SANDPOINT — Long-time resident and attorney Steve Smith formally announced his intent to run for the Bonner County Commissioner District 1 seat during an announcement event Feb. 28.  

Smith said his campaign is based on three pillars: protecting private property rights, making every tax dollar count and safeguarding Bonner County taxpayers. Smith said he plans to use his 47 years of legal experience to help the county avoid legal issues that could arise from past commission decisions. 

“I have been a lawyer for 47 years, and I’ve done a lot of representation of governmental entities through the years, being a city attorney for Sandpoint and East Hope, and a lot of different taxing districts. So, I think I have the sense of how to proceed and avoid unnecessary litigation,” Smith said.  

He said he wants to maintain efficiency without compromising the essential services, along with building trust with the people of Bonner County.  

Smith said one of the bigger problems Bonner County faces is opening itself up for lawsuits and claims, an issue Smith said he can help with due to his experience.  

“I think that the county would benefit by having somebody with lawyer experience on the commission, because that is a way that I think the county can avoid getting itself into legal problems,” Smith said.  

When asked about his reasons for running, Smith said he was running to give back to the community that has allowed him to raise his family. Raising five kids in the area with his wife, Smith said he wants to maintain his residency while allowing their grandkids to grow up in the area, too.  

He also said that his skillset aligns with the requirements needed to be a good commissioner, noting that he believes he will be very comfortable with the everyday decision-making that’s required as a commissioner.  

“I think the county commissioner’s position is a good fit for my skill set, because the county commissioners wear a lot of different hats, and those include legislative, executive and judicial, and I have experience in all those areas,” Smith said.  

Born and raised in Coeur d’Alene, Smith has been a resident of Bonner County for 47 years. Graduating from the University of Idaho in 1974, Smith received his law degree from the UI College of Law in 1977 and began practicing law in Sandpoint shortly after. 

For the last 24 years, Smith has been a small Sandpoint business owner, operating Smith & McOwen law firm.   

According to a press release about Smith's campaign, IdaHope Families' director, Christine Denova, noted that Smith has provided years of pro bono services to the nonprofit, along with other nonprofit ministries in Bonner County. 

"That means thousands upon thousands of dollars of legal services donated. Quietly. Faithfully. Without public display. He has ensured we remain legally sound. He has protected us from unnecessary liability. He has navigated Idaho Code with precision and wisdom. He has helped us structure policies that protect children, volunteers, and families with excellence. Not halfway. Not casually, but intentionally and with integrity," Denova said. 

Smith’s name will appear on the ballot during the May 19 primary elections for the District 1 commissioner seat for Bonner County.

    Smith formally announced his campaign for commissioner on Saturday, February 28th