Lewiston City Council Candidates

Gabriel Iacoboni

I decided to run after feeling like I could have a greater voice in the process, and make Lewiston better, if I was on City Council.  Lewiston is known for  its quality of life and low cost of living.  However, we are seeing that change.  With higher assessments on housing, increased fees on basic services, and businesses leaving Lewiston, it is important we have officials in elected office who will work tirelessly to ensure Lewiston mainains its quality of life.  As a nonprofit leader, a homeowner, and a community member, I have to keep my ears open to the needs of community members.  I will listen to your concerns, your needs, and your hopes.  I cannot promise you will get everything you want but I can promise I will work to make government more efficient, more transparent, and one which works for everybody, not just a few.  Remember to vote Gabe Iacoboni for City Council on November 2nd.  God bless!

Issues

Property Taxes: 

No new tax or fee increases until the city learns to live within its means.

Advocate for Small Businesses: 

Actively marketing Lewiston to businesses outside the Valley while continuing to support our local businesses.  Long delayed, I would work to convene a roundtable of local business owners to understand their needs and concerns - instead of assuming.  This may also include revamping local zoning codes and ordinances and removing red tape which hinders businesses ability to hire, flourish and grow.

Support for the Homeless: 

Advocate for the  development of a new sustainable resource center to assist one of our community's most vulnerable and resource intensive populations.  Whether we like it or not, the problem is here, and growing.

Strong Mayor: 

I strongly support Prop 1 this November and the direct election of a Mayor to be held accountable by the voters.  This would actually link our top city - wide elected official to the voters.  No such link exists with the City Manager.  There would still be checks and              balances with the City Council able to direct agendas and override decisions the Mayor participates in through a simple majority vote.

Transparency and Accountability: 

I want to increase the community's awareness of what goes on in our local government and look for ways to improve participation.  Executive sessions should be minimized, ALL ordinances should go through the regular three readings, no matter how mundane, and there should be a better process for people to comment on ordinances than at the very beginning of meetings. 

Investing In Our Community: 

Lewiston has many needs.  The once in a generation opportunity to use American Rescue Plan Act funding to address these needs should be undertaken only with public input, and target our most critical infrastructure and community needs.  Working collaboratively, I believe we can make this happen.

Biography

I have lived all over the Pacific Northwest. I grew up in Walla Walla, WA, lived in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho and graduated with a Bachelor's in Political Science and Masters from Boise State University in Public Administration. I ran a housing nonprofit in Boise for over three years as an Americorp Vista and Executive Director before moving to Lewiston to run the Willow Center for Grieving children. I currently serve on the boards of the Adult Resource Center (displaced individuals), Green Apple Project (autism awareness and group support) and the as Chair is the Lewiston City Disability Advisory Committee. I reside here in Lewiston with my wife of over five years and two children.

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