Personal Statement:
I have served Lewis County as Commissioner for the past six years. Prior to being elected to County Commissioner I managed the family farm and owned and operated a restaurant and fuel station. I have worked as a bookkeeper and operations supervisor for an agricultural chemical company and worked for a real estate appraisal business. In my  spare time, I had the opportunity to serve many years as a high school basketball and track and field coach.  I also served as a high school track and field official for twenty five years. 

My opportunity to serve as County Commissioner has taught me endless lessons in the operation of County and State government and has given me good insight into the operation of our Federal Government. Serving as County Commissioner, along with my other work experience has strengthened my communication skills, enhanced my problem solving skills and has better equipped me to work with, and get along with others. 

Briefly state your reasons for seeking the position and other qualifications that would be an asset to IAC:
I am seeking the NACo Board Representative position because it would give me the opportunity to further communicated to NACo important issues relevant to Idaho. I would have the opportunity to serve on committees and bring back to Idaho the many programs and benefits that NACo has to offer. I have had the opportunity to travel to Washington DC to attend the NACo spring conference the past two years and realize the importance of NACo to the counties of Idaho. Attending NACo has enabled me to develop a relationship with no only our NACo staff, but with our Congressional delegates and staff on Capitol Hill as well. The NACo Board Representative position would afford me the opportunity to build on that relationship.

I have worked with many of Idaho's State Legislators on issues in the past and look forward to further communications with them through the IAC Board. I look forward to attending IAC Board meetings and working on issues important to Idaho's counties. I believe that my communication skills and leadership abilities would allow me to serve Idaho well. 

The relationship between our counties and IAC is extremely important as IAC continues to promote and protect county interests, through IAC we are able to unite as one body, with integrity to reach out to our Legislature. NACo has equal importance to IAC as NACo is the voice of all counties before Congress, the Administration and Federal Executive Committees. NACo provides counties programs dealing with information technology for education and training as well as other technical assistance. NACo's Financial Services Corporation provides many programs including the Deferred Compensation Program, the US Communities Government Purchasing Alliance, retirement programs and Cost Recovery/Cost Containment programs. NACo's website provides an ongoing wealth of information available to counties. 

Participation:
I have served on the CAT Board for four years. I have sat on the Public Health Board for four years and serve as Chair. I have been a member of the Regional Solid Waste Advisory Council for the past four years and serve as Chair. I have served on the District 2 Juvenile Detention Advisory Board for six years and have served on the Area Agency for Aging Advisory Board for six years.

I have attended NACo Legislative Conference in 2011 and 2012. I have attended nearly all of the IAC conferences including IAC Annual Conferences, Commissioners and Clerks Conferences, Legislative Conferences, Social Service Conferences, ICE trainings, CAT Board meetings and District 2 meetings.  

How does your background relate to the position you are seeking:
I spent sixteen years working in County Road Department, ten as the  Superintendent. I've been a Board Member of Nation Forest Counties Schools Coalition for Idaho and a member of the Western Governor's Forest Health Advisory Committee.I helped create the Community Forest Trust Pilot project for Congressman Labrador to submit to congress and gathered support, along with fellow commissioners. 

I've built relationships with all Idaho  Congressional Senators and Representatives and their staff relating to Natural Resource issues. I've participated in many trips to Washington DC to advocate for County Payments. I'm the current Board Member of the Western Interstate Region (WIR). I've developed relationships with many other rural county elected officials in other states to help strengthen the voice of Idaho on issues we face. 

Briefly state your reasons for seeking the position and other qualifications that would be an asset to IAC:
Public Land issues are a real concern for rural counties across this region. When I first got involved with the Nation Forest ounces Schools Coalition and made my first trip to Washington DC I knew Idaho had to be involved to makes sure that Idaho counties were heard and understood as to the impacts. With the relationships developed over the years I have been able to not only help my county, but help the entire State of Idaho as well. It is an honor to represent Idaho on these issues. 

Participation:

• IAC Board Member representing WIR - 2 years
• Member of the IAC Transportation Committee - 5 years
• Member of the IAC Public Lands Committee - 5 years
• Represented District III as the Legislative Representative - 5 years