Genene Probst-Miles has been on Midway’s Planning Commission for four years. Now, with encouragement from neighbors and friends, Probst-Miles is ready to run for City Council.
Probst-Miles has lived in Midway throughout her entire life, surrounded by family that has been in the area for generations. Her dad, Eugene Probst, brought politics into the family when he became Midway’s mayor and served three terms.
Having worked in hospitality, as a flight attendant and now a real estate agent, Probst-Miles said she has seen it all. Probst-Miles said she will be able to use her “broad knowledge of Midway” to make a difference if elected to the City Council.
Probst-Miles said three main issues have become clear to her as a member of the Planning Commission. As a City Council member, she hopes to focus on property rights, open space and affordable housing.
When it comes to property rights, Probst-Miles is adamant that each individual should be able to dictate what they do with their land.
“Some of the issues and items that are coming up on agendas right now are tightening up or kind of limiting people’s property rights, and I have an issue with that,” Probst-Miles said.
A staunch supporter of protecting open space, Probst-Miles said she believes the issue is an important topic, especially in Midway. She referenced open space bond projects like the Kohler Dairy Farm that have brought hundreds of acres of undeveloped land under protection.
“I think it’s amazing that we can keep that open space and not see development,” Probst-Miles said. “But again, those are property owners’ rights, and that’s what they’ve chosen to do with that.”
Probst-Miles said she is not anti-development. If a property owner chooses to develop instead of putting their land into a conservation easement, Probst-Miles said that’s their right. As much as Probst-Miles said she would like to see Midway keep its small-town style, she knows the city is seeing growth either way.
“I’d just really like to see it stay Midway. And I know that’s kind of an oxymoron because it’s already kind of gotten away from us as far as growth, but I think that we can try to implement some ordinances that can contain that and make open space incentives more appealing,” Probst-Miles said.
When it comes to affordable housing, Probst-Miles said she recognizes how expensive Midway’s property has become. If chosen to be part of the City Council, Probst-Miles said she has a few ideas up her sleeve that she hopes could make a real difference.
“I just know that my kids can’t afford to live here,” Probst-Miles said. “The prices just keep going up and it’s pricing everybody out. It’s really sad to me that my kids can’t live here, my nieces and nephews can’t live here, my grandchildren. I feel like my ancestors left a legacy that is gone now, and that’s really sad to me.”
Probst-Miles said she knows that the city is entirely different from how it was when her dad was mayor decades ago, but she hopes she can do her best for Midway. As an advocate for the city, Probst-Miles said she feels like she has the time and dedication to give.
“I have always wanted to serve but didn’t feel like I had the time to dedicate to it fully,” Probst-Miles said. “I am at a time in my life now where I have the time and I am committed to serving my community and putting in the time and effort that is needed.”
Because of the number of candidates running for Midway’s two open City Council seats, there will be a primary election on August 12 to narrow the options. Andy Garland, Craig Knight, Randy Lundin, Jared Simonsen and Starr Stratford are also running for City Council.