Joe Young

Joseph Young
Republican
Candidate for: County Commissioner, District 2

Age: 52
City of residence: Priest River
Years of residence in Idaho: 16
Marital status/family: Married for 23 years, 4 children
Contact information:
    Home phone 448-2747; work phone 265-1438
    Work e-mail [email protected]
Education: AA degree and a 2-year small business. And finance certificate. Many military supervisor certificates

Recent or pertinent employment history: 

Relevant professional affiliations:
Member west branch Bible Church in Priest River, chairman for church business meetings and adult Sunday school teacher; also supporter for many years the life choice pregnancy center.

Why are you running for public office?
I have all my life from the military, law enforcement to the commissioner’s office been serving my community; I have strong feelings of commitment to this county and to my country.

If you are elected, how much time will you spend each week in the office?
I currently spend about 40-60 hours a week, but as much time is needed I spend to get the job done.

Describe the top three to five issues you believe are most important, why you consider them most important, and your position on these issues.

  1. Land use, the new zoning map and land use codes are soon to be adopted which will bring the county up to date in many areas, such as property rights flexibility, protection of wildlife, wetland and water quality protections and more mixed use in zoning areas that will promote affordable housing and economic development.
  2. Economic development – encouraging new business to come to Bonner County, having zoning set up for them to thrive and having a good workforce to sustain their business.
  3. Public safety - acquisition of many grants to improve public communications at dispatch and on our mountain tops, and EMS, building infrastructure, and additional training for paramedics.
  4. Roads - We have increased our road rebuilding by three times the miles through new equipment purchases and a new road repair management plan.

What differentiates you from other candidates? Why should people vote for you?
All the issues facing us are growth related and my business background and leadership has led the county into many budget areas of improvement, resulting in more services being provided at less cost. I will continue to work on behalf of the citizens of Bonner County to provide them the support and leadership into the future.