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Who’s running for city council?
Marti Bryant
Bob Overacker
Steve Fisher
Debbie Bielby
Margerat Gladowski
We asked our local city council candidates a few questions. Here are their answers.
Please tell us who you are, your background, and why you are running to represent your community on the city council.
Marti Bryant
My name is Marti Bryant, born and raised in Salmon. I am a proud 5th-generation resident of Lemhi County. In January 2024, I was honored to be appointed to the city council. Consequently, I have greatly enjoyed becoming more involved in the inner workings of our city, learning its policies and procedures, and serving our community. As a small business owner, I have learned the importance of supporting local businesses and strengthening the resources that help them thrive. Being a strong supporter of access to education for all is a priority. I am running because Salmon is my home, and I am committed to making this community a better place for everyone.
Bob Overacker
My name is Bob Overacker, I am 28 years old and was born and raised here in Salmon. I graduated from Salmon High School in 2015 and moved away for college. I came back to Salmon early 2019 after graduating college and have been here ever since. Living here almost all of my life, I have been in Salmon for the good and the bad, and feel that I can help try and keep Salmon for what we all know it as, even with the challenges and changes that we face in today’s world.
Steve Fisher
I grew up in Challis and moved to Salmon right before the 7th grade. I joined the Marine Corps after graduation and began my military career. Following two spine surgeries, I was medically retired after 13 years on active duty. My wife and I made the decision to return to Salmon to finish raising our children in the town that we grew up in. I am currently working as the project manager for the Lemhi Soil and Water Conservation District. I’m running for city council because I love this community, but I feel like the city’s current trajectory is taking us away from what makes it so great. I will listen to people’s thoughts and concerns and make all my decisions based on what is truly best for our community.
Debbie Bielby
I was raised in Salmon, graduating in 1981. This community has been my home all my life. Todd and I have been married for 31 years, and in our blended family we have 4 children and 10 beautiful grandchildren. My roots run deep here, and my heart is with the people of Salmon. I love this town. I love the small-town spirit, the way neighbors show up for each other, and the pride we all share in calling Salmon home. That’s why I believe the people of our community must come first. Every decision should reflect what is best for the residents who already live, work, and raise families here.
Margaret Glodowski
This is my fourth year serving on the City Council here in Salmon. I’ve been in Idaho since I was 17 years old and my family has been here since 1978. Working in the medical field for 13 yrs as a Respiratory Therapist, taught me a lot about humanity. I have a degree in communication from Boise State University in communication. I started a veterans program at White Water Therapeutic Riding and I started a Chaplain program and currently coordinate it at Steel Memorial Medical Center here in Salmon. I am running for City Council to make a difference in our community and keep asking questions so we can all learn why the city does what it does and be a voice for the people
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Salmon right now?
Bob Overacker
This is a hard question because Salmon has two big issues in my eyes right now: Housing and streets. I have been fortunate enough to not be in the housing crisis while living in Salmon, but I have complained about the streets ever since I have gotten my driver’s license. So my final answer would be the quality of streets – which the city is working on.
Steve Fisher
I asked this very question to everyone I have talked to. The first thing each of them said is roads, and I agree. The city crew does a great job with what little budget they are given, but it is not nearly enough for everything that needs done. Additionally, aging infrastructure is an issue that the city has already started to address. The work updating the water and sewer systems needs to continue to stay ahead of a catastrophic failure in the future.
Debbie Bielby
I believe Salmon has a housing and affordability issue and that needs to be addressed starting with local spending from the top.
Margaret Glodowski
The biggest challenge facing Salmon is keeping taxes down while still improving our old water system, roads and keeping our wages competitive for our city workers.
Marti Bryant
One of the biggest challenges facing Salmon today is the lack of access to affordable housing. This impacts not only families but also our workforce and overall community growth.
How should the city address housing needs and affordability?
Steve Fisher
This could be a long discussion, but I’ll focus on one example that has been brought up to me several times. Salmon has a good percentage of population consisting of senior citizens on fixed incomes. Every “small” increase in percentage of property tax, water and sewer fee, etc. has a dramatic impact on them financially and impacts their quality of life. The city could amend the home owner exemption policy that is already in place to further reduce the tax burden on the senior citizens on a fixed income.
Debbie Bielby
I believe we need to have better regulations, not more regulations. Salmon at this time has 147 air-B&B’s and nowhere for the residence to live. We have people whose feet have never hit the pavement making more money than the people that keep this community going, I think this is a good place to start.
Margaret Glodowski
We have a nationwide housing problem. We can try to control short-term rental growth within the law. Slow housing growth can be a healthy thing if we do it cautiously?
