SANDPOINT — A colorful and controversial figure in Bonner County politics has passed.

The family of Bud Mueller, a former District 1 county commissioner, announced on Monday that he died suddenly on March 18. Mueller was 80 years old.

Per Mueller's wishes, there will be no services.

Mueller was elected to office in 1996 and made good on campaign pledges to streamline local government by merging Solid Waste and Road & Bridge departments into a single Public Works department and dismantling the county's Building & Safety Department and replacing it with a building location permit process.

The elimination of building code requirements was assailed as a rash and unwise move. But it is a move that has remained in place despite the comings and goings of county commissioners over the last 20 years.

Mueller was known for his resistance to increasing regulations and unabashedly clashed with various sheriffs over budget items and enforcement initiatives. He was also known for his squared-away flattop haircut that carried over from his service in the U.S. Marine Corps and an exceptionally bright smile.

Mueller lost his seat to Tom Suttmeirer in the 2000 election. He won the Republican nomination for the District 1 post in 2006, but did not prevail in the general election. He unsuccessfully sought the county clerk's office in 2010.

Mueller is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carole, in addition to three children and two grandchildren.