Vowing to return “common-sense leadership” to Bonner County, Steve Johnson recently announced his candidacy for the Bonner County District 1 commissioner seat.

A life-long resident of Bonner County and North Idaho, Johnson said he has administrative experience, knowledge of both the history and growth of the county and a commitment to provide citizens with openness and two-way communication through the commissioners’ office.

“I believe in open communication in order to move forward with any public policy,” he said. “Government is ‘for the people,’ after all. Also, I am strongly committed to planned growth, conservative fiscal policy, and a strong work ethic. I’m a proven attentive listener and I pledge to treat everyone with respect.”

After several years of controversy, accusations, shutting down public input, erecting roadblocks to solving immediate issues, and internal bickering among commissioners, Johnson said it is time to “restore some common-sense leadership.”

“I’m shocked and embarrassed by the lack of respect displayed by the current commissioners,” he said. “They have consistently disparaged each other and the public, and, in the process, have literally stood in the way of moving our fast-growing county forward during a critical time when attention needs to be paid to citizens’ needs — affordable housing, property rights, the comprehensive plan, roads, bridges, law enforcement, quality health care, education, and so much more.”

Johnson has spent a lifetime in Bonner County — from the farm he grew up on in Sagle to graduating from Sandpoint High School. He has been a teacher and school administrator for over 40 years, and has owned and operated several small businesses as well as a productive family farm. He is a past member of the East Bonner County Library Board and the Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce.

More information about Johnson’s campaign can be found at www.stevejohnsonforcommissioner.com.