Jacque Guinan

1: What inspired you to run for elected office?

A desire to get involved and affect my community with positive change. I have been involved locally since before we moved here and have continued to be involved.

2: What unique qualifications would you bring to office that no one else could match?

I bring a unique perspective in that I have lived in many different types of communities over the years. I have also held job positions in large corporations, as well as run my own company that grew into a million-dollar corporation. These experiences give me an in-depth business perspective and the ability to understand what it takes to run a city.

3. What are the most important issues facing the community? Why?

The rapid growth of Pon-deray presents challenges as the city works to build a proper infrastructure to support that growth in a responsible manner. High speed, reliable internet would be helpful to the business community, as well as to residents. Affordable, quality childcare facilities and family-oriented activities to keep children active year-round. There is also need for a solid, well paying job market to raise the standard of living for those who reside here full-time.

Sandpoint can only grow so much and there are businesses that I know personally who have explored the possibility of moving to Ponderay, but were unable to do so as the infrastructure was not there to support their needs.

4. How do you plan to address these issues?

As a member of city council, I will vote with the needs of the community in mind, above all else. I have no associations with those who would lobby to sway votes for self-gain and I would not be susceptible to that. Fiscal responsibility and transparency in government are crucial and my votes would reflect these concepts.

5. If elected, what legacy would you hope to create? Why?

One of honesty and integrity; these are the most important things a person can bring to an elected position. It would be my goal to leave the city better off financially and also to have had a hand in the safe and profitable growth of Ponderay.

6. How do you foresee your typical workday as an elected official?

As I understand City Council, I will receive a packet twice a month to facilitate research and study of upcoming issues to be voted on. I would attend twice monthly meetings (and special meetings as needed) to listen to any public comments, questions, and concerns and then to cast a vote accordingly.

7. What do you most look forward to after you are elected?

Learning the scope of topics affecting the community. Having an opportunity to represent the community with my votes.

8. What’s the harshest criticism you expect to face on the campaign trail and how would you respond to such criticism?

I believe that would be that I have no experience in politics. To that I would say that there are upsides in that I have not been tainted by the political arena and have no political aspirations. I bring a love for my country and for the community I live in to the table. I am honest and not interested in self-gain or self-promotion.

9. If you could only get one thing across to voters during your campaign, what would it be?

That I would do my best to be their voice. I would always vote in such a way that would be beneficial to the people living within the community.

10. What question should every candidate be asked? What is your answer?

What is your motivation for being in an elected office and do you have aspirations of using it to springboard into higher levels of office. My answer: My motivation is a desire to support and represent the people residing within the community. I have no aspirations of climbing the political ladder or using a position in public office for self-gain.