The 9B News Boundary County Voter’s Guide is published as a public service to both the electors who will vote the local ballots and the candidates seeking to serve. My goal is to make this guide a complete and comprehensive source of fair and accurate information that will foster sound decisions at the ballot box. To that end, we ask and encourage each candidate whose name will appear on a Boundary County primary or general election ballot please send us a candidate’s statement, bio and photo for free publication. Our contact info is in the column to the right. Thank you. ~ Mike Weland, Publisher
2024 Presidential Caucuses
Both Democratic and Republican Parties in Idaho will choose the state’s nominees for U.S. President by caucus this year, a process that is managed and conducted by the state party organization rather than the Idaho Secretary of State and county clerks, to include setting rules for participation.
Democratic Party
https://idahodems.org/2024-presidential-nomination-caucus
Thursday, May 23
Time and location pending
Voters who are registered Democrats or unaffiliated voters who sign a pledge that they are participating as Democrats and have not participated in any other party nominating contest for President can participate in the 2024 Democrat caucus. Anyone who is 17 and will be 18 by the general election date may participate and voters can register and change their party affiliation at the caucus location.
Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr.
Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr. was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the first of four children of Catherine Eugenia Finnegan Biden and Joseph Robinette Biden, Sr. In 1953, the Biden family moved to Claymont, Delaware. President Biden graduated from the University of Delaware and Syracuse Law School and served on the New Castle County Council.
At age 29, President Biden became one of the youngest people ever elected to the United States Senate. Just weeks after his Senate election, tragedy struck the Biden family when his wife Neilia and daughter Naomi were killed, and sons Hunter and Beau were critically injured, in an auto accident. Biden was sworn into the U.S. Senate at his sons’ hospital bedsides.
On April 25, 2019, Biden announced his candidacy for President of the United States. Biden’s candidacy was built from the beginning around 3 pillars: the battle for the soul of our nation, the need to rebuild our middle class — the backbone of our country, and a call for unity, to act as One America. It was a message that would only gain more resonance in 2020 as we confront a pandemic, an economic crisis, urgent calls for racial justice, and the existential threat of climate change. https://joebiden.com
Dean Phillips
Dean Phillips is a three-term Democratic Congressman from Minnesota running for President on a platform of relieving the economic hardship felt by working families, repairing our broken political system, and reimagining the solutions to the most intractable problems plaguing our society.
Born in St. Paul and raised in Minneapolis, Dean Phillips lost his birth father Artie in the Vietnam War. He was adopted at a young age into the Phillips family when his mother DeeDee married Eddie Phillips. He worked his way up at his family’s business, Phillips Distilling, and later went on to help build Talenti Gelato into a top national brand.
After Donald Trump was elected President in 2016, Dean ran for Congress in Minnesota’s 3rd District, flipping the district by 11 points as the first Democrat to win the suburban Minneapolis district in 60 years.
In Congress, Dean established his reputation as a problem solver and broke through partisan gridlock by making it a core mission to work across the aisle with Republican colleagues. He’s been recognized as the 2nd most bipartisan member of Congress. While he worked across the aisle he never abandoned his principles, maintaining a 100% Democratic voting record. https://www.dean24.com
Republican Party
https://www.idahorepublicancaucus.com/
11 a.m. Saturday, March 2
Boundary County Middle School
6577 Main Street
Bonners Ferry
Contact: David Wenk, dwenk@gmail.com
Voters must be affiliated as Republicans by December 31, 2023, to participate.
Ryan Binkley
Ryan Binkley is the President and CEO of Generational Group located in Richardson, Texas. With over 300 employees, Generational focuses on business consultancy, M&A, and wealth advisory for business owners throughout North America.
Ryan and his wife, Ellie, are also founders of Create Church, a multiethnic, multigenerational church in Richardson, Texas. As lead pastor, his deep passion is to see church members of all walks of life discover and live out their purpose.
Ryan and Ellie married in 1999. They have five children in various stages of school and college. They chose to adopt their youngest from South Korea, where Ellie was born before immigrating to the U.S. with her parents. It’s one more way their faith has led them to reach across boundaries, finding unity where others might see differences.
