Ian Johnson and Jennifer Call competing for Bannock County prosecutor

POCATELLO — Two experienced Pocatello attorneys, Republican Ian Johnson and Democrat Jennifer Call, are vying to be elected as the next Bannock County prosecutor.

The current prosecutor is Stephen Herzog who has served since 2012 and is not running for re-election.

The election is for a four-year term.

Call has worked as a public defender, prosecutor and legal aid attorney who has served on multiple drug courts and has more than a decade of jury trial experience. For additional information on her campaign, visit www.jenforbannock.com.

Johnson has worked for the Legal Department of the city of Pocatello for more than 10 years and is a former trial lawyer, prosecutor, defense attorney and civil litigator. You can learn more at his campaign’s Johnson for Prosecutor Facebook page.

EastIdahoNews.com sent the same eight questions to each candidate. Their responses, listed below, were required to be 250 words or less. EastIdahoNews.com is publishing the answers in their entirety, and without any grammatical or style editing.

The general election is Nov. 5.

CANDIDATE QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES

Tell us about yourself — include information about your family, career, education, volunteer work, and any prior experience in public office.

Johnson: I was born in Pocatello and raised in southeast Idaho. I attended Ricks College, then earned a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice at Weber State University. I worked as a probation officer in Salt Lake City. I then attended law school at the University of Idaho. I also served in the U.S. Naval Reserves.

Upon graduation I began my legal career here in Pocatello. I began at the Bannock County Prosecutor’s Office. I then decided to try my hand in private practice and spent several years at Merrill and Merrill, Chtd. where I began working in criminal defense and civil litigation. For a short time, I did insurance defense work for an Insurance Company at a firm in Salt Lake City and immediately realized I needed to be home in Idaho. I then spent a short time with the Bannock County Public Defenders before joining the Legal Department at the City of Pocatello where I have been for over a decade.

I have significant experience as a trial lawyer; prosecutor, defense attorney and a civil litigator. I have worked extensively with victims of crime, most specifically victims of domestic violence, as part of the Bannock County Domestic Violence Court. I understand the importance and delicacy of helping victims and protecting their rights.

The most important part of my life is my family, my wife and I have raised our three sons here in Pocatello. Two of our sons are now starting their own families here. Family is everything to me.

Call: I was born and raised in Pocatello. I am a first-generation college student—my parents both had tech licenses and worked hard to build a good life here. After graduating from Pocatello High School, I earned a degree in social work from Idaho State University and then pursued my law degree at the University of Utah. I have been married to my husband, Dustin, for 20 years and we love raising our two teenage children here.

Over the last two decades, I have dedicated myself to public service. From volunteering on a crisis line to being part of a multidisciplinary team at a child trauma center, I’ve always focused on serving those in need. These experiences have shaped my commitment to protecting vulnerable populations, particularly victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

As an attorney, I’ve worked as a public defender, prosecutor, and legal aid attorney, gaining more than a decade of jury trial experience. I’ve also served on multiple treatment courts in Bannock County, helping those struggling with addiction find the resources and support needed to turn their lives around. My broad legal experience allows me to see the justice system from all angles, ensuring fairness, accountability, and compassion in every case I handle.

I am committed to bringing my passion for justice and safety to the role of Bannock County Prosecutor, always prioritizing the well-being of our community.

Why are you seeking political office? Briefly explain your political platform.

Call: I am seeking the office of Bannock County Prosecutor because I believe this election represents a pivotal opportunity to redefine the role of justice in our community. For too long, the system has failed to prioritize the crimes that have the greatest impact on our safety and well-being. As prosecutor, I will focus on violent crimes and offenses that have clear victims—ensuring that our resources are used where they are needed most.

A key part of my platform is survivor advocacy. For over two decades, I have been dedicated to supporting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and I have seen how the justice system can fall short. Survivors are too often left in the dark about plea deals or feel unprepared to testify. As prosecutor, I will ensure that survivors are supported throughout the process and have a clear voice in the pursuit of justice.

