About Marisela
Decisions for Caldwell should be made by Caldwell and it should always feel like home. On City Council, I’ll keep our neighborhoods safe, support our small businesses, and make sure families can afford to live here. I'll put our residents first.
Marisela Pesina
Meet Marisela
I was born and raised right here in Caldwell, the daughter of migrant farmworkers who taught me the values of hard work, faith, and perseverance. My parents followed the harvest between Eagle Pass, Texas, and the Treasure Valley, and I spent my childhood working alongside them in the fields—thinning sugar beets, sacking onion seed, and topping onions. Those early experiences shaped my understanding of dignity in work and the power of opportunity.
Education opened doors for me that my parents never had. I attended Head Start, graduated from Caldwell High School, and went on to Boise State University. That early access to education changed the course of my life—and it’s one of the reasons I’ve spent my career fighting to make sure every child and every family in Caldwell has that same chance to succeed.
For more than two decades, I’ve worked to help families find stability through housing—first as an escrow officer and later as Assistant Director of the Caldwell Housing Authority. I’ve sat across the table from parents trying to buy their first home and from renters one step away from losing theirs. Those experiences gave me a deep understanding of what it means to struggle, rebuild, and move forward.
Service has always been at the heart of my life. I’ve served eight years on the Caldwell School Board, including five as Board Chair, where I’ve worked to ensure our schools are safe, well-funded, and inclusive. I’ve also served on the Community Council of Idaho, St. Luke’s Community Board, and as a member of the Caldwell Rotary Club. Each role has strengthened my belief that strong communities are built on respect, transparency, and collaboration.
I decided to run for Caldwell City Council, Seat 3 because I believe our city deserves leadership that listens and leads with integrity. I’ve watched as dysfunction and division have replaced dialogue. It’s time to bring back civility, professionalism, and accountability to City Hall—because Caldwell’s future is too important to let politics get in the way of progress.
This city is my home. It’s where I raised my children, where I’ve volunteered countless hours, and where I believe every family—no matter their background—deserves the opportunity to thrive. I’m running to make sure Caldwell grows responsibly, stays safe and affordable, and continues to be a place where hard work and community spirit define who we are.
Together, we can ensure that Caldwell’s future reflects the best of its people—strong, united, and full of promise.
Smart Growth & Small Business
Caldwell can welcome growth without losing its heart. We’ll cut red tape where it makes sense, focus on main-street vitality, and ensure development contributes to infrastructure and community needs.
Affordable Homes That Fit Caldwell
From starter homes to senior options, we’ll use common-sense tools—responsible infill, ADUs where appropriate, fair fees, and clear standards—so teachers, farmworkers, and first responders can live where they work.
Safe, Thriving Neighbor-hoods
We’ll partner with first responders, prioritize street and sidewalk repairs, and invest in parks and youth spaces. Safe neighborhoods are built with prevention, partnership, and pride.
The Vision
Smart Growth & Infrastructure
Caldwell is growing, and growth brings opportunity—but only if we plan wisely. I believe in infrastructure first—that means making sure our roads, water systems, and emergency services are ready before we approve new developments. Growth should benefit the families who already live here, not overwhelm them. I’ll work to ensure developers pay their fair share and that we grow responsibly, with fairness and foresight guiding every decision.
Housing & Neighborhood Stability
Every Caldwell family deserves the opportunity to live, work, and thrive here. As someone who has spent over 20 years helping families secure homes, I understand how vital affordable and attainable housing is to our community’s health. We must encourage diverse housing options—homes for young families, working professionals, and seniors—so that no one is priced out of the place they love. A strong Caldwell is one where everyone has a home and a future.
Public Safety & Community Trust
Safety is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships. As our population grows, we must make sure our police, fire, and emergency services keep pace, but we must also strengthen trust between first responders and our community. I believe in a visible, positive presence at schools, parks, and community events and in youth programs that give our kids healthy outlets and hope. Caldwell deserves a safety system built on respect and partnership.
Economic Development & Local Business
I’ve seen firsthand how hard our local business owners work and how much they give back to Caldwell. We need to support them by cutting red tape, keeping taxes fair, and helping small businesses expand and thrive. At the same time, we must attract good-paying jobs right here at home so fewer families have to spend hours commuting on I-84. A strong local economy keeps our families rooted and our community vibrant.
Parks, Public Spaces & Neighborhood Equity
Every neighborhood in Caldwell deserves safe, beautiful spaces to gather and play. Our downtown transformation is a great success, and now it’s time to extend that investment north and west—to Old Town and North Caldwell—where families still lack basic amenities like sidewalks, lighting, and parks. I’ll advocate for equitable park funding and public scorecards so residents can see progress. Every family should feel proud of the neighborhood they call home.
Transparency & Good Governance
I’ve spent years leading boards that work collaboratively and respectfully, and I know how effective local government can be when people listen to one another. Caldwell deserves leadership that values transparency, civility, and accountability. I’ll push for clearer communication with residents, bilingual outreach, and accessible public meetings where every voice can be heard. It’s time to bring professionalism and respect back to City Hall.
Protecting Caldwell’s Natural & Community Heritage
Growing up in a farmworker family taught me to respect the land and the people who work it. I believe we must protect our public lands, clean water, and farmland for future generations. These places connect us—to our history, our families, and to what makes Idaho special. I’ll champion sustainable growth that keeps our natural spaces accessible, our air and water clean, and our outdoor heritage strong.
