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Mountain Home News

Challenger -- Tom Rist

Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tom Rist

Long-time city councilman Tom Rist is challenging incumbent Joe B. McNeal for mayor in next Tuesday's election.

Rist has extensive experience in city operations.

He served for five year's on the Mountain Home Planning and Zoning Commission and subsequently has served 12 years as a city councilman (beginning during Don Etter's final two terms as mayor). Rist said that experience "provides me with the extensive background one needs to address challenges faced by a growing community such as ours.

"I made a pledge in 1995 when running for my first term on the city council that I would work diligently and tirelessly for the betterment of Mountain Home's citizens. I also pledged that I would be accessible to my constituents, that I would listen to all sides before rendering a decision and that I would provide timely feedback.

"I have met this commitment and would continue to do so as mayor of Mountain Home," he said.

In his initial candidacy announcement, Rist noted that "during my fiveyears on Planning and Zoning, I helped design ordinances and a comprehensive plan for growth which provided me with invaluable knowledge on the intricacies involved in a city's expansion. Mountain Home has experienced rapid growth in the past but nothing quite like the residential growth we have experienced lately.

"Those of us who have lived here many years and those new to the community understand what a special place Mountain Home is, but we are facing problems inherent to unprecedented growth that need to be addressed.

"Major issues facing our community today deal with insuring our infrastructure supports our growth. We need to protect the services we have all come to take for granted, such as fire and police protection, quality education, medical services, and our water supply. To do this, we must be proactive, but we must also be vigilant in preserving the unique qualities of our cherished community.

"I plan to actively approach the revitalization of our downtown core," Rist said. "I will direct my energy toward finding economical means to assist businesses and property owners to increase their customer base, while making Mountain Home's downtown an inviting and pedestrian friendly area. In this end, I will also address parking issues and assist in finding tenants for vacant properties."

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  • Dear Mr. Rist,

    I voted for you by absentee ballot last week and I hope you win. I think you would be able to keep things running more smoothly at council meetings than what I read about meetings of the last year especially.

    You may have the knack of knowing when to be firm but respectful, or using humor to solve a particular situation. Nothing gets done if there is contentiousness and lack of respect.

    I wish you well and hope the other voters voted for you as well.

    Yours truly,

    Senior Lady

    -- Posted by senior lady on Thu, Nov 1, 2007, at 10:23 AM
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  • *

    I just have one question for you Mr. Rist....how is it that only the parent is responsible for raising a child? The parent is the one with the main responsibility for that child yes, and the parent is the one responsible for providing a roof over the childs head, food in their stomach and clothes on their back. However, in the complete circle of raising a child it does take a village or community to provide for the child. When we place our children in scouts, church youth groups, dance classes, music lessons, public/private school, or any other program that the parent is not in direct charge of, those who are are in direct responsibility then for that child. Isnt that what a community is about, working together, striving towards the future, raising our children to take over the community when they become adults? It takes all of us working together Mr. Rist! No, I will not be voting for you, my vote will go to the candidate that understands that todays children are tomorrows future, someone who takes the time to teach vacation bible school, sunday school, read to the kids at the library, someone who may not be perfect but who is right for our community and that would be our current Mayor, not you.

    -- Posted by Ds_Seester on Thu, Nov 1, 2007, at 6:36 PM
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