Rathdrum resident Leslie Duncan announced her candidacy for Kootenai County commissioner, District 3.

“I want to see better and more efficient county government that respects the people in our community and is committed to working for, and protecting the rights of all our citizens. If there is an opportunity to take a zero percent property tax increase in a budget year, as a commissioner, I will support it,” Duncan said.

Duncan, a Republican, said community service plays a major role in her life. She currently serves on the board of the Women’s Auxiliary for Union Gospel Mission’s Center for Women and Children, is a board member and chair of the Aquifer Protection District Committee, and board member and president of Ohio Match Road Water District in Rathdrum.

“Giving back to the community has been a priority for me. During my early years in law enforcement, I saw firsthand how failure to get involved had a negative impact on society from the individual and family level all the way up to how we do government,” said the wife and mother of two. “Now that my children are older I can do even more. My experience as a businesswoman and former law enforcement officer will provide a perspective not currently represented on the Board of County Commissioners.”

In the May 2016 Republican primary, Duncan came within 70 votes of winning the nomination for Kootenai County commissioner, District 3. Bob Bingham earned the nomination and won the election.

“I’ve had a lot of people encourage me to do this again because they feel they have not been represented well this past year.” Duncan said. “A commissioner should listen to constituents and make decisions on their behalf within the framework provided by Idaho law and the U.S. Constitution.”

Duncan is currently serving her community in several volunteer positions while homeschooling her teenage children. She has a degree in criminal justice from California State University, Fullerton.

The Republican primary is May 15.