SANDPOINT — When Joshua Torrez’s daughter started attending elementary school, he was faced with a choice.  

Torrez could either see his daughter less, or pick up his whole life in Colorado with a job in the IT industry and move to Sandpoint. So, in 2017, Torrez said he packed his bags, hit the road and immediately began searching for a job to start his new life in the small mountain town. 

“I found a retirement home within walking distance of the community I lived in and so I was able to get a job there," Torrez said. “It was right next to her school, Farmin Stidwell, so during that time I was able to visit my child, sit down, and have lunch with her.” 

It wasn’t long before Torrez got connected with Schweitzer Mountain, where he continues to work as a night-time ski tech to this day. He said that working for Schweitzer and the opportunities it has given him to spend time with his family up there is special.  

When not up on the mountain, Torrez works for Vyve Broadband, which is how he first got involved in the Sandpoint City Council. He said he also dedicates time to numerous community organizations like the Pend Oreille Economic Partnership and the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce.  

Torrez said that his involvement in the community comes from a sense of always pushing himself and trying something new. He said it’s a mindset he gained time working on his adventurous outdoor hobbies.  

"Rock climbing was always one of the things where you’re pushed as an individual, but you had a teammate who was right there to support you,” Torrez said. “All those things that get my heart excited, whether it's adrenaline, whether it's skiing or being in the outdoors, and that’s what this community is all about.” 

Torrez said he also attributes his time in Sandpoint for helping him grow into the person he is today, self-described as a “relaxed, intimate, disciplined and limitless man forever.” 

“Those were things that I’ve been working on for the last six or seven years,” Torrez said. "There’s a community of people in this community that I work with that follow these guidelines to really hold ourselves accountable.” 

While considering a run for council, Torrez said he thought about if he had the credibility with locals to properly represent them after moving to the area in 2017.

“I had to prove that I lived here, show that I’ve been a part of the community, understand the way of living, show that I get it,” Torrez said. “I feel like I do now.” 

Torrez is seeking election for a first term on the Sandpoint City Council during the election Nov. 4. There are three seats available, which will go to the three candidates with the most votes. His name, which will appear as Torrez Joshua on the ballot, alongside Joel Aispuro, Rick Howarth and Joe Tate.