Four people, including two former legislators, vie for Caldwell mayor. Here’s our choice
Of the four candidates vying to replace retiring Caldwell Mayor Garret Nancolas, one clearly stands out above the rest: Jarom Wagoner.
Wagoner has unparalleled experience among the candidates. He serves as a Caldwell City Council member, and he has previously served in the Idaho Legislature. He also worked as a senior planner, giving him particular insight into the operations of the city.
Nancolas has done a remarkable job leading the city over the last 24 years, spurring impressive growth and a revitalization of the city’s business community. But that doesn’t mean there’s no room for improvement. Since Wagoner has both worked under and alongside Nancolas, he has the working knowledge to make targeted improvements to the city’s operations.
Wagoner was also a reliably level-headed state lawmaker who won the admiration of a number of his colleagues. He would be an effective advocate for the city at the Capitol, an increasingly important part of the job, as the Legislature sinks its fingers ever deeper into the internal affairs of local government.
In an interview with the editorial board, Wagoner had the most practical, concrete ideas for improving the city, including simplifying city code, modernizing the city’s employment systems and improving employee morale and attracting further business development to the city. For example, Wagoner’s proposal to move more employees to working from home would make it possible for the city to realize major long-term savings on building acquisition and maintenance.
Wagoner also is the only candidate with a serious grasp on what it will take to build out affordable housing in Caldwell. He recognizes a truth that is essential for the future of the city: nearly everyone needs to live in an apartment at some stage in their life. So for the city to thrive, it needs to build apartments for young families and residents with low and moderate incomes.
While other candidates seemed wary of, or even opposed to, high-density development, Wagoner recognized a simple truth that will be vital for the city: Nearly everyone needs to live in an apartment at some point in their lives. The city will need a model of development that provides affordable housing for people of all income levels.
For these reasons, the board’s vote to endorse Wagoner was unanimous.
Chris Trakel, a retired Marine who is also running to replace Nancolas, repeatedly stated that he wanted the government out of the housing market when asked about affordable housing. But he also spoke in support of maintaining zoning for single-family homes, a rather significant government intervention in the housing market, without appearing to grasp the contradiction.
Candidate Nicole Hyland seemed to genuinely have the best interests of the city at heart. But she does not have experience comparable to Wagoner’s.
Candidate Jorge Arancivia did not respond to an invitation to interview with the editorial board. The Statesman will not endorse any candidate who does not interview with the board.
One other candidate bears mentioning.
It has been about a decade since John McGee’s car theft, DUI and disturbing the peace (a charge stemming from an incident of sexual harassment) convictions, for which he served jail time. We are not beyond forgiving past transgressions — if a person shows genuine remorse and can demonstrate that they have changed. At the very least, someone with such a past must show some commitment to transparency.
McGee did not even attempt to do this. Despite invitations from the editorial board to answer questions, about both his vision for Caldwell and his checkered past, McGee refused to participate. He has left us with no means to judge whether he is a changed man, or if electing him would pose a risk to those who are in a subordinate position to him. We do know he has abused such a position before.
Regardless, the editorial board found Wagoner to be highly qualified for this position. Perhaps voters have found the candidate who can serve the city for the next 24 years.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREHow we write endorsements
Who decides the endorsements?
Members of Idaho Statesman editorial board interview political candidates, as well as advocates and opponents of ballot measures. The editorial board is composed of journalists and community members. Members of the Statesman editorial board are: Statesman editor Chadd Cripe, opinion editor Scott McIntosh, opinion writer Bryan Clark, newsroom editors Dana Oland and Jim Keyser and community members John Hess, Debbie McCormick and Julie Yamamoto.
What does the endorsement process entail?
The Statesman editorial board meets with political candidates and asks them a series of questions about policy issues. The editorial board discusses the candidates in each race. Board members seek to reach a consensus on the endorsements, but not every decision is unanimous. The editorial board generally will not endorse a candidate who does not agree to an interview with the board members.
Is the editorial board partisan?
No. In making endorsements, members of the editorial board consider which candidates are well-prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they belong to a particular political party. We evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, their readiness for office, their depth of knowledge of key issues and their understanding of public policy. We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points. The editorial board will endorse both Republicans and Democrats. We make recommendations about who the best-qualified candidates for these jobs are.
Why are endorsements unsigned?
Endorsements reflect the collective views of the Statesman’s editorial board — not just the opinion of one writer. Board members all discuss and contribute ideas to each endorsement editorial.
Do I have to vote for the candidate the Statesman endorses?
Of course not. An endorsement is just our recommendation based on the candidates’ backgrounds and their answers to editorial board questions.
Can I disagree with the Statesman’s endorsement?
Of course you can. We encourage voters to do their own research and choose the candidate who best represents your views.
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