CANDIDATE PROFILE – Cindy Lien, Wallace City Council Seat 3

Full Name: Cynthia (Cindy) Lien

Profession: Former Director of the Northern Pacific Depot Museum, Retired Florist

Highest level of education completed: Associate Degree in Social Science

Degrees and professional certifications: Master Floral Designer, Former Owner Valerie’s Flowers

Civic organization or nonprofit board service: Past President/Treasurer (5 years) Wallace Chamber of Commerce (Volunteer of the year 2018 and 2022), Past President/Historic Wallace Marketing Group (3 years), WM of Shoshone #10 Eastern Star, Current board member (Loyal Knight) of the Wallace Elks #331 (Officer of the Year 2022), Wallace Food Bank, Founder of Volunteer Wallace (5 years), Organizer of Paw Parade (10 years), Past Organizer of Huckleberry Festival and 5k (7 years), Organizer of Under the Freeway Flea Market (2 years), Past Organizer of Wallace Street Fair (3 years), Co-organizer of Wallace Elks Roundup Parade (2 years) and Kids Talent Show, Co organizer of Depot Day, Former volunteer for Fall for History, the Wallace Christmas Festival, and Shoshone Women’s Resource Center.

How long have you lived in Idaho and in your city? I have been a proud full-time resident of Wallace for 20+ years

Marital Status/Family: Married for 27 years to Don Lien, our children are grown and we are now pet parents to our dogs Baxter and Tanner.

• What experience has prepared you for this office?
  

I have been a business owner and an active resident of the Wallace community for the past 20 years. I’ve stayed informed of city issues by attending most of the City Council and Planning and Zoning meetings over the last several years and as a result, have a solid working knowledge of what challenges the city faces now and in the future. Having lived in Wallace for 20 years I believe I understand what Wallace residents want from their city government. As a former business owner and member/treasurer/president of the Wallace Chamber of Commerce, I have keen insight into what business owners need to thrive and succeed in all seasons, and the support they need from the city. As someone who has organized many events in Wallace over the last decades, I believe I understand the complexities, good and bad, of the many events we hold in our city.

• What is the No. 1 issue/problem you believe you will face if elected, and how will you resolve it?
  

Like many small towns across America facing increased population and pressure to develop, I believe the biggest issue facing our community is the divide between those who want progress and expansion and those who favor historical and environmental preservation. I will continue to work to bring folks together, find common ground, start a productive dialogue and work toward compromise and unity.

• What do you consider a top responsibility for the position you’re seeking?

One of my top responsibilities as a Wallace City Council member will be promoting transparency between the Council and residents. I will advocate for meetings to be broadcast publicly so that residents of our community can more easily participate in their city government. I know many citizens cannot always attend Council meetings physically but would like to stay informed about city business and decision-making. I also intend to have set hours where residents/business owners can openly and honestly meet with me to express their concerns. Our community needs a way to communicate with decision-makers face-to-face.

• Why should voters choose you?

I believe voters should choose me because I have demonstrated my dedication to the City of Wallace through my civic and volunteer work over the last 20 years. I have a proven track record when it comes to contributing my time and energy to making our city a great place to live, work, and play. I have attended all but a handful of the Council meetings over the last few years to keep abreast of pressing city issues and feel I have a working knowledge of the challenges faced by the city. I have already worked with many resident/business owners to make Wallace a great place to live and work and would like to continue that effort through the City Council.