX-3 zoning allows for a 50% reduction in parking requirements if at least 25% of units are for low income housing. This pushes many cars onto the streets and into surrounding neighborhoods. Fairview and Hilton proposal is aiming for 205 units (1, 2, & 3 bedroom) and 136 parking spots, Fairview and McKinney 215 units and 162 parking spots. When development negatively impacts neighborhoods, it creates disdain. We can look to the Franklin and Orchard development and surrounding streets as a model. While I commend the zoning changes ideation, it has created undue burden for parking and stress for surrounding neighborhoods.
2. How would you describe the City of Boise’s current relationship with the Idaho Legislature, and how would you work to change it?
There is currently a partisan ideology crisis in many states and Idaho is not unique in this matter. Increasing communication and collaborative actions in a matter that benefits the citizens is necessary in my opinion. As the only unaffiliated candidate (including current city council) I am in the unique position to provide fair representation without prejudice. Putting the people over the party is just common sense and quite frankly a necessity for a happy populace
3. What is a transportation issue in your district that you’d like to tackle during your term?
Transportation has become increasingly dangerous these days. As I'm sure we've all noticed: tailgating, speeding and light runners have increased dramatically. Boise PD issued 23,450 tickets in 2018 and we are down nearly 50% to just 12,552 tickets in 2024. We have maintained a 1.4 officer per 1,000 citizen ratio in tbe last decade but our enforcement is down dramatically.
If we can increase and prioritize safety, we would also get the added benefit to reclaim and clawback at lost revenue. Increasing traffic enforcement will also yield a positive impact on taxes. Increasing safety while reducing tax burdens is a win-win.
4. What is the city not doing about housing that you think it should be doing?
The American dream is home ownership. I would like to see a blend of attainable home ownership incentives implemented. The overwhelming push is apartments, which yes are needed, but if some of these incentives provided more ownership opportunities like condos or townhouses, they could be coupled with low income down-payment assistance and quite possibly get more people into owning versus renting.
5. Do you support the open spaces and water levy? Why or why not?
I support open spaces and clean water. Do I support it in a levy? Not currently with the totality of circumstances. Factoring in the 7.6% city council property tax increase plus the boise school trustee raise of 18%, its hard to ask struggling homeowners for more. We have to remember that every tax increase also raises rent prices. We can and should increase fiscal responsibility to provide great things for Boiseans without cost burdening them.
6. How do you stand out from your competition?
I am not tied or bound by partisan ideology, I am the only independent in a sea of a partisan attached council. I have been fiscally responsible my entire life. I did not grow up with a silver spoon, therefore I have learned many things. If it's expensive I learned how to do it myself. I can weld, build stuff, roofing, electrical, plumbing, and tear a car apart and put it back together. If you put me in a room with a problem, I will find a solution. Life forced me to be frugal and forced me to learn real world skills. I have been in my district going on 20 years. Unfortunately, ideology often impacts decisions, as a problem solver, my brain uses logic and rational thought processes.
7. The City of Boise has a tradition of welcoming refugees, which has been hindered by federal policies under the Trump administration. How do you want the city’s relationship to refugee settlement to continue or change in the near future?
I have met and worked personally with many refugees, true refugees. Many have gone on to create businesses, families and jobs. The Biden administration redefined the ideation of refugees to such an extent that many people have a negative view on true refugees. Many of the refugees I have worked with were fleeing from war torn countries with true threats and possibilities of death. As with everything in life, there is always a balance. There will always be people in need, with our current housing crisis, what we prioritize will speak volumes. Equations always need balance. This can tie back to working with state representatives, if a certain country is receiving massive monetary aide, we could work with the state representatives to propose a bill to reallocate funds for housing if that country exports a notable amount refugees.
8. The current Mayor and City Council have publicly supported its LGBTQ+ residents. In your opinion, should that remain a city priority?
Everyone in Boise regardless of identity should safe and prioritized by their city. Boise representatives need an ability to be equitable for all Boiseans.
9. Who’s an unsung hero (a person, business, group or agency) in your district?
My neighbor Ed. Despite being older and semi-retired, he never skips a beat when he sees someone in need. Ed brings the neighborhood together and it wouldn't be the same without him.
10. What’s your favorite meal in Boise?
One of my favorites is Big Bun, fantastic locally owned family business that puts out amazing food. Very excited when they opened a second location. Grab yourself a burger 🍔.
