City Cast Boise invited all qualified Boise City Council candidates to complete a short questionnaire to help voters learn more about the people running to represent them in city government. All candidates were sent the same questions, and as you'll see, some questions are more policy-oriented and some are a little more fun!
Sánchez’s return to City Hall would be remarkable, as her exit was marked with contention and a lawsuit. But that’s in the past: Her resume is strong, and she’s always been able to motivate Boise voters. Can she do it again?
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?
With a growing number of households renting in Boise, between 35% and 40%, I believe we need to have elected officials who can shape renter protection policy from the perspective of renters. We need a more diverse body of representatives on the Boise City Council, especially from a socioeconomic perspective. The life of a renter is volatile and depending on the property owner/landlord, the stability of housing can be unpredictable. I know firsthand how unexpectedly losing a rental home with only 30 days to find new housing can cause a cascade of other issues, including job security and loss of community. Property owners are well represented on the Boise City Council at present, but renters are not. If I were to return to the Boise City Council, I would lead an effort to ensure that a voting district does not lose their duly elected representative due to sabotage or error by the City of Boise. When a voting district elects their council member with 57% of the vote, that district's voice should take priority, even if that council member is a woman of color who is a low-income renter. At present, the City of Boise would benefit from ethics training for its leaders and administrators.
2. How would you describe the City of Boise’s current relationship with the Idaho Legislature, and how would you work to change it?
When I was on the Boise City Council (2018-2022), I developed productive working relationships with members of the Idaho State Legislature. It is how I was able to put forward a well-crafted renter protection ordinance in 2019, and then was able to protect the 2019 rental application fee ordinance from preemption at the Idaho State Legislature in 2021 and in 2022. It is my understanding that the 2023 Boise City Council put forward multiple renter protection ordinances that were then overturned by the Idaho State Legislature in 2024. There were two former Idaho State legislators serving on the Boise City Council in 2023, so I cannot explain the thought process behind their decision to pass multiple renter protection ordinances and then their inability to protect these same ordinances from preemption in 2024. Based on the loss of the renter protection ordinances in 2024, it does not appear to be as productive a working relationship as our constituents need it to be. Upon my return to the Council, I would pick up where I left off, and renew my successful partnership with members of the Idaho State Legislature to bring forward thoughtful legislation that is derived from consistent constituent engagement and collaboration.
3. What is a transportation issue in your district that you’d like to tackle during your term?
Having recently visited the Sunset Neighborhood Association, I know that the neighborhood association leaders are taking every opportunity to engage the City and ACHD to ensure more walkability/bikability in the neighborhood through connectivity such as providing more sidewalks and safer streets for folks to use. Safety is key to getting more people to embrace other forms of mobility, and at present, we need to create more opportunities for more people in the district to share what their priorities are for improving this particular issue. Although we have outlawed cell phone usage while driving, I believe unlawful cell phone use while driving is still a safety issue, and one that requires additional work to address. We need to bring all the stakeholders together (police, pedestrians, drivers, cyclists, scooter riders, etc) to create an initiative to minimize cell phone use while driving.
4. What is the city not doing about housing that you think it should be doing?
The City of Boise has not addressed fair housing issues, and with the recent disruption to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, we need to be proactive about education and prevention of fair housing harm that is being experienced by our community members. "Affirmatively furthering fair housing" (AFFH) is a way to ensure that our community members are protected from harm as we grow our city.
5. Do you support the open spaces and water levy? Why or why not?
Yes. I believe that protecting our open spaces and water is a great investment in our community that we can enjoy now and in the future. It is a beautiful gift to our future Boiseans.
6. How do you stand out from your competition?
I have experienced success as a former council member and harm at the City of Boise. I believe these experiences give me empathy that is currently missing from the council. I am the only candidate carrying a copy of their birth certificate to prove their US citizenship if I am stopped by ICE.
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 want the City to keep being the welcoming city it has been for refugees. I know when the City wants to make something happen, we always find a way.
8. The current Mayor and City Council have publicly supported its LGBTQ+ residents. In your opinion, should that remain a city priority?
Yes. I have been arrested in support of Add the Four Words. It is an issue I believe in and will always support, and we must be vocal about supporting our people.
9. Who’s an unsung hero (a person, business, group or agency) in your district?
Janjou did what we needed them to do during the pandemic, and they led the effort in our district to be safe and to keep their business running for our people.
10. What’s your favorite meal in Boise?
Burgers!
