CANDIDATE PROFILE – Jeremy Bergem, Osburn City Council, 4-year term

Full Name: Jeremy Bergem

Birth Date: June 20th 1973

Profession: Full-time Scale Operator, Shoshone County Transfer Station, Part-time Code Enforcement Officer, City of Smelterville

Highest level of education completed: Graduate Class of 1991, Bonners Ferry High School

Degrees and professional certifications: Graduate General Motors University of Automotive Management, CEOSF Certified Code Enforcement Official

Civic organization or nonprofit board service: North Idaho College Technical Advisory Board Member 2014-2019, Silver Valley Economic Development Board

How long have you lived in Idaho and in your city? Native Idaho, born in Pocatello, Idaho in 1973. I have been a resident of the City of Osburn since 2002

Marital Status: Married to Diana (Smith) Bergem

Family: Two wonderful daughters Brianna Bergem and Savannah Smith

• What experience has prepared you for this office?
  

I have thirty years of Automotive Service Management and Customer Relations experience. Successfully managing multiple large automotive business operations of 100 employees. This requires controlling costs and ensuring a profitable bottom line while maintaining the highest levels of customer satisfaction. These skills are needed to not only be knowledgeable about current and future needs of a city but also be innovative to create solutions to the many problems a city faces. At the same time seeking input from all residents and business owners to ensure their voices are not only heard but incorporated into the policy-making decisions. It is the only way for a city to advance and grow without losing our community's values and our way of life in Osburn.

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

I believe the number one issue that I will face if elected will be how to manage potential budget shortfalls without placing undo increases in property tax and utility expenses to our residents. I will ensure a structure of checks and balances is in place and observed to eliminate any potential waste and work to develop new business opportunities for the city. We must ensure that as the trusted stewards of the city we are always looking for ways to save expenses and get the most for our city's funds.

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

We must ensure that as the trusted stewards of the city we are always looking for ways to save expenses and get the most for our city's funds.

• Why should voters choose you?

I am asking to be elected to the City Council of Osburn because as a long-term resident, I will use my many years of management experience to keep our city moving in a positive direction. Listening to everyone's ideas to create innovative solutions to the many difficult problems that we face now and in the future will be instrumental in my role as a council member. I will ensure that my decisions for the city affecting safety, health, and happiness will be the best for all residents of Osburn, not just a select few. I appreciate how fortunate I am to live in our incredible city. I will ensure as a council member not to lose my sense of the community and the values that make our city so special.