10/22/2025
Candidate questions were emailed to all City of Pocatello candidates and will be posted as received. See attached JPGS. Each candidate's responses will be copied/pasted into a separate post. We will also post to our webpage as time allows.
GREG CATES; CATES FOR MAYOR CANDIDATE
QUESTIONS FOR CITY OF POCATELLO - MAYOR:
1. The Right-of-Way (ROW) fees currently built into the three Enterprise Department Budgets are nearly identical to interfund fees that were ruled unlawful in Nez Perce district court. Do you support or oppose the elimination of these fees? Why?
I support the elimination of the “Right of Way” fees and here’s why:
For the past 10 years, City of Pocatello utility users have been charged over $11.5 million in disguised tax through unreasonable “Right of Way” fees. The mayor and city council have been asked directly by members of the public if these fees are legal, but they have yet to provide honest, straightforward answers. So, the question remains…are these ROW fees even legal?
Unfortunately, this would not be the first time our city government has included unlawful fees/disguised taxes within our user fees for city services. Many of you may recall the Hill-Vu class-action lawsuit that the City of Pocatello lost in 2018–19. That case exposed the “PILOT” fee scandal, wherein the city collected “unreasonable” user fees on water, sewer, and sanitation services from 2005 to 2014, resulting in a $4.5 million judgment against the City of Pocatello. In that case, the Supreme Court ruled the PILOT user fees were not reasonable, and the city was required to reimburse approximately 15,000 households.
So, where did these “Right of Way” fees even come from? Well, on the heels of the 11/15/13 injunction ordering Pocatello to cease collection of the PILOT fees, members of our city government, including Mayor Brian Blad and then City Councilman Steve Brown (the same Steve Brown who is currently running for mayor), conjured up this scheme to pad their budget while secretly removing your hard-earned taxpayer dollars from your wallets.
Since implementing “Right of Way” fees in 2014, the city has collected over $11.5 million in what’s being described as unlawful user fees from the citizens of Pocatello. And yes, these fees are still being collected today.
During recent budget hearings for FY2026, I watched as the mayor and city council approved a staggering $1,500,861 million in “Right of Way” fees that will, once again, be stripped from your pockets. It’s insane. They must know it’s wrong, but do they even care?
I sure do! And that’s why I support the elimination of the “Right of Way” fees.
2. Do you support or oppose the "One City" concept of combining Chubbuck and Pocatello? Why?
The idea of merging Pocatello and Chubbuck has resurfaced repeatedly, with supporters citing efficiency and opponents defending local control.
Proponents argue that combining the cities could eliminate duplicate services, reduce administrative costs and create consistent policies for zoning, development and public safety. They also believe a unified city could strengthen economic development efforts, increase eligibility for federal funding and present a more cohesive regional identity.
Opponents counter that Chubbuck would lose its independence and that financial savings are uncertain. Past studies, including a 2015 review of fire department consolidation, raised concerns about funding shortfalls. Critics also warn that Pocatello could assume Chubbuck’s debts and that differing community priorities could complicate governance. A 2020 advisory vote showed more interest in a merger among Pocatello residents than those in Chubbuck, highlighting the political challenges of uniting the two cities despite potential efficiencies.
I believe Pocatello must first focus on strengthening its own foundation. Our city faces pressing internal challenges; economic development, infrastructure, and leadership alignment, that need attention before considering major structural changes.
And past studies have shown uncertain financial benefits and logistical hurdles, and public sentiment remains divided. Rather than pursuing a merger, Pocatello should prioritize fixing what’s within its control, building stability, and getting the right people and plans in place to ensure long-term success.
3. Do you believe that the public should be made aware of situations that could be viewed as placing the City or City elected officials in an unfavorable light so long as such disclosure does not disclose confidential information (Examples: City named in a lawsuit, City elected official accused of sexual harassment, etc.)?
Absolutely. I believe transparency is a cornerstone of public trust. The public has every right to be informed about situations that could reflect unfavorably on the city and its elected officials. Hiding information only fuels speculation and erodes confidence in local government.
When issues arise, they should be addressed openly, honestly and with accountability. Transparency isn’t about avoiding difficult truths; it’s about confronting them directly, learning from them and ensuring that our community knows its leaders are acting with integrity.
As mayor, I will make sure that communication with the public is clear, timely and truthful, even when the news is uncomfortable because real trust can only exist when government operates in the light of day.
