Lewis Rich

Lewis Rich
Republican
County Commissioner, District 3

Age: 59

City of residence: Sandpoint

Years of residence in Bonner County and Idaho: 26+

Marital status/family: Married 39 years to Karol, one son, one daughter, 3 grand children

Contact information: [email protected]

Website: LewisRich.com

Education:

Recent or pertinent employment history: 26+ years self employed: Lake Automotive

Public offices held: I am in my second four-year term as Northside Fire District commissioner

Nonprofit groups or service organizations to which candidate belongs: I am a long time member of both the National Association for Search and Recue (NASAR) and the National Search and Rescue Association (NSARA).

Relevant experience: 30+ years volunteer community service, much of it as a volunteer fireman with the city of Sandpoint & Northside Fire District. I am currently Vice Commander with Bonner County Sheriff Search and Rescue Inc. and I have held several other positions with said organization.

Why are you running for public office?

I am running for public office because as a long-time resident of Bonner County I feel that the current administration has little regard for governmental process, is not responsible to the tax payers, and is not interested in hearing the voices of the people of our community. They give lip service to cutting taxes, but have consistently voted for increases in spending. Like many of my friends and neighbors I feel that it is time for a change, and for voices of the people that live and work in Bonner County to be heard!

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

Working to bring the Bonner County government back to the people is, and will be my primary focus. There is too much to be done to treat this position as a part time job. I will spend as much time as it takes to return government for the people, of the people, and by the people.

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. Reduction of property taxes and spending
  2. No new taxing districts or increased taxes without consent of the voters
  3. The implementation of a road budget that keeps up with the percentage of growth and more if grants can be obtained
  4. No more closed session meetings which the public are not informed of or allowed to attend other than legal, properly scheduled executive sessions
  5. Most importantly, giving the public the responsive, representative government it is entitled to by the Constitution of the United States of America

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

After 26 years of living in Bonner County, operating a small business here, and supporting in our local economy,  I am very familiar with Bonner County and the issues we all are facing.  In addition, my years of volunteer service have given me insight beyond my own family and business - so that I am in tune with the concerns of residents across the County.

It is time we had representation that had local interests at heart - representation that is willing to hear voice of the people.   I believe very strongly that there should never be a new taxing district or tax increase of any kind that the voters do not have a chance to vote on and approve.

I have the qualifications to do the job of Commissioner and am ready to so. My first vow is to reduce spending in Bonner County.