My background is in elementary, preschool and special education, having received my education from BYU and Utah State University. It was at BYU that I met my wife, Anne Nielson, who was raised in Rexburg, and we have two young daughters. We love the small-town friendliness and the natural beauty that we find here in Soda Springs.
Our family came to Soda through my employment with Bear River Head Start, a pre-school program with a classroom here in town. I have coordinated the special education services with local school districts for over 350 students. However, it is my work with Head Start as a local family advocate that has familiarized me with the priorities of families here in Soda Springs.
Many people in Soda Springs are concerned about growth. There’s a mixture of desire for greater opportunities and a fear of losing our small-town atmosphere. If we work together we can prepare for the change that seems inevitable and ensure that Soda Springs maintains its charm as it extends it to more people.
Soda Springs has a unique attraction in the geyser. At the community review held in August, one restaurant owner commented that not a day goes by that a customer from out of town doesn’t ask him about it. Let’s beautify the area around it as a starting point for a community project to revitalize the downtown area and improve the town. The theme of water is universal. If we begin with the geyser, the ideas will start to flow.
Although our numbers may be few, Soda Springs is home to an enriching diversity of religions and cultural backgrounds which have contributed to the building of this town. All these voices should be heard as we work together to plan for our future.
I’ve spent the last several years working with children. I see the hope and the excitement in their eyes – and as I’ve shared some of my ideas about beautifying the downtown area with friends and neighbors in Soda Springs, I’ve seen their belief in the potential of this town. Soda Springs is ready to go forward. Let’s do it!
