SANDPOINT — Long-time public servant JoAnne Guzzi has announced her candidacy for Bonner County Clerk.  

Entering the race at the last minute, Guzzi said her decision to run for county clerk is rooted in providing transparency, accountability and professional excellence. She also said her experience working directly in the courthouse and other roles in the judicial and legal fields would allow her to effectively transition into the clerk’s position. 

“I believe it would be good for the citizens of Bonner County to have somebody who already knows a good portion of what the clerk does,” Guzzi said. “I’ve done certain jobs in the past that relate to the experience of a clerk, specifically a coordinator for a district attorney’s office. So, I’ve worked with inter agencies, and I just love being involved and working in different roles.” 

Guzzi has been a Bonner County resident for the past eight years, all of which have been spent in the Bonner County court system — five years as a sworn deputy clerk and three as a judicial assistant to the presiding district judge.  

With her candidacy, Guzzi said she believes her knowledge of Idaho law can be an important asset, as the law drives every function of the clerk’s office.   

“Anytime you're dealing with taxpayer money, there are constitutional and state statutes that govern everything that happens in the clerk's office," Guzzi said. “Having that background and experience, it's centered on the knowledge of applying Idaho law, ensuring that things are done correctly, and not just managing tasks, but adhering to legal compliance. And, being a certified paralegal, my focus is always on statutory interpretations and procedural accuracy.” 

Before her work in Bonner County, Guzzi worked directly with the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office, working on a team to investigate and prosecute crimes against children. She also served as a coordinator of a child abuse service team, working to streamline interagency responses to protect vulnerable children.  

In other endeavors, Guzzi said she held leadership roles within the child abuse service team, working to strengthen relationships between a handful of public entities.  

“I’m very proud of the work I’ve done in the past,” Gizzi said. “I have never met a stranger, because I enjoy people, and I enjoy the ability to work with others. When there’s a little bit of conflict, I feel like there’s a way everybody can work to walk away from the table feeling like they won something, big or small ... There’s no room for strong opinions.” 

Guzzi’s name will appear on the ballot during the May 19 primary elections for county clerk, alongside Spencer Hutchings and Roger Rudd.