Longtime Sandpoint resident, City Council President and current CEO of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, Kate McAlister has officially announced her candidacy for mayor of Sandpoint. She kicked off her campaign with a launch party Wednesday, Aug. 23, at the 113 Main Restaurant.
When asked why she was running for mayor, McAlister responded first with a number:
“9,417,” she said. “This is why I am running. This is the approximate number of our current population. The 2020 census said we were at 8,639 and since 2020 we have had approximately 9 percent growth, now up to 9,417. We’re experiencing huge growth, and while that brings some benefits it also poses some serious challenges that I want to help the city meet.
“I believe running for a non-partisan position is a privilege,” McAlister added. “It’s a privilege in the sense of having the honor of representing all of the community members with equality. We ARE a great community and I want to do everything I can to keep us great and it starts, and ends, being fair to all our citizens.”
A Sandpoint resident for more than 30 years, McAlister has been involved in numerous organizations to serve her community, including Angels over Sandpoint, Forest Bird Charter School, Kaniksu Health and many others.
Along with her service on City Council she also sat on the Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency to enhance the downtown in 2013-2017.
McAlister said community involvement is important her, and that she works hard to grow and sustain Sandpoint’s reputation as a caring and supportive community.
For more information see her Kate for Mayor Facebook page. Those who want to support her campaign can mail donations to: Kate for Mayor, PO Box 1538, Sandpoint, ID 83864.