Fiscal Responsibility Means Thinking Beyond Election Season

For the past three years, I have consistently supported a lower 2% property tax increase—below the maximum 3% allowed under Idaho state law—because I believe in balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to protect essential services. Each time I was outvoted. The uncharacteristic decision to raising the budget 0% this year comes at a serious cost: law enforcement funding. Reducing this funding jeopardizes our contract with the Sheriff’s Office, which is vital to keeping Hayden safe.

Hayden already has one of the lowest levy rates in the state. A drastic cut now will make it extremely difficult to recover in the future without imposing a much larger burden on taxpayers later. In fact, one of my colleagues, who pushed for this cut, openly acknowledged that the city is underfunded and said, "My truth is that let's

take care of it in in one fell swoop by being honest projecting what our needs are and asking

the people to approve it." This contradiction concerns me deeply.

I am committed to being fiscally conservative and to keeping taxes as low as possible, but not at the expense of public safety or responsible long-term planning. I am willing to stand alone, if necessary, to do what I believe is best for Hayden—not just what looks good in an election year.

Hayden residents deserve honesty, stability, and accountability in financial decisions. I will continue to stand for careful budgeting, protecting law enforcement, and making sure our community is secure and well-prepared for the future.

https://www.youtube.com/live/Tlq9i5McpEw?feature=shared&t=2118

Sandy White

sandy4hayden@gmail.com