Today, Ryan is calling America’s leaders to return to the core values of trusting in God and each other again, caring for the hurting, leading with integrity, and bringing hope and healing to our nation. https://binkley2024.com
Nikki Haley
When Nikki Haley was born – one of four children to the only Indian-American family in town – she was already an outsider. But Nikki’s mom would always say her job was not to show everyone how she was different … but how she was the same. And she would also tell her how blessed she was to live in America.
In 2004, Haley ran for the South Carolina State House against a 30-year incumbent Republican lawmaker in the primary and won. In the state legislature, she took on the old guard culture of Columbia and pushed for tax cuts and transparency when legislators in both parties voted to increase their taxpayer-funded benefits. As retaliation, the Republican leadership blackballed Haley, removed her from her committee assignments and attempted to end her career.
So she ran for Governor. In 2010, Haley was elected the 116th governor of South Carolina. She was the youngest governor in the country and first minority female governor in America.
During Governor Haley’s tenure, South Carolina was a national economic leader. Known as the “Beast of the Southeast,” the state’s unemployment rate hit a 15-year low, it saw over $20 billion in new capital investment, and her administration announced new jobs in every county in the state. The people of South Carolina decisively reelected her in 2014. Two years later, Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
In 2016, President Donald Trump nominated Governor Haley to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. In that role, she also served as a member of the President’s Cabinet and on the National Security Council. As ambassador, Haley defended U.S. interests, kept our country safe, and championed human rights. https://nikkihaley.com
Donald J. Trump
“They’re not after me, they’re after you … I’m just standing in the way.” The American Way of Life is under attack while career politicians destroy our economy and sabotage our nation’s incredible potential.
We will take our country back from the corrupt Washington establishment and return power to the American people, where it belongs. The corrupt government cartel is once again destroying our country. We are a nation that surrendered in Afghanistan, and allowed Russia to devastate Ukraine, China to threaten Taiwan, and Iran to build a nuclear weapon.
We are a nation where free speech is no longer allowed, crime is rampant like never before, terrorists are invading our southern border, and the economy is in a recession. We are a nation that is hostile to liberty, freedom, and faith.
We will achieve a future of prosperity, security, and peace — creating once again the greatest economy in the history of the world, defending our borders, restoring energy independence, and leading with strength and pride on the world stage. It is time to put America First once more and usher in a glorious new era of faith, family, and freedom.
Together, we will save lives, save jobs, and save America. Join me in our unstoppable mission to Make America Great Again. https://www.donaldjtrump.com
Idaho State Primary, Boundary County
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 21
Early voting from Monday, May 6, to Friday, May 17
The State of Idaho primary election includes party races for U.S. and state legislators, county sheriff, county prosecutor and county commissioner seats for Districts 1 and 3.
The deadline to change party affiliation is March 15. Unaffiliated and newly registered voters may affiliate up to and including Election Day on May 21.
The period to file declarations of candidacy for the 2024 Idaho primary is March 4 – 15
U.S. House, Idaho District 1
Kaylee Peterson
I am a sixth-generation Idahoan with deep roots in Idaho and the First District. My great-great-great grandparents homesteaded in what is now the Eagle foothills. I still live on that land, on a street named for my great-grandfather. I have been married to Trevor Peterson for 10 years and have two children.
I am a leader who believes in public service. As President of the College of Western Idaho’s debate team, I have learned to think deeply about issues and to speak with clarity and conviction. These attributes will make me a strong advocate and a reasoned, bipartisan voice in Congress.
I am finishing a double major in Political Science and Criminal Justice, and am the Chief of Staff for the Associated Students of CWI. I serve on the College Council Executive Board and the Idaho Students Association’s Legislative Council, and organize volunteers for the Idaho Office on Refugees.
Government and politics have always been a big part of my life, though I never thought I’d run for office. But over the last few years, as I have seen our beloved Idaho torn apart by divisiveness, extremism and even violence, I knew it was time for me to step up.
