Tom Dale and Roger Chase Lead Frontrunner List in Idaho Mayoral Races

Tom Dale is the Mayor of Nampa, Idaho. He has successfully led Nampa through the worst recession in American history. He was first elected in 2001.

Roger Chase is dedicated to helping others and has the experience for our future. "Pocatello is my home," he said. "You won't find anyone more dedicated to work harder for you or your family. This city faces challenges. Together we can make A Better Tomorrow."

"The largest Idaho city with a mayoral contest, Nampa, may not be much of a firefight; Tom Dale, mayor for three terms, seems likely to win his fourth (over three opponents)," writes Randy Stapilus." in the Idaho Press Tribune.

The next-largest city, Pocatello, could be more interesting, though probably not. The 2009 mayoral contest came up with a surprise when veteran mayor and former legislator Roger Chase lost to a little-known challenger Brian Blad. Blad has not exactly been a major force in the Gate City, but he hasn’t stirred great controversy, either.

Chase has filed for a rematch, which could mean a hot contest for November.

In Nampa, prior to being elected to the position of mayor, Tom served on the city council for 6 years. He is a graduate of Northwest Nazarene University, and earned a Masters degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas. Tom served his nation in the United States Navy for four years, and in the United States Air Force National Guard for three years. Tom has a very diverse background, including rancher, business owner/operator, entrepreneur, teacher at every level from kindergarten to college, motivational speaker, and professional musician. He is a private pilot and enjoys dirt bikes, bicycles, hunting and fishing, and skiing.

During his years as mayor, Tom has served as President of the Association of Idaho Cities, Chairman of the Board for the Metropolitan Planning Organization, COMPASS, is currently Chairman of the board for Valley Regional Transit, and Chairman of the College of Western Idaho Advisory Council. He also serves on the Nampa Chamber of Commerce Board and the Salvation Army Board.

When asked about his philosophy of government: "I believe in empowering cities, because government works best closest to the people, and that's the local level," Tom said.

Read more about Mayor Dale at: https://www.facebook.com/mayortomdale

Roger Chase

Roger was born in Burley, Idaho the youngest of Audrey and Ellis Chase’s five children. His father died when he was two and the family moved to Pocatello to be closer to their extended family. His mother Audrey taught school and worked evenings as a waitress to support the family. Roger’s mother has always been his guiding light and hero. He attended Jefferson and Washington Elementary Schools and Franklin Junior High. Roger entered Pocatello High School in 1967 and graduated in 1970. He played varsity football and basketball and worked summers for the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and part time during the school year for his Uncle Ernie at the Pocatello Greenhouse.

Roger attended Idaho State University for 3 years and then went on a two year mission for the LDS Church, serving in the Southwest United States. Upon returning from his mission he went into business for himself owning a successful lawn maintenance company and a grocery store. When Albertsons opened a store on East Benton Street, he sold his store and went to work for the Simplot Corporation. It was during this time he married Janis Rhoads, also a Poky High graduate. Janis was the Executive Director of the Southeastern Idaho Community Action Agency for twenty years and they found great joy together being involved in the community.

Roger worked for Simplot for 21 years and has always been grateful to the company for giving him opportunities to be involved in the community. While at Simplot he was involved with the union and served as a union representative for 16 years. During this time Roger continued to be involved in the community.

During the 80′s, Roger worked with and supported many volunteer groups. He served on the founding board for the Aid For Friends Homeless Shelter and chaired the group for many years. He was actively involved with the redevelopment of “Old Town Pocatello” and chaired the Chief Theater Foundation. Roger became increasingly involved in the “Arts Community” during this time, not as an artist, but as a behind the scenes worker and supporter. He was involved with and co-produced numerous musicals and plays, was actively involved with the State of Idaho Centennial celebration and organized and chaired the Idaho Heritage Festival for five years. Roger became very involved with water issues during this time and chaired the Portneuf Valley Aquifer Protection group. He also coached several championship youth teams.

Roger has always had a passion for politics. In 1990 he was elected to the Pocatello City Council, served two terms, and was Council President for 4 years. During this time he was a driving force for building the Marshall Public Library and acquiring a new city hall. He was elected to the Idaho State Legislature in 1999, reelected twice, and served as the Minority Party Caucus Chain for 4 years. Roger was a co-sponsor of the Farm Workers Protection Act and the Minimum Wage For Farm Workers Bill. He was and continues to be an advocate for working families, the less fortunate, and a tireless supporter for Public Education and I.S.U.

Roger was elected Mayor of Pocatello in 2002. This was a trying time for the city economical. The FMC plant had closed, the railroad had downsized, and the unemployment rate was near 10%. His passion for Pocatello was his driving force toward success during this difficult time. Working together with citizens, local organizations, and city staff, as a team we were able to revitalize and diversify the economy. The community had great success in expanding its retail base and the economic development team was recognized as one of the best in the Intermountain West. There was a renaissance of the arts, and recreational opportunities were expanded, including the development of the City Creek Trail system. Pocatello became national recognized as one of the best communities to live in and to do business in. An increased awareness of protecting our valley and our quality of life was a keystone of this effort. Roger led the efforts to establish a curb side recycling program, protect our aquifer, develop Sacajawea Park, and clean up the Portneuf River. During his term as mayor the water, sewer and street infrastructure in “Old Town Pocatello” was rebuilt. The cities storm water system was upgraded, and wet lands were added to handle runoff. The system was expanded so that the Center Street Underpass did not fill up with water after a major storm and the flood protection was increased in the surrounding area of town. Perhaps the greatest change that occurred during this time was the increased level of volunteer activity in Pocatello. Roger’s unwavering positive outlook was contagious and the number of individuals that became involved with community projects greatly increased, and their efforts made and continue to make Pocatello a wonderful place to live.

Today, Roger continues to stay busy. He is the owner of a small consulting business that does work in Southern Idaho, Northern Utah, and Eastern Wyoming. He is the Chairman of the Idaho Water Resources Board and continues to be involved in state and city issues and volunteer projects. He recently was the Fund Raising Co-Chair for the Brooklyn’s Playground Project, which raised nearly a million dollars to build a handicapped accessible playground. He and Janis enjoy spoiling their grandchildren and spending time with their daughter Robin and her husband Morgan Kent.

Read more about Roger Chase at: https://www.facebook.com/mayorchase