Endorsement: Newcomers challenge Boise City Council president | Opinion
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November 2025 endorsements
Here are the Idaho Statesman’s endorsements in key city races in the Treasure Valley.
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In the upcoming Boise City Council election in District 2, incumbent council president Colin Nash faces a challenge from two political newcomers, Derek Smith and Josh Ellstrom.
Both Smith and Ellstrom impressed us with the research they’ve done on the issues to prepare for this race and their desire to serve the community.
But Nash has been an effective and thoughtful City Council member and is well-versed in and has a deep knowledge of the issues facing the city.
The Idaho Statesman editorial board endorses Colin Nash for reelection to the Boise City Council in District 2.
Nash, a lawyer who was also a state representative, has been on the City Council for three years.
He said his overarching goal as a City Council member is to ensure Boise’s livability, which encompasses parks, pathways, public safety and housing affordability.
He said one of the things he is most proud of is establishing a permanent ongoing general fund support for a pathways master plan, which has a goal of building one mile of pathways per year.
He said he’s also proud of adding police officers to the Boise police force. Nash noted that since 2023, the city has added 726 units of affordable housing, including permanent supportive housing, which has proven to combat homelessness and drive down costs.
In terms of housing affordability, though, we cautioned him that the city’s property tax revenues have increased from $120 million in 2014 to $190 million in 2025, and the City Council, including Nash, just approved another 7.6% increase for next fiscal year.
Meanwhile, the city’s general fund has grown from $274 million in 2020 to $328 million in 2025, which is a 20% increase, or an annual average increase of 3.7%.
At the same time, Idaho Power is asking for more money, the Boise school district just approved an 18% property tax increase and city leaders are asking for another $11 million levy for open space and clean water projects.
Many city residents are feeling nickel-and-dimed to death.
Nash rightly points out that the state Legislature has hamstrung cities with recently passed legislation, and the shift of the property tax burden from commercial to residential has led, in part, to the increase in residential property taxes.
“I do want to own the city’s role in this,” he said.
But he said the only areas of discretionary spending that he saw in next year’s budget were adding police officers, a city “circuit breaker” property tax rebate program for needy residents and additional funding for repairs and maintenance projects.
He noted that costs to the city, like everyone else’s, such as utility, insurance and software, are on the rise.
“I would love to point out that there was a bunch of fun things that we funded in the budget that were things that we could go and take a cut,” he said. But that’s not the case.
Nash also is tuned into the needs of his district, which includes the West Bench. He notes the need for a library in west Boise, but as City Council liaison to the Library Board, he knows the challenges of opening a new library, with an estimated price tag of $20 million to $25 million. But he said, if reelected, he will continue to work on it.
We were impressed with both Ellstrom, a licensed physical therapist assistant, and Smith, who was director of sales for a manufacturing company. They are running for the right reasons, have some good ideas and bring unique experiences to the race.
Smith rightly recognizes that bureaucracy can slow down the permitting process for developers and suggests using technology to speed up the process.
But he misses badly when he disparages housing-first programs and policies, which have proven to work and save money in the long run. He said, “we need to kind of take a step back from this housing first approach,” then cited the Boise Rescue Mission, which doesn’t and can’t handle or address the needs of all of Boise’s homeless population. He seems to approach many issues from an ideological perspective rather than a practical one.
Ellstrom said affordability in the face of tremendous growth would be his top priority. He’d like to push for greater traffic enforcement to keep residents safe and to bring in more revenue.
But in terms of having an in-depth knowledge of the issues and a clear perspective on ensuring that Boise is the best place to live in Idaho and among the best in the country, Nash is the best person for the job.
Statesman editorials are the opinion of the Idaho Statesman’s editorial board. Board members are opinion editor Scott McIntosh, opinion writer Bryan Clark, editor Chadd Cripe, newsroom editors Dana Oland and Jim Keyser and community members John Hess, Debbie McCormick and Julie Yamamoto.
This story was originally published October 19, 2025 at 4:00 AM.
CORRECTION: This editorial has been updated to correct how long Nash has been a City Council member. He has been on council for three 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.
Want your say?
Readers are encouraged to express their thoughts by submitting a letter to the editor. Click on “Submit a letter or opinion” at idahostatesman.com/opinion.
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