The incumbent is a poster child for right-wing extremism. I will be a voice for reason, collaboration, bipartisanship and principled compromise. He puts loyalty to party and ideology ahead of his constituents. My first and only job will be to serve you. I ask for your support, and for your vote in November, https://kayleeforcongress.com/
Russ Fulcher
Congressman Russ Fulcher, a fourth-generation Idahoan, grew up on a dairy farm in Meridian. He graduated from Meridian High School, earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in business from Boise State University, and obtained additional certifications in electronic engineering.
Fulcher spent 24 years in the high-technology industry, working for Micron Technology and Preco Electronics. During this time he did business in 60 countries around the world and in every state in America.
He served in the Idaho Senate for 10 years, six of those as Majority Caucus Chair – elected by his peers. His signature legislation, Idaho’s grocery tax credit, has returned some $800 million to Idaho’s hard-working families. It constitutes one of the largest tax cut in Idaho’s history. In addition, Fulcher served on the Idaho Senate State Affairs and Education Committees, where he fought tirelessly to protect the rights of individual Idahoans, to limit government influence in our lives, to ease our tax and regulatory burdens and to restore our God-given liberties.
Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives since January 2019, Congressman Fulcher currently sits on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the House Committee on Natural Resources. Previously, he sat on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
Judicial
This is a list of the judges who must stand for nonpartisan election in 2024 in order to remain on the bench. Judges may choose not to stand for election. The list is subject to change if judges retire or are appointed. Judges in Idaho participate in nonpartisan elections in even-numbered years. These elections are primarily decided during the state’s primary election.
Idaho Supreme Court
Vote to retain G. Richard Bevan
G. Richard Bevan is a judge of the Idaho Supreme Court. He assumed office in 2017. His current term ends on January 6, 2025. He ran for re-election for judge of the Idaho Supreme Court. He won in the general election on May 15, 2018. Bevan became chief justice of the court on January 1, 2021, to replace former chief justice Roger Burdick.
Bevan first became a member of the court by appointment. He was appointed in 2017 by Governor Butch Otter (R). He succeeded retired Justice Daniel Eismann.
Bevan was formerly a judge for the Fifth District of Idaho. Bevan joined that court in 2003.
Idaho Court of Appeals
Vote to retain David Gratton
David Gratton is a judge of the Idaho Court of Appeals. He assumed office on January 1, 2009. His current term ends on January 6, 2025.
Gratton ran for re-election for judge of the Idaho Court of Appeals. He won in the general election on May 15, 2018.
He was appointed to the court in October 2008. He served as chief judge of the court.
Gratton received his B.A. in political science from Boise State University in 1982 and his J.D. from the University of Idaho College of Law in 1985.
Vote to retain Jessica Lorello
Jessica Lorello is a judge of the Idaho Court of Appeals. She assumed office in 2017. Her current term ends on January 6, 2025.
Lorello ran for re-election for judge of the Idaho Court of Appeals. She won in the general election on May 15, 2018.
She was appointed by Republican Governor Butch Otter in 2017 to succeed retired Judge John Michael Melanson. Lorello was elected to a six-year term on November 6, 2018.[1][2]
In December 2021, Idaho Supreme Court Justice G. Richard Bevan appointed Lorello chief judge of the court of appeals, effective January 1, 2022
Lorello received her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and her J.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She also received a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Idaho Senate, District 1
Scott Herndon
Scott Herndon was born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1967. In 1673, William Herndon came from Kent, England, to the Virginia Colony and settled in New Kent County, Virginia. Scott’s parents, also born in Richmond, migrated west through several states before Scott was five, finally settling in California. Scott attended Missouri Military Academy for high school and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Arizona State University in 1989.
Scott met his wife Arlene in 1995 in San Francisco. Arlene’s dad was an Oakland, California police officer who was killed in the line of duty in 1981.
As a self-taught home builder with a previous career in finance and computer programming, Scott Herndon built his own home in Idaho in 2005, acquiring skills which he developed into a full-time career as owner and operator of Scott Herndon Homes. In short order, it became a great success and a primary contributor to Bonner County’s booming housing market. A true family-values conservative, Scott’s sons help him with the family business.
