One Republican and one independent candidate are running for the open Power County Commissioner seat

AMERICAN FALLS — Two candidates are vying to replace Power County Commissioner Delane Anderson, who holds Seat 3 and is not seeking re-election.

The seat has a four-year term. District 3 includes the northern portion of American Falls and East Power County.

Chris Fehringer is running as a Republican candidate and Lynn Scherer is running as an independent candidate.

EastIdahoNews.com sent each district candidate the same eight questions. Your answers below could be 250 words or less. EastIdahoNews.com publishes responses in their entirety and without grammatical or stylistic editing.

The general election will take place on November 5th.

Questions and answers from candidates

Tell us a little about yourself – including information about your family, career, education, volunteer work and any previous experience in public office.

Clipper: I was born in American Falls and grew up on a cattle ranch in Power County. I met my wife Teresa in American Falls and together we raised two daughters, Tiffany and Kiara. They are raising families of their own and have blessed us with five grandchildren: Troy, Emmajo, Jimmy, Dailynne and Oaklee, all of whom live in Power County. My career has included sales and management roles at several companies in Power County. Participating in the 4-H program as a child inspired me to become a 4-H program leader for several years. I served as a commissioner for the American Falls Rural Fire District for 22 years. I also served on the Power County Radio Communication Board for several years.

Fehringer: As lifelong residents of American Falls, my wife Heather and I have had the privilege of calling this community home. Both Heather and I graduated from American Falls High School and then attended ISU where we both received our associate degrees in marketing and management. Together we raised our two children: Kimberlyn Fitch, married to Brody Fitch, and Chase Fehringer, married to Shalayne Fehringer and our grandson. Having grown up on a family farm and being a farmer, I have always been actively involved in the agricultural industry. Also, being a local business owner has given me insight into the challenges and needs of small business owners. Additionally, as Superintendent of the City of American Falls, I gained valuable experience and knowledge of local government. I have also been actively involved in the community, where Heather and I were both 4-H leaders and she is a member of Rotary. I was president of the Idaho Junior Rodeo Association and coached little league baseball and basketball in both junior high and high school and high school softball. Additionally, I served on the Power County Fair Board for several years, which gave me valuable insight into the needs and interests of our community.

Why are you seeking political office? Briefly explain your political program.

Fehringer: We have deep roots in American Falls for four generations. I believe it is important to take an active role in the community. I learned this from my father, Ed Fehringer, who was a member of the Lions Club and served on the hospital’s board of directors. He taught me the importance of getting involved and making a difference in the community.

I firmly believe that promoting economic opportunity is paramount to fostering future growth in our community. By investing in infrastructure and attracting companies that create jobs, we can significantly contribute to the development of our local economy, strengthen our tax base and ultimately create more job opportunities.

Clipper: I am seeking the position of Power County Commissioner for District #3 to serve as a voice and leader for all the people of the county. The slogan of my platform is “A candidate for the people, not for a party.” There is no need for partisan politics at the local level to represent the concerns and needs of all voters on an equal level. The well-being of the entire county begins with first listening to people, regardless of party affiliation, and then developing a plan to address the issues in a well-researched and thoughtful manner.

What areas in your county need immediate improvements? What actions will you take to meet these needs?

Clipper: In my opinion, one area that should always be a priority is taking care of what the county already has. Facilities leasing and issues that the county has overlooked without being addressed in a timely manner to avert a larger problem should always be on the list to be reviewed. It would be of utmost importance to me to pay attention to these areas.

Fehringer: I think it’s important to understand that there is a wide range of needs. Narrowing down needs that require immediate improvement can be challenging. Before this need can be determined, it is important to ensure that you have all the information available to you so that you can make an informed decision. Once I have this information, I can take the necessary steps to meet these needs.

What are the biggest long-term challenges for people in your district? What is your plan to overcome these challenges?

Fehringer: One of the biggest long-term challenges is rural exodus. Many small rural counties are experiencing population decline as young people move to urban areas in search of better job opportunities and amenities. This trend may lead to a shrinking tax base and a decline in economic vitality. To meet this challenge, it is crucial for us to explore and take advantage of all the opportunities that arise in our district. This way we can fully realize the potential they offer and ensure a successful future for our community.

Clipper: One of the biggest long-term challenges for the people of Power County is building the right infrastructure to accept and sustain positive growth. This requires the insight and organization of people and groups working and planning together at a bipartisan local level to find a solid path forward. One of my goals would be to attract and involve more people to bring ideas and energy into a plan for future development.

How can you best represent the views of your constituents, including those with different political views? How will you communicate directly with voters?

Clipper: The views of all voters carry equal weight, even those with different political views. Immediate rejection of a voter’s opinion or idea does not inspire confidence in anything. Any concern or opinion should be examined with due care to determine whether it is valid or not actionable. Many new plans arose from ideas that were initially viewed negatively. Normally, communication is unhindered without the presence of a wall. I will never build a wall to distract communications from voters and will do my best to promote the free flow of people’s opinions and communications.

Fehringer: Start by thoroughly understanding the problem from multiple perspectives. You must consider all points of view and options on this issue. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each perspective. Based on the information and discussions, develop possible solutions or approaches to the problem and work toward the best solution. I think it is important to be available to voters through various means of communication, whether through meetings, emails or telephone calls.

Which parts of the county budget could use more funding? Are there places in the budget where cuts could be made?

Fehringer: It is imperative to consider all relevant information before making budget decisions. As we all know, managing budgets is becoming increasingly difficult and costs are constantly increasing. My experience in local government has given me a deep understanding of the budgeting process and the challenges it presents. I strongly believe this is critical to have access to comprehensive information to make informed decisions that can directly impact the budget.

Clipper: This question is difficult to answer without obtaining input directly from the institutions, programs, and organizations that need funding. I cannot dissect the budget set for the coming year without knowing what needs and wishes have been addressed to the current Commission. I can assure you that if I were your Commissioner, I would listen carefully to the needs presented and ensure that all essential needs of county governments and all services that benefit citizens as a whole are adequately funded.

How do you feel about Idaho’s Proposition 1 ballot initiative, which would end closed primaries and implement ranked-choice voting?

Clipper: As I said in an answer to a previous question, I am a candidate for the people, not for a party. Proposition 1 has been voted on by the people and will experience both negative and positive political rhetoric before it is voted on in November. This proposal will be decided, as it should be, by the vote of the people of Idaho.

Fehringer: I am against Proposition 1 and will vote no. The purpose of a primary is to allow parties to debate and select the candidate they believe will best represent their party.

Given your county’s growing population, what immediate and long-term issues need to be addressed to better manage growth and expansion?

Fehringer: As the county’s population increases, we face several challenges in the short and long term, particularly related to infrastructure and housing. As we continue to grow, we must plan for these needs and look for ways to meet them.

Clipper: As a county’s population increases, so does the need for services. Power County has experienced a gradual growth rate over the past decade that is manageable in the short term. However, a plan for greater growth and expansion should be continuously developed so as not to fall behind in the required infrastructure and services and not to impede progress. A solid plan that looks into the future for the next twenty years and more, with comprehensive insight into what will be needed to enable positive growth without encountering obstacles that have not been researched and thought through in advance.