Despite vote Pocatello-Chubbuck merger plan not dead yet
Idaho State Journal
By Shelbie Harris
Nov 9, 2020
While Chubbuck Mayor Kevin England says the result of the Bannock County advisory ballot question should put to rest any effort to consolidate Chubbuck and Pocatello into one city, the committee interested in studying the endeavor hasn’t yet decided its next steps. more
Bannock County voters shoot down study of proposed Pocatello-Chubbuck merger
Idaho State Journal
By Shelbie Harris
Nov 3, 2020
Bannock County voters rejected on Tuesday the plan to study a proposed Pocatello-Chubbuck merger. more
Sample Ballot District 28 and District 29
The Bannock County Advisory Question re support of exploring consolidation is on page 2 of the ballot.
Advisory question on 2020 ballot sparks debate on exploring consolidation between towns
KPVI
10/30/2020
Stephen Timm a Pocatello resident says he wouldn't support a consolidation between Pocatello and Chubbuck, a topic discussion that's been had for years.
"Not really. Chubbuck doesn't want to be consolidated the majority of the people there are against it and I don't blame them," says Timm.
Pocatello-Chubbuck merger advisory question a hot topic for upcoming Bannock County Election
Idaho State Journal -
By Shelbie Harris sharris@journalnet.com
An advisory question on the Bannock County election ballot this November asking voters if they would support studying the potential for a Pocatello-Chubbuck merger is attracting strong opposition from one of the cities involved.
Chubbuck’s Mayor Kevin England and the six members of the City Council on Oct. 11 said it was their explicit duty to issue a joint statement saying the ballot question was not an issue that affects the entire county and asked their city’s residents to vote against studying the merger.
“We have collectively heard from many citizens of Chubbuck, and without exception we have been asked by all to not allow this to happen,” England and Chubbuck City Council said about a potential merger of Pocatello and Chubbuck. “We say to each of you that we agree, but it is now up to you to make sure and vote no on the advisory question. The city of Chubbuck has a very bright future and to change course now, in our opinion, would be a mistake.”
More in the Idaho State Journal
Pocatello-Chubbuck merger advisory
Oct 8, 2020
To the citizens of the City of Chubbuck,
As the duly elected Mayor and members of the City Council we felt it our explicit duty to make a united statement about the advisory question that will appear on the ballot in Bannock County this November 3rd.
As elected officials we were never approached to find out our thoughts on the matter. As we understand it 2 individuals representing a small group of people (15 or less) approached the Bannock County Commissioners to ask them to place an advisory question on the ballot. Mayor England was invited to a meeting with the Commission to discuss this. At that meeting Mayor England let the commission know that in his opinion this was not a county issue but a city issue. There is Statutory Authority in our state code for commissioners to put an advisory question on the ballot for any issue before the citizens of that county.
Some Background
From Randy Stapilus and the Ridenbaugh Press:
One City or two?
September 20, 2019
About a century ago a bunch of cities were located in northern Bannock County, in the area of Pocatello. There was Pocatello and Chubbuck and, among others, on the northwest side of the larger community, Fairview and North Pocatello. More
Idaho State Journal
By John O'Connell Sept 14, 2019
Proposal would combine Pocatello and Chubbuck into one city under new name
Pocatello City Council President Jim Johnston is championing a long-shot plan he’s convinced would result in big municipal savings, thereby easing a weighty tax burden on many Bannock County residents.
Nonetheless, Johnston acknowledges a lot of people won’t like the idea he’s espousing — especially if they live in Pocatello’s northern neighbor, Chubbuck.