As a Christian, a husband, and a father of eight, Scott believes in preserving and protecting human life. He has followed this in word and deed as an active Abortion Abolitionist and Pro-Gun advocate. Scott has served his community for five years as a Bonner County jail chaplain and is now chairman of the Bonner County Republican Central Committee.
Scott was first elected to the Idaho Senate for District 1 in November 2022. Scott carried 12 pieces of legislation in his first session in 2023, and eight of his bills received either unanimous, bi-partisan support or unanimous Republican support and were signed into law. Senator Herndon is a founding member of the Idaho Freedom Caucus. He was also the top rated conservative legislator in the 2023 Idaho legislative session based on the ratings of bills by the Idaho Freedom Foundation. https://herndonforidaho.com
Jim Woodward
My upbringing in Bonners Ferry shaped who I am today. Dad was the Bonners Ferry City Engineer and later the City Administrator. Mom was a small business owner, teaching knitting, selling yarn, and often referred to as the “Village Knitwit.”
Brenda and I met on our first day as freshmen at Bonners Ferry High School. We engaged in friendly academic competition for ten years before deciding we should join forces. Many years later we realized we had married ten years to the day after our first meeting. Now married for 29 years with two children, we have plowed a lot of ground together and look forward to more good times. I graduated from Bonners Ferry High School, spent a year in Germany as a foreign exchange student, then earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Idaho.
My Navy career started with an 18-month training program in nuclear power and submarine operations. Upon completion of training, I served onboard the USS Alabama, SSBN 731 out of Bangor, Washington, as the Main Propulsion Assistant and later the Tactical Systems Assistant. Following sea duty, we moved to upstate New York where I was a nuclear prototype plant Shift Engineer, teaching nuclear propulsion to the next group of young Navy sailors headed to sea.
Taking on new activities always results in personal growth. I have challenged myself in the following roles over the past ten years: Northern Lights Electric Co-op Director, Board member on the Idaho Consumer Owned Utilities Association, representing NLI, Sagle Fire District Commissioner and Sagle representative to the Selkirk Fire Agency for the past four years, Member of the Bonner General Hospital Foundation Advisory Board, Regular volunteer and occasional speaker in the Lake Pend Oreille School District, Member of the Governor’s Leadership in Nuclear Energy Commission.
I enjoy giving back to the community by donating time and equipment when an opportunity arises. Some of my favorite volunteer projects have been: Demolition of the War Memorial Field bleachers prior to reconstruction in 2017, Installation of new steel piling adjacent the Long Bridge in conjunction with the Long Bridge Swim organization. The pilings are for navigation safety and great markers for open water swimmers. Implementation of phase 1 of the new bleacher construction by organizing the dismantling and disposal of the old bleachers at Bonners Ferry High School. https://woodwardforsenate.org
Idaho House, District 1 Seat 1A
Karen Matthee
I have been many things in my life: a daughter and a sister, a friend, a student, a wife and mother and grandmother, a journalist and a poet, an outdoor enthusiast, an animal advocate. And fundamental to those many roles were the values taught to me at an early age, the primary one being ‘do right by others.’ My mother was the driving force behind this principle, having been born and raised in Alabama long enough to form her own opinion of how people should – and should not – be treated. At three years old, I understood the meaning of prejudice and why it should be avoided at all costs.
And now that I’ve decided to take on yet another role – that of candidate for District 1 representative with the Idaho State Legislature – I can say that, yes, I stand on this or that side of an issue. However, the key reason I am running is that I want to do right by others. And by Idaho as it is now my home. I am a relative newcomer to the state, although I’d come here to ski, hike and run rivers (raft and kayak). I had been living in Washington State, in the small town of Enumclaw, when my life partner, Mike, who was about to retire, suggested we look at Sandpoint as a place to settle. His two sons grew up in Sandpoint and he had attended college in Moscow and lived in Burley. He told me the area encompassed everything I loved, and he was right.
If you were to ask me what makes a good candidate, I’d have to say it is the ability to listen – listen to what people have to say on both sides of an issue. In that regard, journalism was a good training ground for politics. I received my master of science in journalism from Northwestern University and worked mostly for newspapers in California, Washington and Texas.
