Incumbent Nampa Mayor Bob Henry is facing off against Chamber of Commerce President Debbie Kling and retired Century Link employee, Melissa Sue Robinson.
As the day quickly approaches, Henry said he “isn't nervous at all.” In fact, Henry said he’s “looking forward to a second term.”
As of now, he said he’s focusing on continuing his work.
“We have a wastewater treatment plant that has substantial somewhere between one-hundred to two-hundred million dollars worth of improvements; we need to figure out what we are going to do and how we are going to fund it,” he said.
Henry feels he is the best person for the job because of his resume, experience and proven track record.
When he took office four years ago, he said there were a series of issues from reining in the urban renewal district to high subsidy for the Ford Idaho Center and, most importantly, taxess
"Nampa had a high property levy rate -- and we reduced it by 23 percent," he pointed out.
But opposing candidate Debbie Kling said “Not so fast, Mr. Mayor.”
“There’s been discussion about the levy going down,” said Kling “The only reason the levy went down is because home values went up. But the city budget is up and we have not reduced taxes."
While Henry said there's no reason “to fix it if it isn't broken,” Kling said she will bring a new vision to the table and have an open door policy.
Although new to politics, Kling said her professional background will help her navigate the ever-changing world of city government.
“I have a background that has been both in the private sector and management and I have worked for a number of non-profits over the years,” she pointed out.
Robinson is focusing her campaign on pushing for a bus Rapid Transit District, starting a marketing plan for future employers and enacting a Non Discrimination Ordinance.
Meanwhile, both Henry and Kling agree on one thing: roads.
“We have to have a plan to fund street repairs,” said Kling. “And we have infrastructure needs.”
“There are all kinds of funding that we are going to need to address that problem,” said Henry.
Although the candidates are ready for the challenge, only time will tell who voters will choose to be their next mayor.
Polls open Tuesday at 8 a.m to 8 p.m
