Luke Walker is a candidate for a seat on the Rexburg City Council. Election Day will be Tuesday, Nov. 2.

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

Serving my fellowman and learning to become a better servant are my top priorities. These desires have inspired me to run for City Council. These same desires also compelled me to enlist in the Army Reserves in 2017. I grew up a “stone’s throw” away in Montana, where doing good to your neighbor is important, much like it is here. I have a wife and two wonderful children, I love physical fitness, and I consider myself a “conservative hippie”; one who treasures the US Constitution and American legacy – as well as agrarian lifestyle, oneness with the natural world, and love of the liberal arts – often found in the representative governments in history.

2. How long have you lived in Rexburg and what brought you here?

I have lived in Rexburg for over three years now, and I plan on raising my family here. Like many, I came to attend school. The bigger motivating factor was culture however. I desired to bring my family to a place with lower crime, conservative roots, Christ-centered morals, and a liberality of kindness. I’m happy to report that Rexburg doesn’t disappoint.

3. Why are you running for City Council?

As stated previously, to serve my fellowman. I do see a need for realignment in Rexburg. We must relearn the principles upon which America was founded: Self-sufficiency, reverence for natural rights, humility, love of God more than man, and charity towards our neighbors. We can do this in part by electing candidates who understand these principles, and who keep ambition and complacency at bay.

4. What makes you a good candidate?

I am not an all-wise, all-knowing human being. That being said, I have devoted thousands of hours to studying and pondering the writings of our nation’s founders, natural rights, the proper role of government, and how these concepts are relevant to Rexburg. I am dedicated to upholding sound principles, and to remaining a humble servant. We tend to elevate politicians when we should really view them as public servants.

5. What are your beliefs on managing the city’s growth?

Growth is fantastic, but with it comes growing pains as we’ve all seen. Growth management strategies come in all shapes and sizes. There is certainly room for innovation and new ideas as well. I believe in searching for and employing strategies that don’t infringe upon the natural rights of the populace. Think property rights, freedom to travel, etc. Management needs to be done with all citizens in mind, not certain entities or individuals. With an active and vocal public and wise representatives, growth entails a richness of culture and greater prosperity.

6. What are the most important issues that you think affect the lives of Rexburg citizens?

There are many issues right now that must be addressed. That’s why it’s good to have many representatives instead of an aristocratic few, so multiple challenges can be tackled simultaneously and so public accountability can be greater. With that being said, my focus has been on long-term issues. Looming threats to our bodily autonomy in the form of mask/vaccine mandates and substantial dependence on federal funding in our community will affect the lives of our children and grandchildren. Precedents have been set – and are being set right now – that will cause us to relinquish the rights and prosperity our children might have enjoyed. Whether or not you believe in the efficacy of masks/vaccines, it is not the proper role of government to enforce things of that nature. Also, the acceptance of federal funding is a dangerous game. What happens when a municipality or state refuses to comply with a federal mandate? The well of federal silver dollars dries up. What then? A city/state has a very hard time exercising the power given to it by its citizens, simply because it doesn’t have the resources to do so. Roads crumble, budgets are cut, and citizens are unhappy. This has actually happened many, many times in our country. I know that reversing the tides of these issues can’t be done overnight, but let’s start now! Let’s relearn how to be agents unto ourselves.

7. What do you want to achieve during your time on the City Council?

I would like to “clean up” our municipal code and do away with any policy related to the local economy that can reasonably be removed. I will also refuse to vote in favor of any health mandate or penalty for noncompliance. Furthermore, I would like to plant the seeds of autonomy and self-sufficiency. Rhetoric is an integral aspect of a republic! Let’s discuss how to wean off of federal funding in the next few decades or less, how to manage community growth, and how to best protect our natural rights from ambition and apathy.

8. In what areas do you believe Rexburg can or should improve, and how would you go about encouraging those improvements?

As previously stated, to realign ourselves with principles of self-sufficiency, reverence for natural rights, humility, love of God more than man, and charity towards our neighbors. Rhetoric is extremely important. A moral, active, and informed public is the only foundation upon which successful governments are built. These improvements can only be made by relying upon our Creator, studying His Word, studying the words of our nation’s framers, and acting to empower others with the knowledge we gain.

9. What do you love about Rexburg?

Rexburg is delightfully small, surrounded by beauty, full of opportunity, rooted in sound government and Christian principles, and the perfect place to raise a family.

10. Any closing thoughts?

Thank you for taking the time to read this! Please go and vote, and frequently communicate with your municipal, state, and federal politicians. Much love.