That was in the good ‘ol days when objectivity and balance were essential to success in the field. As a reporter, I learned that rarely were things good or bad, black or white; there was always an overlap, a gray zone. As a candidate, I hope to listen and learn from all of you in search of solutions that allow individuals and our communities to thrive. https://www.kmattheeforidaho.com
Cornel Rasor
My name is Cornel Rasor and I would like to have the opportunity to work for you in Boise. I have been a conservative all of my voting life and will bring to the office of state representative dedication, a studious attitude, decisions made by principal and based upon the Constitution and a great desire to serve the constituents of the District One in Idaho. I grew up in the state, raised my family here and I would like to see Idaho continue to be the last best place to be. I have been married to Kim Luckey Rasor for 47 years. I have three grown, productive children and 16 grandchildren. I have managed the Army Surplus in Sandpoint for 41 years and owned it for two years. I served as a county commissioner in Bonner County for four years.
I am a true pro-life advocate with no exceptions.
I believe the state budget can be reduced and managed as we explore ways to return some of the responsibilities that should be private to the private sector.
I have an uncompromising stand on the right of citizens to keep and bear arms both for their own self-protection and the protection of their communities and for resistance to the tyranny of overreaching government should that ever happen.
I believe education should be directed by the parents and the responsibility for education should be managed at the closest level to the home possible. Local school districts must be reinvigorated. Parents are the final authority to direct the education, health and safety of their children.
I believe the lands in our beautiful state must be managed and wisely used, again at the closest level to the people. That is, the state and counties have a better opportunity to see to it that our public lands are managed properly.
I believe that Gov. Little’s work to reduce regulation in our state is an excellent foray into limiting government and I believe he has made a good start.
I will truly honor the oath I will take to support and defend the Constitution of both the United States and the state of Idaho. I will honor the principles laid down in the Idaho Republican platform that adhere to our founding principles.
I will fight for you in Boise and I will not compromise the values that have made Idaho the great state that it is. I humbly ask for your vote in May of 2024. https://cornelforidaho.com
Mark Sauter
I am running for the Representative seat 1A for Bonner and Boundary Counties because I have the leadership skills, experience and the traditional, conservative values to serve our citizens and communities. We need responsible leaders representing the best interests of our citizens.
My career as a firefighter, service as a Fire Chief, along with my experience in city management has taught me broad leadership lessons. I know how to listen, to communicate, to collaborate, to craft good solutions, and to act with courage when called upon.
Public service is key to my career, my community life and my family. I want to continue my commitment to public service and our communities. I have the time, the dedication, and the courage to represent the citizens of Bonner and Boundary Counties as we contribute to Idaho’s quality of life.
We live in challenging times that call for conservative leadership. The last decade has brought immense growth, changes in political attitudes, and stressful impacts to our communities. Idaho, once known for its civility and good old-fashioned conservative thinking has reached a tipping point. Our Republican Party is often divided. We need to focus on what’s good for our communities and seek conservative solutions.
My commitment to the citizens of North Idaho is to utilize my skills and education to provide you with responsible representation. To do that I need your vote in the Primary, May 17. We get better outcomes when we work together. Your support is critical. https://www.marksauterforidaho.com
Idaho House, District, Seat 1B
Sage Dixon
My intention is to regain Idaho’s independence, protect Her citizen’s interests, and promote Her prosperity for the benefit of the present generation and generations to come.
My wife and I have been married for over 25 years and have seven children that we raised on a small piece of acreage north of Sandpoint. We have been blessed to share our property with a variety of livestock, a wonderful garden, and are surrounded by beautiful views, and gracious neighbors.
Living between Bonners Ferry and Sandpoint has allowed us to serve both communities in a variety of ways through the Church, and charitable organizations, as well as in our daily business.
It has been an honor to have served the people of District 1 for these past years, and I look forward to continuing to provide honest, experienced representation to our District for another term.