In addition, I am committed to strengthening the treatment courts in Bannock County. By working closely with community providers, we can offer treatment options to those struggling with addiction and help keep them out of our jails. Drug traffickers who bring poison into our community must face serious consequences. I will ensure that while we support those seeking recovery, we also hold traffickers accountable for the harm they cause.

My goal is a fair, just, and safe Bannock County, where we can all feel confident in the justice system.

Johnson: My decision to run for Bannock County Prosecutor reflects a profound understanding of the shortcomings within the criminal justice system and a determination to help change and improve them. I want to continue to protect the vulnerable, advocate for justice, and ensure the innocent are shielded from harm. I have also always been an advocate and proponent for law enforcement, without them a prosecutor is effectively useless. My twenty plus years of legal experience has provided me with invaluable insights into the complexities of the legal system and the challenges faced by victims and innocent individuals. This unique perspective equips me with the empathy and understanding necessary to navigate the intricacies of prosecuting cases with compassion and integrity. I have an unwavering dedication to fighting injustice and know I can affect justice. My legal skills coupled with an empathetic approach, make me a formidable advocate for victims of all crimes and a beacon of hope for those in need. I possess the knowledge, experience and skill to uphold the principles of justice and safeguard the rights of individuals.

What areas in your county need immediate improvement? What actions will you take to address those needs?

Johnson: As the Bannock County Prosecutor, the pursuit of justice is the most key area of focus. The best way to achieve that is to help the entire office to work as a team with the goals of justice, protection of citizens and remedying injustice to aid those that are victims of crime. There are already great attorneys in this office as recently seen in the Compher murder trial conviction. With stronger leadership and increased unity, I know that even greater things can come from the Bannock County Prosecutor’s Office.

The first step will be a better division of labor regarding the handling of criminal cases. This will include cross-training of all attorneys and staff in all matters that come through the office. My goal is for every attorney to be prepared to litigate any type of case that comes into the office. By restricting specific caseloads to specific attorneys there will always be the potential for problems to arise should someone become unavailable to perform their duties, not to mention the failure to discover who may be better suited for certain cases. I also want to increase the communication and work the sheriff’s office, ultimately there should be an attorney regularly staffed at the Sheriff’s Department to address immediate questions or legal issues that occur during daily operations.

Call: One of the most urgent areas in Bannock County that needs improvement is how we handle violent crimes and sexual assaults. Right now, these serious cases aren’t being given the attention they deserve, and offenders are walking away with minimal consequences. This sends the wrong message to victims and the community. As prosecutor, I will make it my top priority to focus on violent crime—especially cases involving sexual assault. It’s critical that we not only hold offenders accountable but also provide survivors with the support and justice they deserve. Our community should feel safe, and we must ensure that justice is delivered fairly and consistently.

Another major issue is the understaffing of the prosecutor’s office. The office is currently running with a skeleton crew, making it difficult to keep up with the demands of the caseload. This leads to delays in justice and burnout for the staff we do have. If elected, I will immediately begin aggressive recruitment efforts to attract qualified attorneys. I will also work closely with the county commissioners to secure the necessary resources and funding to properly staff the office. By addressing this issue, we can ensure cases move forward efficiently and that the people of Bannock County receive the quality of justice they deserve.

What are the greatest long-term challenges facing people in your county? What is your plan to meet those challenges?

Call: With my background in social work, I understand the significant impact that access to resources and programs can have on improving life outcomes. As your prosecutor, I would support a multifaceted approach in Bannock County that emphasizes prevention, rehabilitation, and support alongside traditional prosecution efforts. This not only aids individual recovery but also enhances our community’s overall quality of life.

By supporting mental health and substance abuse programs, we can prevent crimes before they occur and offer recovery pathways rather than punishment. This shift allows our office to concentrate more effectively on prosecuting serious offenses such as violent crimes, child abuse, and sexual assaults.

Our local jail faces significant overcrowding issues, which leads to the costly transfer of inmates to other counties. By endorsing diversion programs that guide non-violent offenders toward educational and vocational opportunities, we can alleviate this issue. These programs are vital for reducing recidivism and will help correct the financial burden caused by jail overcrowding.

