BONNERS FERRY — Government transparency, jail overcrowding, housing development and county operations dominated the discussion at a public candidate forum for Boundary County candidates April 28.  

Candidates for Boundary County commissioner Tim Bertling and Debra Henderson attended, along with county clerk candidates Pam Barton, Kimberly Kichenmaster and Stacie Watts and First District judge candidate Benjamin Allen. First District judge candidate Lisa Chesebro was not in attendance. 

An estimated 100 people attended the forum, which was hosted by political organization 9B Strong and held at the Boundary County Middle School cafeteria. Questions were submitted in advance by the public. 

In his opening statement, Bertling spoke about growing up in Boundary County and his work improving the landfill, including combining it with the Road and Bridge Department. 

Henderson discussed her background and outlined what she sees as major issues facing the county. 

“Boundary County right now is what I would call experiencing a category five hurricane,” Henderson said, citing concerns with the sheriff’s department, landfill and community hospital. 

Barton discussed her 13 years working for Boundary County, including seven years in the clerk’s office. 

Watts emphasized her experience, stating she has a proven track record of excellence and accountability. Kichenmaster said she saw a need she wanted to fill.

“When God says, go, I believe we're supposed to rise up, step in and serve,” Kichenmaster said. 

Henderson said she was motivated by concerns brought to her by community members, including issues of transparency. Bertling said he is running to see ongoing projects through, including a Good Neighbor Agreement with the U.S. Forest Service and improvements to Riverside Park. 

Clerk candidates Watts and Kichenmaster cited community encouragement and a desire to serve. 

“Our county relies on their office, our duties” Barton said. “If you don’t do it correctly, something can go seriously wrong with the budget or with an election.” 

Allen was asked about overcrowding in jails, saying these issues should be addressed by the legislature, not the judiciary. 

Clerk candidates were also asked about supervisory experience, with all citing roles managing employees. 

Commissioner candidates differed on whether housing developers pay their fair share. Bertling said they do, noting that rental properties do not receive the homeowner’s exemption. 

“If we don’t have reasonable rents here, we don’t have cabinet shops. We don’t have the people to power our county to move it forward,” Bertling said. 

Henderson disagreed, saying concerns about development have been raised by residents and that developers should contribute more. 

Asked about Boundary County’s uniqueness in bordering two states and a country, Henderson said the question had not come up previously and that she would need to research it further. 

Bertling said the location creates challenges, including marijuana entering from neighboring states and said he wants more timber supply from Montana for the Moyie mill. 

Clerk candidates shared their work experience over the past 10 years, with each citing multiple positions.

On the topic of banning Kratom, Bertling said he supports a ban but added that pressure should be placed on the state Legislature to address the issue.

Henderson said members of her family have used Kratom for medical purposes but that she would support a ban except in cases where it is prescribed by a doctor. 

Clerk candidates said they would all follow state guidelines on whether to release voter roll information to the federal government. 

On questions about priorities for the jail and landfill, Henderson cited jail overcrowding and questioned the purchase of a landfill burner. Bertling defended the burner and said a local option tax should be used to fund a new jail. 

Candidates also discussed public access to government, with Henderson suggesting expanded online access to meetings, such as Zoom or Facebook Live and Bertling emphasizing there were existing opportunities for public comment. 

Clerk candidates said in response to a question that they have experience managing budgets, both personally and in current and previous positions. 

Allen discussed his experience as a public prosecutor in Shoshone County before candidates answered a final round of questions. 

Watts said in answering a question that the county’s timesheet system is not efficient. 

“The time sheet system that Boundary County uses is archaic,” Watts said. “Some county employees do theirs by hand with a pencil. Some of them do them in Excel spreadsheets. There is a lot of room for error.” 

Kichenmaster agreed improvements are needed, while Barton said some positions may not be suited for digital timesheets and noted the potential cost. 

Commissioner candidates both said that they would not seek to move North Bench Fire Station 1 after its lease with the airport expires. 

Allen was asked the final question before the closing statements, stating that he was qualified to be a judge due to the diversity of legal work he has done. 

In closing statements, Kichenmaster said her strengths include administrative work and leading by example. 

Watts said she believes she can succeed in the role, noting that the previous clerk entered the position without prior experience and succeeded. 

Barton reiterated her experience in the clerk’s office, comparing the position to driving a bus and emphasizing the importance of hands-on knowledge. 

Henderson said she is running to improve transparency and communication. 

Bertling emphasized his experience and track record, saying he understands the county’s needs and has worked with residents across the community. 

After the conclusion of the forum, candidates spoke to attendees. 

    Boundary County clerk candidates Pam Barton (left), Stacie Watts (middle) and Kimberly Kichenmaster (right).