Lewis Rich

Lewis Rich
Republican
Candidate for: Bonner County Commissioner

Age: 62
City of residence: Sandpoint
Years of residence in Bonner County and Idaho: 30+
Marital status/family: Married, wife Karol, father of two, grandfather to three
Contact information:
    208-263-8495
    [email protected]
    LewisRich4Commissioner.com
Education: A/A Industrial Technology

Recent or pertinent employment history: 

Public offices held:
Northside Fire District Commissioner, currently in second 4-year term

Relevant professional affiliations:
Member, Bonner County Search and Rescue for close to 20 years. I have held offices from Vice Commander on down to ground pounder. Volunteer with Northside Fire District for 10 years. Previous Member Sandpoint Fire Department as a volunteer for almost 10 years.

Relevant experience:
3+ years current Bonner County Commissioner

Why are you running for public office?
Having served for over 3 years, I would continue the job with the passion and commitment I have demonstrated..

If you are elected, how much time will you spend each week in the office?
Having put in many 60+ hours per week doing the job now, I will continue with same passion to get the job done no matter how many hours it takes. I am almost always able to return phone calls in 24 hours or less unless I am out of town. 

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. The Juvenile detention center which I support.
  2. The budget which I was able, with board support, to cut one million dollars from last year.
  3. The improperly taken Home Owners Exemptions which resulted in over ½ million in new tax revenue. The current assessor and myself were a significant part of the decision to pursue the exemption problem.
  4. I support sensible environmentalism and sensible planning to maintain our rural lifestyles.

What differentiates you from other candidates? Why should people vote for you?
I proven leadership and have demonstrated these skills these last few years. I have kept all of my campaign promises which were listed on my campaign material. And have also worked as influence for the removal of personal property tax. I am currently involved in the Panhandle Health Dist issues, some of which you have heard recently in the media. I do have influence via the several boards which I Chair and that affiliation helps to get Bonner county get its fair share [ie] the Clark Fork water line in conjunction with the new Lightning Creek bridge and the Hope E Hope water shed issues. Please check out my letter to all Bonner County residents@ lewisrich4commissioner.com.