Rist to run again for council

Councilman Tom Rist has announced that he will seek re-election to a third term on the Mountain Home City Council this November.

Rist, a 46-year resident of the city, said he is running because "I really enjoy serving the people and helping in anyway that I can to ensure Mountain Home continues to be a great place to live."

Rist said that he hopes to serve the community long enough to see numerous projects and improvements come to fruition, such as solving the sewer and water problems, which he sees as one of the major issues facing the city.

"Right now the city's water and sewer services are in jeopardy of meeting the community's needs. It is going to take a strong council that understands the issues to keep things moving forward. I believe my experience can help."

Rist has been active in the community for many years, participating in community events by "doing whatever I can to help out".

His contributions recently earned him the honor of "Man of the Year" by the local Chamber of Commerce.

Tom is also a member of the Mountain Home Masonic Lodge, El Korah Shrine, Royal Arch Masons, Elks Lodge, and Military Affairs Committee.

Rist and his wife, Shirley, who have been married over 35 years, have one daughter, Kasie, and two grandchildren.

In commenting on the Council's recent accomplishments, Rist said, "I think it's remarkable, especially in this climate with the state and other cities in a money crisis, that Mountain Home can continue to control expenses, get so much done, and stay in excellent fiscal shape."

He also believes that the completion of the city's new Mountain Home Police Station was a "Herculean accomplishment -- especially to get it built without an increase in property taxes."

Rist added, "I know there will always be some who think that we shouldn't have done it, but they forget how bad the conditions were before. It was a pressure cooker; a disaster waiting to happen. With the overcrowding solved, the city and county can both operate better and the town is safer."

Rist also hopes to see in the near future a new public works building and maintenance shop, located on city property adjacent to the recently improved animal shelter.

One problem Rist is glad to see getting solved is the golf course.

"It is an asset to the community, but has been struggling financially for the last few years. With some of the changes we made this year, for example taking over the golf cart rental, it looks like it is finally starting to turn around."

On the recent council vote regarding the city's re-addressing for E-911, Rist said, "I feel bad about the way the thing progressed, that we got so far down the road and then had to turn back.

"We asked for the public's opinion. They spoke loud and clear and it would have been an insult to ignore them." He said he hoped that in the future an "acceptable