Phil McNearney

1: What inspired you to run for elected office?

I was inspired by my father who instilled in us a sense of community, and the need for elected officials who respect the past, present, and future of our community and area.

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

As a long-time resident of Ponderay, I served as a council member from 1999-2000. I also have served 17 years on the Ponderay Planning and Zoning Commission from 2000-present, and was a founding member of the Ponderay Community Development Corporation where I was president for a number of years and continued to be involved throughout its existence. My years of military service helped to hone my strong sense of responsibility. Finally as a business owner in Ponderay for nearly 40 years, I have keen understanding of Ponderay's unique needs and a vision for its future.

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

The most important issues facing Ponderay are growth and its effect on our community and way of life, and developing a strong community identity. Growth will have major impacts on transportation, water, sewer, and stormwater management.

4. How do you plan to address these issues?

To address growth we need to shape our town through the use of traffic corridors both vehicular and pedestrian. Since we own neither our water nor sewer systems, we need to continue working with Sandpoint City Water and Kootenai Ponderay Sewer to meet our coming needs. My experience and past interaction with both entities makes me a valuable asset to our community. The current mayor and council have begun working to strengthen our community. As a community member I have been volunteering my time and expertise. For instance, I donated more than a day's work with my backhoe during the community clean up weekend, and participated in the community yard sale.

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

I'd like to see a city our citizens can be proud to live, work, and play in, because we should always leave something in a better condition than it was at the start.

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

As there are no typical work days for a council member, I foresee it will entail listening to constituents, consulting with other elected and appointed officials, continuing my practice of attending as many meetings as possible to discuss and plan for our future, and work with the mayor, council, and others to address the needs of our city.

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

For the last 17 years on the planning and zoning committee, we have made suggestions to council. I look forward to being able to represent and vote for the citizens of Ponderay.

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

It's possible some may be uncomfortable with change and future planning. However if we don't allow for growth, we will be unprepared when and if it happens.

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

A vote for me is a step forward, not a step backward. If elected I will be an advocate for the citizens and work to make our community an even better place to live.

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

Will you always do what is best for the community rather than what is best for yourself?

My answer: I always have and I always will.