Ann Swanson
From ISU to Spain and Back Again: My Journey to Serve Pocatello
My Story: Part 1 of 4
Pocatello has been home for the majority of my life. My mom and dad brought me here from the midwest when I was six months old. Both of them began their careers at ISU. As I grew, I attended pre-school at ISU, gained a little brother, then moved to Washington Elementary, attended Franklin when it was still a Junior High, and graduated from Pocatello High School.
The Pocatello I grew up in gave me plenty of people to admire: my high school principal Dr. Carole McWilliam, Dr. Sherri Deinstfrey, a theater professor at ISU who coached me to state drama champion, and to thank: Mr. Forrest at Poky High who taught me Spanish (I can still speak!), the ROTC Sergeant at ISU for letting rappel with them, and Mr. Fry, my counselor, who wrote me a great recommendation for college.
After growing up in my parents’ ISU offices, I wanted to see a new part of the country for college. I graduated from the University of Oregon, and spent my twenties pursuing an acting career in Hollywood. After a few commercials (and no health insurance). I went back to graduate school at USC when I studied aging (gerontology) and health administration. Thanks to my USC professor’s help, I had a fantastic opportunity to study as a Fulbright scholar in Spain. I developed respite programs for dementia caregivers in Barcelona.
While I was halfway across the world, I reconnected with an old high school friend living in Pocatello. After my year in Spain was over, I returned here to visit my parents. After seeing our city with fresh eyes, I decided to stay. I got married and started my family.
I now have two children who enjoy the same Pocatello childhood I did. Great schools with caring teachers, low crime, lots of outdoor activities, and plenty for kids to explore - from theater and music to running and climbing. Pocatello is a wonderful place to have a family, and I am grateful for the environment Pocatello offers.
In a way, my candidacy is a Thank You note to Pocatello. I want to steward Pocatello towards a future that will offer the next generation the same opportunities it gave me and my family.
Ann Swanson
Why I’m Running: A Journey Sparked by Mentors and Community
Five years ago, I happened to sit by Senator James Ruchti at a Pocatello Chamber of Commerce Meeting. It was a legislative update after the session was over. I was impressed that he was writing notes to himself as the other legislators spoke. I thought he might be preparing critical remarks, but I realized he was noting what the others said, so he didn’t repeat them. He wanted to offer his own input.
I knew James in High School and have admired his commitment to public service and his eloquence at the meeting. We chatted afterwards and he asked me if I thought about running for office. I was flattered. I hadn’t given the idea much thought, but after the meeting, I realized the idea sounded interesting. Community service and stewardship are high values of mine.
I had also attended a panel of women in politics about that same time. Donna Boe was on the panel, and I asked her how someone with interest in running for office should begin. She replied that the best way is to work on someone’s campaign, so you can learn what goes into the process.
A year later, I volunteered with Hayden Paulsen’s City Council Campaign. I learned how to knock on doors and talk to people about what is important to them. I saw how dedicated Hayden was to his core beliefs about how to best serve Pocatello. I was inspired when his dedication to community conversations and thoughtful ideas won his election in 2023.
Since then I have helped with several other local campaigns. I am grateful for the education I have had about the election process. In preparation for running, I have attended City Council meetings, served on the Chamber Legislative Committee, organized the annual Richard Stallings Banquet and remain connected to Pocatello through my work at the Small Business Development Center and volunteering as a Pocatello TrailBlazer with the Chamber. I am ready to listen and discuss ideas with voters. I hope to serve the community in a way that makes my mentors proud.
