Jerry Clemons

Jerry Clemons
Republican
Assessor

Age: 65

City of residence: East Hope

Years of residence in Bonner County and Idaho: Nine and a half years

Marital status/family: Married to Patti, 31 years; 4 children; 7 grandchildren

Contact information:

• 208-264-5784
• 208-255-8000
• [email protected]

Education:

• Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Missouri at Kansas City, MO
• Certified Property Manager (CPM), Institute of Real Estate Management, Chicago, IL

Recent or pertinent employment history: 

• Owned/operated Century Management, Inc., a real estate management, construction and development company from 1969 to 1996, Kansas City, MO
• Commercial Account Manager, Rokstad Ford from 1997 to 1999, Sandpoint, ID
• Construction and remodeling, 1997 to present

Public offices held:

• Bonner County Commissioner, January 2001 to January 2005
• East Hope City Council, 2005 to present

Relevant professional affiliations:

• Idaho Real Estate Broker
• Certified Property Manager (CPM)

Nonprofit groups or service organizations to which candidate belongs: 

• Elks
• Eagles
• Masonic Lodge/Shriner
• Board member, Kinderhaven, Inc. (non-profit organization that provides shelter for abused and neglected children), 1999 to 2001
• Active in Chamber of Commerce

Why are you running for public office?

I enjoy public service because it provides a way to make meaningful change. I am running for assessor because we have a property taxation system in Idaho that needs to be fixed. I feel that reform can be affected in a more positive way when you are in an office dealing with the problem.

If you are elected, how much time will you spend each week in the office?

I will spend whatever time it takes to efficiently and effectively run the office and work for meaningful reform. I expect the first year to be very difficult and since I have always worked long hours in private business, I am ready to put in the time it takes. The first year will require more than 40 hours per week; after that I expect to have an organization that will run smoothly and less time will be required from me. My experience in business and public office has shown that you do not leave the job at the office; you are on call 24/7. 

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. Reorganize entire office to be more efficient and effective
2. Properly train staff
3. Set goals and standards for staff production
4. Work locally and statewide to effect a property taxation law that is fair and stable, which does not continually, attached a "phantom" value to property
5. Work closely and cooperatively with the commissioners, treasurer, clerk and the state tax commission so that all offices are serving taxpayers

What differentiates you from other candidates? Why should people vote for you?

I have a broad range of successful experience in the real estate field, a relevant education, successful experience in elected offices, a personality that fosters cooperation, results and efficiency in any business or public office, and I am comfortable assuming responsibility and management.