JoAnne Guzzi

Profession: Judicial Assistant to Presiding District Judge

Educational background: High School Graduate, Certified Paralegal

How many years as a Bonner County resident: 8 years

Marital status: Single; Long Term Relationship 10 yrs

Family: 1 Daughter, 4 grandchildren

Website: joanneguzzi.com

1. In my first 100 days, I will focus on listening, learning, and ensuring a smooth transition. I will review current operations to understand what is working well and where improvements can be made. I will support staff through clear communication and continued training, while encouraging consistency across the office. I will also look for ways to improve public access to information and maintain accurate, secure elections. My goal is to build on the strengths already in place and provide steady, reliable service to the people of Bonner County. 

2. The three most significant issues are maintaining public trust, ensuring operational consistency, and managing increasing demands on the office. Public trust is essential, as the Clerk’s Office oversees elections, court records, and financial responsibilities. Consistency in processes and training is critical to ensure accuracy and continuity, regardless of staffing changes. Finally, as the county grows, the office must adapt to higher workloads while maintaining timely, reliable service. These issues are significant because they directly impact the integrity, efficiency, and accessibility of services the public relies on every day. 

3. My approach is grounded in my experience working within the court system and supporting county operations. To strengthen public trust, I will ensure transparency and clear communication with the public. To improve consistency, I will implement written procedures where needed and support staff through training and cross-training, drawing on my background in legal processes and office coordination. To address increasing demands, I will evaluate workflows and identify efficiencies while maintaining accuracy. With my experience, I understand how to support staff and ensure the office continues to provide reliable, timely service to the public. 

4. The most critical issue in this race is ensuring the Clerk’s Office is led by someone with the experience to manage its legal, financial, and administrative responsibilities effectively, including serving as Clerk of the District Court. This role requires a strong understanding of complex processes and statutory requirements. I bring eight years of direct experience within the county system, including serving as a judicial assistant to the presiding District Judge, as well as being a certified paralegal. I will provide steady leadership, support staff, and maintain accurate, consistent operations to ensure reliable, professional service to the public.

5. One issue not receiving enough attention is the full scope of the Clerk’s responsibilities, particularly serving as Clerk of the District Court. While the elected Clerk oversees five major areas, the court function makes up a significant portion of the workload. The District and Magistrate Courts operate daily and require strict adherence to legal procedure, deadlines, and record integrity. The role also includes ex officio auditor and recorder, chief elections officer, and clerk to the county commissioners—each essential to county operations. Without understanding both the legal and administrative sides, key responsibilities can be overlooked. This position requires experience, precision, and the ability to manage all aspects of the office effectively. 

6. People are ready for less conflict and more common sense. As County Clerk, I will focus on what unites us — fairness, accuracy, and respect. I will ensure elections are secure and transparent, records are accessible, and court duties are handled with consistency. Every person who interacts with the office will be treated professionally. I will stay approachable, listen to concerns, and communicate clearly so people feel heard and informed. This role isn’t about politics, it’s about service. When people see fairness and consistency in action, it lowers tensions and helps rebuild trust across the community.

7. Bonner County continues to grow, and that growth increases demand on county services. As County Clerk, I will ensure the office keeps pace while maintaining accuracy and reliability. This includes well-organized records, efficient elections, and consistent court operations. I will focus on clear processes and strong coordination with other departments to support overall county function. Growth should not lead to delays or confusion for residents. My goal is to maintain steady, dependable service so that both current residents and those moving into the county experience a Clerk’s office that is responsive, organized, and capable of handling increased demand without compromising quality.

8. Bonner County is facing real healthcare challenges, particularly when it comes to access. We’ve seen the loss of local maternity services, provider shortages, and longer travel times for care. That’s especially difficult for families and seniors in a rural community. At the same time, we still have a hospital and providers working hard to serve residents, so it’s not a total system failure. I would describe it as a system under strain rather than a complete crisis. The focus should be on supporting local providers, maintaining access, and working with state leaders to ensure rural communities like ours are not left behind.

9. County government in Idaho should be limited, focused, and accountable to the people it serves. Its role is to carry out essential duties required by law—administering elections, maintaining records, supporting the courts, and managing county finances—efficiently and transparently. It should not expand beyond those responsibilities or create unnecessary regulation. Decisions should be made as locally as possible, with respect for individual rights and responsible use of taxpayer dollars. The goal is not to grow government, but to ensure it functions properly, stays within its authority, and provides dependable service without overreach or unnecessary complexity for the people it represents. 

10. Every candidate should be asked: Can you set aside personal opinions and follow the law as written, even when it’s difficult or unpopular?

My answer is yes. As a certified paralegal, my role has always been to work within the law—applying statutes, following established procedures, and ensuring accuracy and compliance. That experience has taught me the importance of consistency, attention to detail, and staying within defined legal boundaries. As County Clerk, I will bring that same approach to every responsibility. The public deserves an office that is steady, impartial, and grounded in the law, and I am committed to delivering exactly that.

11. Voters should choose me because this office requires experience, integrity, and a steady commitment to public service. The County Clerk is a nonpartisan position, and I will serve every citizen fairly, regardless of affiliation. I bring years of hands-on experience in the courts, budgeting, records management, and working within the law. This office requires someone who understands the law, not just the title. I respect the work that’s been done, but voters deserve more than continuity—they deserve confidence that this office is being led with the experience and legal understanding it requires. I’m not running to be an extension of the past, but to bring a fresh, accountable approach moving forward. 

*JoAnne Guzzi announced April 22 that she will not be running for county clerk. However, her name will appear on the May 19 ballot