Tyler to seek Nonini's state House seat

Home builder and Republican activist Jeff Tyler issued a statement today announcing that he will file Monday for election to Idaho House of Representatives Seat A.

Tyler, in his first run for public office, will seek a two-year term to the seat currently held by Rep. Bob Nonini who recently announced he is running for the Senate.

Tyler, 52, is a long-time Republican and conservative activist. He is a founder and was first Vice President of the Kootenai County Reagan Republicans and a founder of the Panhandle Pachyderm Club. In 2009 Tyler was campaign manager for Republican Jim Brannon in Brannon's campaign against Democrat Mike Kennedy for the Coeur d’Alene City Council.

A resident of Kootenai County since 1994, Tyler lives with his wife of 25 years, Pam, on Harbor Island. Jeff and Pam have two grown sons, Kenny and Keith. They run home building and property management small businesses.

Because of his involvement in building and renting homes, Tyler said, in a prepared statement: “In this economy, we have helped many people struggling to pay their rent and still have the money left to heat their homes, especially among seniors. That is why I am so passionate about holding the line on fees and property taxes that burden businesses, homeowners or that must be passed on to renters.”

Tyler served on the Kootenai County Flood Committee which developed the first Flood Plan in Idaho. He also represents Precinct 64 on the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee.

Tyler also works as a part-time school bus driver and said he has a keen interest in Idaho’s education system.

“From this seat I hope to continue the fight for education reform in Idaho that was the hallmark of Bob Nonini’s service in the House," Tyler said. "The children I take to school every day, and all the children of Idaho, deserve a great education and I will work for them in Boise.”

He said he is excited about joining what he calls “one of the state’s best legislative teams," a reference to retiring Sen. Jim Hammond and Rep. Frank Henderson and Nonini.

“These gentlemen have been on the forefront of asserting our state's primacy on various issues and getting federal government meddling out of our lives and businesses," Tyler said.  "Out of great respect and admiration for them and the work they have accomplished for us, I feel it is my duty and privilege to help carry on their efforts.”