Pocatello Public Information Officer Resigns Amid Criticism and ‘Results List’ Inclusion

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POCATELLO – The award-winning public information officer of the city of Pocatello has tendered his resignation, effective October 8.

Logan McDougall has been the city’s PIO since June 2015 and has been honored for his work by the Idaho Press Club on several occasions, including consecutive top honors in the Public Relations, PR Press Release category in 2020 and 2021.

But the criticisms received in recent times from some members of the city council have led him to look for another job.

“My decision to seek employment elsewhere is by no means a reflection on Mayor (Brian) Blad, City Council members (Heidi) Adamson, (Linda) Leeuwrik and (Rick) Cheatum or any other staff at the city, “he said in a statement. “They have all been beyond measure kind and I am happy to consider them as friends.”

Council members Claudia Ortega and Chris Stevens recently upset some city employees with what’s called a “hit list” – a list of city employees and positions they want the council to consider for. potential reductions. The cuts, say the two council members, should be considered in the best interest of the city.

This list led McDougall to consider his options.

“An opportunity has presented itself that matches my interests and I am excited about this new chapter in my career,” the statement read. “In addition, the statements of some members of the city council and the ‘list of results’ made me wonder if I would have continued to work in the city after the November elections.”

McDougall was honored by Stevens at the Pocatello City Council working session on May 13 – seen here. At the board meeting, Stevens addressed what she believed to be McDougall’s lack of experience with digital advertising, particularly with the economic development portion of the city’s website.

Blad was quick to defend McDougall and the rest of the town staff.

“You are completely wrong about our PIO,” replied Blad. “He can absolutely do all the things that we need him to do. “

Blad went on to say that McDougall and city staff have the ability to “revamp” the website if necessary, but added that he believes the website “looked pretty good” and that he ” does a lot of things he didn’t do before. “

Chairman of the board Adamson told Stevens, who is in his first term as a board member, that the current staff have the capacity to do whatever is needed and all they need is a council directive.

“Before you got on the board, we had a lot of conversations on the website and different things, and that’s what sparked the refresh that just happened,” Adamson said.

Stevens responded by saying she didn’t want to be misunderstood about it.

“Other than Logan’s past experience, I don’t question the quality and ability of our people,” she said.

McDougall’s experience has now earned him a job at Idaho State University.

In a statement provided to EastIdahoNews.com, Blad said of McDougall’s impending departure:

“Logans’ resignation is a huge loss for the city and for our citizens,” he said. “Given the current climate, however, we certainly understand and support his decision. We all wish him good luck at Idaho State University, and we’re excited to see how he’s moving the College of Science and Engineering forward.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to have confidence in telling the stories of the town of Pocatello,” McDougall said in his statement. “I will always be proud of all we have accomplished in the city and I thank Mayor Blad, my supervisor Anne Nichols and all the municipal staff I have worked with over the past six years for their assistance. It has always been a team effort. “

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