I am currently employed at a privately owned insurance broker, handling financial products and public sector accounts, Prior to this I owned my own small business for over 12 years, operating out of Sandpoint and working in most of Bonner and Boundary Counties.
This experience gave me an opportunity to meet with a wide variety of people from all over District 1.
Longtime residents, vacation home owners, homes on Lake Pend D’ Oreille, homes tucked away in the mountains, churches, schools, farms, ranches, wealthy business owners, and those struggling to make ends meet. Everyone was treated with the same honesty and integrity. https://sagedixon.com
Kathryn Larson
I am running for the Idaho House of Representatives Seat 1A. And, I will focus on improving local matters freedom and the economy.
Our current elected officials in state government have forgotten three things:
Local matters – We see too much focus on issues that distract and diminish rather than on enhancing our local quality of life. Lawmakers waste precious time and resources arguing and legislating things that do not make a real difference for the people of North Idaho.
I’ll focus on making a positive progress here.
Freedom- Our lawmakers talk about freedom and liberty while creating layers of rules and restrictions that exert control inappropriately. They put forward bills to appease a vocal minority at the expense of the rest of us. These provide little value, yet lead to costly lawsuits and spawn confusion. You and me – the taxpayers – pay the cost of the lawsuits and ambiguity.
I’ll focus on clean, transparent bills that don’t put inappropriate decisions into the hands of government.
Ecoonomy- Our elected officials have forgotten that the average income in Bonner and Boundary counties is around $35,000. We need a new approach to economic growth and taxes that focuses on helping our middle class. I don’t like to pay taxes. I had a small business and Idaho took a significant chunk – more than other states. Tax cuts, proposed and enacted by our representatives, are designed to help our wealthiest residents the most. There are ways to craft tax reform that helps a larger number of people in more meaningful ways.
I’ll work to ensure that this economy works for you, regardless of your income.
This is the promise of democracy – to represent every citizen of North Idaho, regardless of who you vote for. https://kathrynlarsonforidaho.com
Chuck Lowman
My name is Chuck Lowman. I’m asking for your vote on May 21st to serve as your representative in the Idaho House of Representatives for District 1-B.
In running for this office, my goal is to serve my community and work hard to protect your God-given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. My life-long love for the State of Idaho was built through experiences such as learning to fish in the high mountain streams near Stanley, studying Wildlife Management at the University of Idaho, and performing research and land management activities for the Idaho Fish and Game.
I started my life of service to Jesus Christ in the mission field in Africa, the Middle and Far-East. Following 9/11, I became an Army Chaplain and for over ten years served the spiritual needs of Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen, including 39 months of deployed time to combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, and a 9-month tour on the DMZ in Korea.
When we left the Army in 2019, my wife, Heather, and I returned home to Idaho with our four children and made Sandpoint our home.
As a family, we continue our life of service here in Idaho and we strive to be a genuine part of the community. We volunteer in our local church, coach soccer teams, help out with Boy Scouts and 4-H, and assist with programs at our kids’ schools.
I’m honored to be able to support my wife Heather’s efforts as the Programs Director of a local non-profit early childhood literacy program which equips parents to help their children learn to read and be a crucial part of their children’s education. I love serving in my role as community pastor for our church, using the gifts, talents, and abilities God has given me to serve our congregation as they seek to live out their faith. https://chucklowman.com
Boundary County Races
Commissioner District 1 - Two year term
Lester “Les” Pinkerton
“Retirement brought me back home to Bonners Ferry,” Les Pinkerton said. “I want to give back to this community which instilled the values and work ethic that helped me excel.”
Les is from a local, multi-generational farming family. He was educated at Mt. Hall Elementary School and then Bonners Ferry High School. His work experience started young, working family farms, the local feed mill, heavy equipment and construction. He furthered his education at North Idaho College and finished with a degree in Forestry, which led to a 32 year career with the U.S. Forest Service beginning in timber sale layout, surveying and wildland firefighting.
During his career, he was certified as a federal Law Enforcement Officer working in Alaska and Washington, ending in South Dakota while managing the Law Enforcement programs for five National Forests over four states. He participated in special operations, which took him to Washington D.C. and National Forests all over the country. He eventually became the Center Director for Job Corp, a residential learning program for at-risk youth.