Marti Bryant
The city is already taking steps to limit the number of short-term vacation rentals within city limits and to ensure compliance with requirements such as LOT taxes and business licenses. I believe placing a reasonable cap on short-term rentals will free up more housing options for residents who live, work, and contribute to our community. In addition, I would encourage continued collaboration between local contractors and individuals wanting to create affordable housing opportunities. Expanding access to housing, while keeping the character and needs of Salmon at the center, is vital.
Bob Overacker
The city needs to take a look at vacant properties (if possible), properties/buildings that could possibly be condemned and sold (if possible) and rebuilt on, and then work with (not against) local contractors to get affordable housing built. Again, this would be an if possible scenario. I have not had the chance to look into situations as far as vacant properties and whatnot to be able to take these abandoned run down properties and turn them into something useful.
What are your ideas for strengthening public safety and emergency preparedness?
Debbie Bielby
Public Safety is number one to me and with all of the rhetoric going on in the Country today we should all be aware of our surroundings. We need to watch out for our neighbors. We need to support our Police Department and Sheriff’s Office. They are a huge part of keeping us safe. We also need to work together to withstand and recover from disasters and emergency situations by building partnerships with community groups, nonprofit and faith-based organizations. Educate, volunteer and be involved.
Margaret Glodowski
We have a wonderful community volunteer system that freely gives their time and money here in Salmon.We need to support our city and county officers and keep them safe and have competitive salaries so they will stay here. I’d like to see more public education on how everyone can help in a disaster.
Marti Bryant
A strong partnership between city, county, and state agencies is essential for public safety. Many emergency preparedness policies are already in place. However, maintaining open communication and updating plans as needed is key, especially for natural disasters and unforeseen events. Another critical aspect of safety in Salmon is ensuring survivors of violence feel safe and receive critical support when coming forward. Accountability for perpetrators should be non-negotiable. I am encouraged by the work of our new prosecuting attorney and the early planning of a Family Justice Center, which will provide co-located services and improved collaboration among responding agencies. These efforts will help strengthen both community safety and survivor support.
Bob Overacker
I think the best way to strengthen public safety and preparedness in today’s world would be community teaching/involvement. There are a lot of people moving into this area that would have no idea what to do if disaster hit. For example, if a flood were to happen, the county shop has sand/sand bags available to the public. Now me living here my whole life would know to head to the county shop and get what I needed. Someone just moving into this area, would probably not know about that until it was too late. The county and city employees are doing their best to get the information out on social media as fast as they can, but people also need to take it into their own hands and do their own research as well to make sure they are as prepared as possible.
Steve Fisher
I am constantly impressed with the first responders in this community. We are extremely lucky to have so many dedicated people willing to do the job. We have to make sure that they have the equipment and resources required to be the most effective and efficient when their services are needed. If the budget allows, they should also be provided opportunity for advanced training to further enhance their knowledge and capabilities.
What role should the city play in supporting local businesses and jobs?
Margaret Glodowski
Keeping our city clean and welcoming helps bring people here. Salmon has a lot to offer with our recreations and sports. I’d like to see another CNA class offered here.
Marti Bryant
The city should prioritize hiring local contractors whenever possible to keep projects and dollars in our community. I also support expanding continuing education opportunities for business owners, such as classes in business management, QuickBooks, and accounting, to give small businesses the tools they need to succeed. I believe in fostering a culture of community support for local businesses. Salmon already has many wonderful shops and services, and by shopping local and investing in our entrepreneurs, we strengthen our economy and our community ties.
Bob Overacker
I think the city needs to stay in the background when it comes to local businesses. If Salmon has the nice streets, the beautiful grounds, the affordable housing, and a good environment to be in, I feel that businesses in this town will be able to thrive in all aspects. Now when local businesses need help with an issue or something, then the city should absolutely step in and do what they can. But I don’t think that the businesses need or want the city breathing down their neck all day every day.
Steve Fisher
Local business owners often live outside of city limits and do not get to vote on city issues. However, every decision the City Council makes directly impacts their business, their quality of life, and their employees. The city should actively engage with and listen to their opinions and concerns prior to making decisions. The city could also provide additional support in the form of tax incentives and simplifying regulations to both attract and retain businesses.
Debbie Bielby
Support your local people, they are the biggest reason you have a job. We have about 3 months of summer and no real industry. We should be advocating for more private owned businesses to come here. We could use variety so we don’t have to go somewhere else to shop. When I was growing up, Salmon was alive with opportunity—we had three grocery stores and a vibrant downtown. We can bring that vitality back, but we must also bring balance back. Balance in leadership. Balance in our city budgets. Balance in how we grow, so that long-time residents and working families are not pushed out due to rising costs.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Tune in to KSRA on Tuesday, October 28 at 10:15 AM for the City Council Candidate Forum — hear from those running before you go vote!