FAQ - Christian Ashcraft For Mayor

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to commonly asked questions about me and my platform.

Why are you running for mayor?

Because Idaho Falls deserves a city hall that works for everyone—not just insiders. I’m running to restore trust, open the books, and deliver results people can see. Leadership should be about service, not politics.

I’m young and early in my career. What makes me qualified?

I’ve worked inside city government as an economic development administrator, policy analyst, and city management intern. I also co‑own a small business. I know how government works from the inside, and I know how it feels to be on the outside trying to get answers.

How am I different from the other candidates?

I’m not here to protect an old guard or build a new one. I’m here to change the culture. My focus is performance over politics—measurable results, open decision‑making, and a city hall that treats residents like customers, not obstacles.

What’s your leadership style?

Servant leadership. My job is to listen first, set clear goals, and empower others to succeed. Leadership isn’t about consolidating power—it’s about lifting people up and making sure the community thrives.

What will be your first priorities if elected?

Open the books, raise standards for service, and start cleaning out inefficiencies. Just as important, I’ll launch new ways for residents to engage so people are part of shaping the city from day one.

How will you keep residents informed about progress?

I’m not afraid to be in the hot seat. I’ll report directly to the public in settings where they can ask me questions face‑to‑face. Alongside written updates, I’ll hold regular forums where residents can hold me accountable in real time.

What role does community input play in your decisions?

It’s central. I’ll listen before acting, create more opportunities for residents to weigh in, and make sure feedback shapes decisions—not just afterthoughts.

What budget priorities would you pursue?

I’ll cut inefficiencies at the top while protecting essential services. A major focus will be investing in people—recruiting talent, coaching or replacing underperformers, and empowering staff to deliver better results. Every dollar should strengthen services and accountability.

How will you work with city employees?

City staff are the backbone of service delivery. I’ll set high standards, provide training, and recognize excellence. Because I’ll hold employees accountable, I’ll also be equipped to advocate for them and defend them against unmerited criticism. Respect and accountability go hand in hand.

Where do I stand politically?

I’d describe myself as a moderate, principled, reform‑minded conservative. I believe in accountability, fairness, and limited government overreach. But as mayor, my job is to represent the whole city. Using the office to push partisan agendas would be an abuse of power and taxpayer dollars.

What’s your vision for Idaho Falls in the next 5–10 years?

A city that grows responsibly, keeps its small‑town character, and delivers services efficiently. Families can afford to live here, businesses can thrive, and residents trust their leaders again. Growth should strengthen our identity, not erase it.

How will you ensure city hall serves everyone, not just insiders?

I’ll break up groupthink by encouraging different perspectives and putting more eyes on decisions through public engagement. When more voices are at the table, it’s harder for insiders to control the process.

How will you handle disagreements with the City Council?

I believe in active listening that ensures people are not only heard but understood. Disagreements are natural, but they don’t have to be destructive. I’ll use structured approaches to clarify values and priorities so the public sees a fair process, even when we differ.

How will you ensure fairness in decision‑making?

Every decision will be made in the open, with clear criteria and public input. No special treatment, no insider deals. Fairness is the foundation of trust.

How will you prepare Idaho Falls for future challenges?

By planning ahead, not reacting late. That means smart infrastructure investments, responsible growth policies, and building a resilient economy. Preparing now ensures Idaho Falls thrives for the next generation.

How will you measure your own success as mayor?

By whether residents feel heard, services improve, and trust in city hall grows. Success isn’t about politics—it’s about results people can see and feel in their daily lives.

How will you make sure all neighborhoods are heard?

Every neighborhood matters. I’ll rotate town halls across the city, hold open office hours for calls or in‑person conversations, and intentionally reach out to underrepresented groups. Engagement should be proactive, not passive.

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2 responses to “FAQ”

Michelle Smith

October 14, 2025

What is your answer for affordable housing? A lot of apartments are being built but they are super expensive.

Reply
1. Christian Ashcraft
  
  October 16, 2025
  
  Thank you for your question, Michelle!
  
  I shared a link to my general response on affordable housing in your Facebook comment, but you can also find it here: https://christianashcraft.com/affordable-housing/
  
  One aspect I didn’t address directly in that article is apartment pricing. There are many factors that can drive costs—labor, materials, land, and permitting on one side, and market demand and willingness to pay on the other. The first step is to identify which of these forces are most responsible for higher prices in Idaho Falls, and then determine what tools the city has to influence them.
  
  My goal is to see more affordable options available here. If reducing costs isn’t fully achievable, then we should also be looking at ways to strengthen incomes so families can better keep pace with housing expenses.
  
  If there are specific details or concerns you’d like me to expand on, I’d be glad to continue the conversation.
  
  Best, Christian
  
  Reply

Michelle Smith

October 14, 2025 at 3:34 am

What is your answer for affordable housing? A lot of apartments are being built but they are super expensive.

Christian Ashcraft
October 16, 2025 at 12:20 am

Thank you for your question, Michelle!

I shared a link to my general response on affordable housing in your Facebook comment, but you can also find it here: https://christianashcraft.com/affordable-housing/

One aspect I didn’t address directly in that article is apartment pricing. There are many factors that can drive costs—labor, materials, land, and permitting on one side, and market demand and willingness to pay on the other. The first step is to identify which of these forces are most responsible for higher prices in Idaho Falls, and then determine what tools the city has to influence them.

My goal is to see more affordable options available here. If reducing costs isn’t fully achievable, then we should also be looking at ways to strengthen incomes so families can better keep pace with housing expenses.

If there are specific details or concerns you’d like me to expand on, I’d be glad to continue the conversation.

Best, Christian

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