SANDPOINT — Wendel R. Bergman has announced his candidacy for Bonner County assessor. The Hope resident is running as an unaffiliated candidate in the 2018 general election.

“My professional management qualifications are well suited to execute the responsibilities of this office,” Bergman said in a press release announcing his candidacy. “If elected, I will focus on professional management, transparency serving the public and fiscal efficiency.”

A staunch advocate of open government, Bergman said he will work to fulfill the campaign promise of the existing assessor made eight years ago to implement online public access to assessment data.

“Many agree that open public records are very important in the assessment process … today, this important information is still not easily accessible nor open to the public,” Bergman said in the press release.

Bergman was born and raised in Sandpoint and has resided in Bonner County for 42 years. Graduating from Sandpoint High School in 1963, Bergman served in the U.S. Air Force, where he learned and gained experience in computer science, particularly computer controlled navigation, bombing and radar systems. After his military service ended in 1973, Bergman went to work for IBM Corp. in Boulder, Colo.

During his time with IBM, Bergman rose to the rank of senior staff engineer and was responsible for software systems development and program management for commercial and federal complex systems. His duties included development team management, program and department budget planning and project communications.

After retiring early from IBM in 1989, Bergman and his wife, Beverly, became entrepreneurs, founding and managing two successful software development companies in Longmont, Colo.

Prime Solutions, Inc, founded in 1989, became a multi-million dollar storage systems company that was sold in 1992 to Storage Technology Corporation. Subsequently Pena Systems, Inc. was formed specializing in the development of medical equipment analysis and control software, merging into another company in 2003.

In 1992, Bergman said the couple turned their attention to North Idaho, forming a number of companies pertaining to real estate development and management. These companies were involved with new home construction in Post Falls, restoration and management of properties in Hope, and development of property within the Seneacquoteen community in Sagle. He said they are especially proud of the funding and successful restoration of the historic Hotel Hope in 1998 undertaken by MountainWest Ventures LLC, a Bergman real estate management company.

His accomplishments showcase his ability and qualifications to establish goals, and to manage people and funds to achieve those goals, Bergman said in the press release.

“My opponent has a wealth of experience as a property assessor,” he added. “At this point in time, I believe the office of Bonner County Assessor needs an experienced non-political goal driven manager at the helm.”