To this day, he still has passion for supporting our youth and sees them as the future of our community. Read more …
Commissioner District 3 - Four year term
Ben Robertson
Prosecuting Attorney
Sheriff
Dave Schuman
My name is David Schuman. It is my intent to run for Sheriff of Boundary County in the next election. I started my Peace Officer career in 1979, with the U.S Army and traveled the world. Alabama, Utah, Korea twice, Kansas, Germany, Texas and Washington, with multiple combat deployments, the last being Desert Storm, Saudi Arabia.
After 20 years in the Army and being awarded overseas service awards, NCO developmental awards, Kuwait liberation medal, Good Conduct medals, Army Achievement awards, Army Commendation awards, and a Meritorious Service Medal, I retired in July 1999, only to continue serving with the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office from August 1999 to present.
I have successfully ran agencies of equal or greater size of our Sheriff’s Office in the past.
I have many plans that if elected will be in place that will improve efficiency and stay within our budget, such as increasing training for employees and reducing overtime expenditures.
I reside in Bonners Ferry along with my wife, Michelle, and we are able to see our Grandchildren often.
Besides being the Sergeant Of Arms for American Legion post 55, the Junior Vice Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars post 3622, a member of the Eagles, Masonic Lodge and the Moyie Shriners, I hope to win your vote of confidence as the Republican candidate for Sheriff of Boundary County.
The adjustment from the current administration to ours will be conducted in a professional manner. Read more …
Travis Stolley
Born and raised in Bonners Ferry, Travis Stolley joined the United States Marine Corp soon after graduating Bonners Ferry High School in 2005, serving nearly nine years before receiving an honorable discharge and returning home. It wasn’t long before he was once again in uniform, this time in Bonners Ferry Police Department blue. With sheriff Dave Kramer planning to retire, Stolley has announced his bid to continue serving Boundary County as sheriff in 2024, running as a Republican.
“I just feel it’s the right thing to do, the right time,” he said.
He’s served as school resource officer, patrol corporal with the police department and as a patrol deputy and field training officer and detective with the sheriff’s office, earning his advanced Idaho POST certification along the way.
He didn’t make the decision to run for sheriff lightly, first discussing it with Jessica and the kids to make sure they supported the idea and then to police chief Brian Zimmerman and sheriff Kramer, both of whom he’s known nearly all his life and both of whom, he said, encouraged him.
His focus, he said, would be to emphasize personnel accountability and promote openness and transparency.
Not looking for major changes, Stolley said he instead offers a fresh new perspective and promises to be accessible, set high standards and work to see that expectations are being met.
“I care about my community and I’m committed to public service,” he said. “I want what’s best for our community. I want to continue to serve the community I and my wife grew up in. I want to strengthen the bond of trust between the community and the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office.” Read more …
Jon VanGesen
Jon VanGesen, 54, Naples, said he decided to run for Sheriff in the 2024 Republican primary election to continue the path of success established by retiring Boundary County Sheriff Dave Kramer. After discussing the open Sheriff seat with many people in the community, he said it was clear that Boundary County wanted and needed another choice for Sheriff with the proven leadership that Boundary County needs.
VanGesen said he would continue to protect Boundary County from federal government overreach and would not allow his deputies to enforce unconstitutional laws or mandates, continuing to protect individual liberties in Boundary County.
He and his wife, April, have been married for nearly 30 years. They have six children and are raising their granddaughter. There are four generations of his family living in North Idaho.
VanGesen currently serves as the Lieutenant of Professional Standards for the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office. He oversees the operations and personnel of Bonner County 911, drivers licensing, support services, civil services, internal affairs, recruitment, hiring and their budgets. He retired December 2020 after a 29-year career with the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office in Washington.
“Protecting and serving has been my life’s calling and I am eager to serve as Boundary County Sheriff and humbly ask for your vote,” VanGesen said.
To learn more about Jon VanGesen for Boundary County Sheriff, visit VanGesen4Sheriff.com.