I’m running for City Council not out of ambition, but out of love for this place. As a fifth-generation Pocatellan and a funeral director, my work has placed me in people’s lives during their most vulnerable moments. I’ve seen up close how the decisions made at City Hall ripple through our homes, our schools, and our neighborhoods. This campaign is my way of stepping forward—not because it's easy, but because it's time. If not me, then who? If not now, then when? I believe Pocatello deserves leadership grounded in justice, mercy, and humility. We need leaders who show up, who listen, and who lead with heart.

One of the biggest issues we face is housing. Rent and mortgage costs are climbing faster than wages, and we simply don’t have enough homes to meet the need. I’ve seen folks forced into unsafe living conditions or even pushed to leave Pocatello altogether—not because they want to, but because they can’t afford to stay. Housing shouldn’t be a privilege. It’s foundational. And right now, it’s a crisis.

We need to treat housing as infrastructure. That means modernizing our zoning laws to allow townhomes, ADUs, and entry-level homes that meet today’s needs. It means using every tool available—public-private partnerships, streamlined permitting, even exploring local-option taxes if the legislature allows—to make it easier to build and keep costs down. It also means measuring our success not by ribbon cuttings, but by real outcomes: stable rents, rising vacancy rates, and young families choosing to stay in Pocatello. Housing is about more than buildings—it’s about dignity, stability, and making sure everyone has a place to call home.

Day one, I’ll prioritize transparency and rebuilding trust between City Hall and the public. That starts with restoring monthly public-comment opportunities, launching a “Monthly Meeting with Keven” coffee hour, and creating clear, accessible updates on key issues. People are tired of decisions being made behind closed doors or buried in jargon. I’ll make sure every resident knows what’s happening, why it matters, and how to speak up. Because democracy only works when people are heard—and I intend to make sure every Pocatellan has a seat at the table.

 As a funeral director, I sit with people in their hardest moments. I've seen how city policies show up in real lives, not as abstract debates but as lived realities. From unsafe housing to gaps in emergency response, I’ve watched neighbors navigate the fallout of leadership that failed to act in time. I’m a fifth-generation Pocatellan who’s worked in restaurants, classrooms, fields, and funeral homes. I’ve carried caskets of overdose victims and walked families through systems that didn’t show up when they should have. That proximity to people’s pain made the choice clear: If not me, then who? If not now, then when?

 I’m seeking CVI’s endorsement because I believe our environment is not a luxury—it’s our legacy. From air and water quality to how we grow and move as a city, conservation values must be embedded in our local decision-making. I’m committed to smart growth, accessible green spaces, and energy policy that prepares our city for a more sustainable future. CVI’s work aligns with my vision of justice, humility, and stewardship.

1. Housing affordability and availability. People are being priced out of their hometown.

2. Emergency response capacity. We are dangerously understaffed in fire, EMT, and police services.

3. Transparent, ethical governance. Residents are tired of closed-door decisions and budget surprises.

I currently work as a funeral director. In that role, I manage logistics, support grieving families, and coordinate with city and state officials daily. My leadership has always been grounded in presence, service, and accountability. I’ve also led teams in restaurant management, coordinated fundraising and memorial events, and served as a mentor to young workers. Though I haven’t held elected office, I’ve spent my life in civic spaces that demand emotional intelligence, logistical skill, and public trust.

I’m a supporter of the Pocatello Free Clinic, the NAACP Pocatello Branch, and the Bannock County Suicide Prevention Coalition. These groups reflect my commitments to health equity, racial justice, and mental health—all essential components of a thriving, inclusive community.

My commitment to conservation is rooted in place and practice. As a lifelong Idahoan, I’ve camped and hiked this state’s public lands. As a council candidate, I’ve called for walkable neighborhoods, open space protection, and energy-efficient infrastructure. I’ve also vocally opposed efforts to privatize or underfund essential environmental protections. Conservation is about safeguarding what makes Idaho, Idaho.

Preserving access to public lands and outdoor recreation is a key concern for our community. I will oppose efforts to transfer federal land ownership and advocate for expanded greenway trails, urban tree canopy funding, and better maintenance of city parks. I also support integrating climate resilience into land-use planning, including fire prevention and water conservation measures.

 The biggest conflicts are short-term financial interests and misinformation. Some leaders paint conservation as anti-growth, when in fact, smart environmental planning protects property values, public health, and economic stability. Bridging that divide means making the long-term case, building unlikely coalitions, and staying rooted in community values.

 I’ll champion city funding for open-space maintenance, fight for state and federal grant opportunities, and ensure new developments contribute to public green infrastructure. I’ll also support community partnerships that expand access through bike paths, ADA trails, and free transit to parks.

By treating the environment as infrastructure, not afterthought. I support zoning updates that promote mixed-use walkable neighborhoods, green roofs, permeable pavement, and tree protections. Growth must be sustainable—economically, ecologically, and socially.

Equity must be baked into every policy. That means analyzing how land use, transit, housing, and climate policies affect marginalized communities. I will advocate for equity impact statements on major city initiatives and include BIPOC voices in planning decisions. Environmental racism is real, and local government has a duty to correct—not perpetuate—it.

 I’ll hold regular town halls, host “Monthly Meetings with Keven,” and create accessible explainer content about local decisions. I’ll partner with schools, libraries, and nonprofits to reach new voters, and push for translated materials and voter registration at city events. Democracy only works when everyone’s invited.