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Vassar marks 10 years as District 2 advocate on
Idaho Transportation Board

In December 2019, Jan Vassar celebrated a decade on the Idaho Transportation Board as the District 2 representative and advocate.
Vassar had recently retired as Lewiston City Manager when she was appointed in 2010, right about the same time an engineer from Michigan took the reins as ITD Director.

“We were both learning the ropes at the same time,” Vassar said. “My job as Lewiston City Manager was very similar to Brian’s, only on a smaller scale. We had a budget of $50 million and approximately 200 employees. I supervised everything from police, fire, water, sewer, to library, community development, and roads. Generally, I must say that I got the most feedback on roads. It seems that nearly everyone has an opinion on the state of roads.”

Vassar’s bosses were seven elected officials. “I guess I was secure in my job as long as four of the seven were happy with my job performance,” she said.

“It was a complete change for me when appointed to the Idaho Transportation Board. Suddenly, I was holding Director Ness accountable and weighing in on policy, procedure, and budgets.”

She said the highlights of her ITD tenure so far are the changing mood of the Idaho Legislature and the public in their positive opinion of ITD, and the annual board tours through each district, which gives members an up-close look at each region's issues and priorities.

Vassar said the 10 years have seen some important changes.

“Changes have been instituted by Brian Ness as he took the reins and implemented his vision for the department. We have changed the organizational structure and regained the confidence of the Governor’s Office and the Idaho Legislature.”

“Thank you, Brian, for you leadership and wise judgment. I believe we are headed down the right path,” Vassar said.

Vassar also had praise for ITD employees.

“I have been so very impressed with the professionalism and excellence of the ITD staff. My appreciation and thanks for the professional staff that cares about our role and serves the public with promptness, kindness, excellence and reliability. Employees have made serving on the board a pleasure.”

“It is amazing to note 10 years have gone by,” Vassar said. “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve.”

District 2 and the department as a whole have benefited from Vassar's time on the board, says D2 District Engineer Doral Hoff.

"Jan’s experience and knowledge is wide-ranging, and she applies that seamlessly to the myriad transportation issues we face," explained Hoff. "She has always been very supportive of District 2 and the people of ITD. She is tireless in her commitment to the department — serving on the board and sub-committees. It is truly a pleasure, and is so reassuring, to have such a well-informed board member to serve."