By championing these initiatives, I am committed to creating a justice system in Bannock County that is not only just and effective but also economical and reflective of our community’s values.

Johnson: The greatest long-term challenges for a community lie in balancing criminal justice issues and ensuring the safety of its citizens, all while guaranteeing effective sentencing in the criminal justice system. One critical aspect is balancing sentencing policies that focus on rehabilitation and punishment, thus reducing recidivism rates and promoting community reintegration. Additionally, implementing evidence-based policing strategies and enhancing community-police relations can foster trust and collaboration, leading to more effective crime prevention efforts.

Investing in programs that address root causes of crime such as poverty, lack of education, and mental health issues can also play a significant role in reducing criminal activity. Furthermore, promoting restorative justice practices can facilitate healing and reconciliation between victims and offenders where possible. Encouraging open communications with the community can ultimately contribute to safer and more cohesive communities. Overall, meeting these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes fairness, accountability, and the well-being of all community members.

How will you best represent the views of your constituents – even those with differing political views? How will you communicate directly with constituents?

Johnson: Fundamentally the Bannock County Prosecutor really is a non-partisan position. The Prosecutor is the chief law enforcement officer and attorney for Bannock County. This role is unlike the typical role of an attorney by being an advocate for a client, a prosecutor is a minister of justice with the specific duty to ensure justice is served. There can be no viewing the citizens of Bannock County in any varied manner, every individual should be treated equally under the law. As the elected prosecutor I will represent everyone in the county with the common goal of making sure justice is served, the innocent and victims are protected and helping law enforcement make the community safe. I have made a goal in my campaign to meet with anyone that wishes to talk regardless of party affiliation or political ideology. Everyone in this county deserves to be treated fairly and shown respect and I will do that.

Call: The pursuit of justice and community safety transcends partisan lines, embodying a universal desire for a secure place where our families can live free and where predatory behaviors are not tolerated. As a parent of teenagers, I share the same concerns as many of you. When my kids go out into the community, I want to know they are safe, surrounded by people who uphold our shared values, not by whether they are Republican or Democrat. I have friends and family on both sides of the political spectrum, and when it comes down to it, all I want is for my family to be around good, safe people. I hope voters will see that the role of prosecutor is about upholding the law and ensuring safety, far beyond partisan lines.

In our local elections, it’s crucial to prioritize character and capability over political affiliation. My priority will be to serve all community members impartially, ensuring a safer environment for everyone, regardless of political affiliation.

Recognizing the importance of transparency and open communication, I will implement an open-door policy, allowing citizens to discuss their concerns and suggestions directly with me. This approach will be complemented by regular press releases, detailing the office’s activities and initiatives, ensuring the community can engage with my efforts to improve public safety.

What parts of the county budget could use more funding? Are there places in the budget where cuts could be made?

Call: I firmly believe in fiscal responsibility and the vital importance of directing funds where they will most significantly impact our community’s well-being. To accurately identify which parts of the county budget could benefit from increased funding and where potential cuts could be made, a thorough review of our current expenditures and resources is needed.

The core mission of the prosecutor’s office to pursue justice and public safety will be the primary consideration in my budgetary decisions. In collaboration with county commissioners and using a data-driven analysis, I will work to allocate resources efficiently and effectively.

I will be transparent in my approach to managing the prosecutor’s office budget. I am committed to keeping the community informed about any changes made to how funds are allocated. It is my belief that open communication fosters a climate of trust and accountability, allowing the public to see firsthand.

Johnson: The Bannock County Prosecutor’s office is terribly understaffed and woefully underpaid. Since beginning my campaign I have made it known that there need to be increases in pay to the attorneys in this office. I know this will sound self-serving but one of the reasons for this is the salaries that the attorneys are paid is far below market average. There are exceptional attorneys with great desires to serve their community and do this work out of a sense of duty and community service. Sadly, it is difficult to take the jobs at such low pay. These people deserve to be better compensated for that work. It also makes it difficult to recruit people to work when there are better paying jobs elsewhere doing similar work for higher pay.

