SANDPOINT — Mike Nielsen is running for Bonner County commissioner as a troubleshooter.

“We cannot solve our problems by using the same thinking that created the problems,” Nielsen said in a statement announcing his candidacy.

Nielsen, who faces incumbent Commissioner Joe Young in the race for the District 2 Republican nomination in this month’s primary, said property rights are being trampled and tax dollars are being jeopardized by projects that would be nice to have but unnecessary.

“The lack of leadership and the absence of a clear vision for Bonner County during these difficult times is very alarming,” Nielsen said.

Nielsen cites the “political shenanigans” associated with how to replace the substandard juvenile detention center, the relocation of the Green Owl waste collection site, migration to 700 megahertz for public safety communications and the mass resignations of command staff at Bonner County EMS.

“I am a problem solver rather than a politician. I intend to represent the ‘will of the people’ and to achieve positive outcomes through mutual cooperation and respect while engaged in open and fully informed discussion,” Nielsen said.

Nielsen pledges to use honesty and integrity to guide his decisions, not personal agendas or special interests.

“I will not circumvent the will of the people or raise taxes without the consent of the majority of the taxpayer, except in obedience of a court order,” he said.

Nielsen and his wife, Annina, has been a Coolin resident since 1995, following a career at the police department in Fairbanks, Alaska. Nielsen said he has 27 years of experience in law enforcement, most of which he served at the command and staff officer level. He has volunteered for 10 years with Priest Lake Search & Rescue and with fire services in Alaska and Idaho.

“I have a proven track record of managing budgetary issues with integrity and innovation during difficult economic times. I appreciate, understand and respect the processes required to make good government work for the people,” said Nielsen.