Prouty announces bid to seek open council seat

Mitch Prouty.

Mitch Prouty has announced his candidacy to seek one of the two open Mountain Home City Council seats, bringing the total number of council candidates to four for the November election.

Also running for council, so far, are Russ Anderson, Albert Clement and Geoff Schroeder. Councilman Tom Rist, whose seat is one of the two up for election (along with that of Mark Russell), is making his beat to unseat incumbent Joe B. McNeal as mayor. The two council positions are "at large" posts, meaning the two candidates who receive the most votes are elected. There are no runoffs.

The Prouty name is well-known in Mountain Home. Mitch's father, Fred, served 22 years on the city council and a term as county commissioner, and currently is head of the board supervising the Urban Renewal Agency for Mountain Home.

Prouty said he did not forsee any conflicts of interest. "Dad and I have discussions all the time -- not that we always agree on everything, but we do have similar philosophies about what should be done for the community."

Prouty said he was running for office because "it is time for me to give back to our community and I want to make a difference in Mountain Home. "I am ready to jump into public office head first. "It takes courage," he said, "but I am up for the task."

"I view the role of city councilman as a community servant rather than as a politician", he said.

"The primary focus of a councilman should be listening to the people, assessing the alternatives for action, then taking the action that serves in the best interests of our citizens."

If elected, Prouty said he would like to see the city join with the Urban Renewal Agency in securing and promoting an "anchor business for downtown, one that other small businesses with be able to reap the benefits of additional foot traffic. which would bring more shopping and visitors to the downtown center.

"All the components are in place and what is needed is leadership and experience in business to make it all come together."

Prouty said that the "success of a community is no better than the willingness of the people to work together for a common good. The city council should be in the forefront assessing what needs to be done and then soliciting the people to get it done.

"I am a good listener, and often wait for all to say their opinions and thoughts before I jump in with my ideas. I will make decisions that are best for the citizens of Mountain Home after listening and assessing each situation," he said., adding that "I am excited about the possibility of community service on the city council.

"I will be proactive in dealing with community needs and protecting the quality of life and the vitality our community has to offer. I will work with all citizens to make Mountain Home a better community and I will seek your support in this effort."

Prouty has served on the Mountain Home Volunteer Fire Department since 1999, and also served one year on the Parks and Recreation Board. In addition, he has been a part of the coaching staff at Mountain Home High School, Mountain Home Junior High, and many City Recreation youth programs, which he has coached for the last 17 years.

A public education teacher for 10 years, Prouty received his BA at Boise State University and his Masters of School Administration at Albertson's College. He has received additional post graduate credits in an effort to broaden his education and prepare himself for community leadership, he noted.

After serving as a school teacher he made the decision to join his family in the ownership of two businesses, The Carpet Shoppe and Fitness Plus, both located in downtown Mountain Home. He serves as financial officer, investment coordinator and a certified personal trainer for those businesses. "Managing the day-to-day business has given me valuable experience in running budgets as well as seeking and developing additional market growth," he said.

He has one son, Marcus, who attends Hacker Middle School.