Additionally, the Bannock County Sheriff’s department is in need of better compensation. Law enforcement is a difficult career and has changed dramatically in recent years. Those that commit themselves to serving their community make sacrifices that most people will never see or even understand. This frontline for Bannock County deserves more funding.

As far as where the cuts could be made, if the county were able to share its interest in the Portneuf Wellness Center with both the Cities of Pocatello and Chubbuck it would reduce a financial burden that should provide significant financial aid.

What is your position on Idaho’s Proposition 1 ballot initiative that would end closed-party primary elections and create ranked-choice voting?

Johnson: Idaho Proposition 1 has raised concerns among opponents for several reasons. It presents itself as an open primary system but the initiative proposes a shift from a closed primary system to an open “top-four” primary, followed by ranked-choice voting in general elections. This could lead to increased confusion among voters unfamiliar with ranked-choice systems. Additionally, the estimated costs for updating voting equipment to accommodate ranked-choice voting could be significant, with figures ranging from $25 million to $40 million . This potential financial burden could impact taxpayers, especially in smaller counties. Moreover, ranked-choice voting can undermine the straightforward nature of elections, as it allows for multiple rounds of vote tallying and may produce outcomes that may not accurately reflect voter intentions . Furthermore, there is concern that the top-four primary system could dilute party influence, potentially reducing the representation of conservative voters in a state like Idaho, where the political landscape has historically leaned right. Proposition 1 could introduce instability into Idaho’s electoral process without delivering clear benefits.

Call: As a candidate for Bannock County Prosecutor, my primary focus is on ensuring justice, safety, and fairness in our community. While Proposition 1 is an important issue that will impact how Idahoans vote, it falls outside the responsibilities of the prosecutor’s office. My role, if elected, will be to uphold the law and ensure that justice is served, regardless of the election process in place. I encourage all voters to research the proposition thoroughly and make an informed decision based on what they believe will best serve Idaho’s democracy.

As your county increases in population, what immediate and long-term issues need to be tackled to better accommodate growth and expansion?

Call: As Bannock County continues to grow, we face several immediate and long-term challenges that need to be addressed to ensure that our justice system can keep up with the expansion. One immediate issue is the need for more resources in the prosecutor’s office. As the population increases, so does the demand for legal services and the caseload for prosecutors. Currently, we are already running with a barebones staff, which delays justice and strains our ability to effectively prosecute cases. I will prioritize recruitment and work with the county commissioners to ensure that we have the resources and staffing needed to handle the increased demand.

In the long term, we must focus on developing community-based solutions for addiction and mental health issues. With more people moving into the county, we are likely to see an increase in the number of individuals struggling with addiction or mental illness. Expanding treatment court programs and working with local providers to create more comprehensive treatment options will be essential to keeping people out of jail and addressing these issues at their root.

Additionally, we need to ensure that our response to violent crime and drug trafficking is robust. As the county grows, we must be prepared to tackle the serious threats that come with expansion, including the increased risk of drugs and crime entering our community. By focusing on both immediate staffing needs and long-term prevention strategies, we can ensure that Bannock County remains a safe and thriving place for all residents.

Johnson: Bannock County population growth brings both opportunities and challenges. As more people move to the area, local infrastructure faces increasing strain. Immediate issues include housing shortages and rising property costs, making it harder for residents to find affordable places to live. Expanding transportation networks, including roads and public transit, is also necessary to prevent traffic congestion and ensure efficient mobility. In the long term, maintaining quality public services like schools, healthcare, and emergency services is crucial to support a growing population. Investment in education infrastructure can help accommodate an increasing number of students, while expanding healthcare facilities will ensure access to medical care. Environmental sustainability is another key concern, as growth puts pressure on natural resources like water. Strategic planning is required to manage water use and maintain the area’s ecological balance. Economic development must also be addressed to create job opportunities and sustain the region’s growth. This involves attracting businesses that provide better long term employment opportunities and fostering a diverse economy while preserving the area’s natural beauty, which is a significant draw for new residents. By tackling these issues proactively, Bannock County can balance growth with maintaining the quality of life for its residents. This will ensure sustainable development that benefits the entire community.