After running unsuccessfully for Sun Valley City Council in 2009 and 2011, Stephen Poindexter hopes his third try will be the charm.
Poindexter, 35, said one of his main reasons for running again is to encourage younger Sun Valley residents to become involved in local politics.
“There is little involvement from people under the age of 45 in this town,” he said. “Nothing against the people that have been here a long time, but a lot of us are going to be here for a long time.”
Poindexter is running on a platform that is largely centered on improving the local business community.
“My platform is the same as it was four years ago and two years ago,” he said. “I would like to see more business that is open after 10 p.m. I would like to see tax breaks for new businesses that decide to come to this city and invest in this city.”
Poindexter has lived in Sun Valley since 2008. He works as an overnight cashier at Veltex convenience store in Ketchum and serves as a precinct committeeman for the 2nd District of the Blaine County Republican Party. Before moving to Sun Valley, he worked two seasonal positions at Yellowstone National Park.
“Politics can be your friend, or it can be a dirty business.”
Stephen Poindexter
Candidate
Poindexter has a personal website that includes his biography, work history, vision, promises and beliefs at www.committeemanstevepoindexter-svid.us. During an interview, he reflected on his previous failures running for City Council.
“I’ve learned from my previous two campaigns that politics can be your friend, or it can be a dirty business,” he said. “In a small town like this, it can be your friend.”
Poindexter said that if he is elected, he will immediately seek out ideas from the younger residents.
“My first order of business as a councilman would be to come up with a committee of honest, intelligent people younger than 50 to gain ideas from,” he said.
Poindexter cited the lack of involvement from the younger residents at the latest comprehensive plan steering committee meeting as motivation to engage a new political base.
Poindexter said that despite his candidacy for office, he respects the current council and is optimistic about Sun Valley’s future.
“With everything that’s happened with the fire, it shows that if we all work together as a community we can achieve great things in the future.”
Eric Avissar: eavissar@mtexpress.com
Stephen Poindexter
