Endorsement: Our picks in a packed field for Garden City council | 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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Voters in Garden City have an embarrassment of riches when choosing City Council members in this year’s election.
No fewer than six candidates are running for two seats.
In addition to City Council incumbent Teresa Jorgensen, the five other candidates are: Wendy Carver-Herbert, Gage Coprivnicar, Dennis Mansfield, Starr Shepard and Kelceymarie Warner.
We were impressed with all the candidates, their commitment to serve the community and the ideas to improve Garden City.
But we were particularly impressed by incumbent Jorgensen and Shepard, who is currently a Planning and Zoning Commission member, based primarily on their experience and track record of service to Garden City.
The Idaho Statesman editorial board endorses Teresa Jorgensen and Starr Shepard for City Council in Garden City on Nov. 4.
Jorgensen has been a City Council member for the past five years, and she has the institutional memory that will assist, but not limit, future plans for Garden City.
She rightly points out that with a new mayor coming in, whoever it may be, he or she will need a strong, steady City Council in place.
Jorgensen offers continuity and predictability in keeping Garden City on the current path and adherence to the city code with a “follow the rules” mantra.
Similarly, Shepard has been on the Garden City Planning and Zoning Commission for the past three-and-a-half years.
That shows not only a commitment to service but a deep knowledge of how the city runs and how decisions get made.
Shepard genuinely gets excited when talking about hearing from businesses and residents at Planning and Zoning meetings.
She said she wants to build relationships with the Ada County Highway District and the Idaho Transportation Department, and we think she has the ability to do more than hope or talk about it.
Shepard raises basic, real-life problems that she seeks to solve, such as building and repairing sidewalks throughout the city.
We were also very impressed with Carver-Herbert, and if voters had three seats to fill, she would get our endorsement.
We also are very encouraged by the campaign of Coprivnicar, 28, who represents the future of Garden City. He’s a new homeowner and has been carless by choice for the past year. We appreciate his willingness to serve and his enthusiasm, and if Shepard does win a seat on the City Council, we would put his name forward as a good replacement for her on the Planning and Zoning Commission.
A lot of positive things are happening in Garden City right now. To steal a line from the city of Meridian several years ago, Garden City is where the energy is. To keep things heading in the right direction, Jorgensen and Shepard are the best bets for City Council.
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 22, 2025 at 4:00 AM.
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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