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Bannock County Commissioner, District 1

In Bannock County, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is the primary governing body responsible for the county's legislative and executive functions. The board consists of three elected commissioners who serve staggered two- and four-year terms. [1, 2, 3]Core ResponsibilitiesAs the general policymakers for the county, their duties include:Budget & Finance: Acting as the final authority for all county department budgets, levying taxes, and managing the expenditure of public funds.Legislative Authority: Adopting ordinances and resolutions to provide for public safety, health, and "good order".Infrastructure & Land Use: Making final decisions on land use cases, zoning, and managing county-owned buildings and grounds.Department Oversight: Directly overseeing departments not managed by other elected officials, such as Procurement, Juvenile Detention, and Emergency Management.Official Boards: Serving as the Board of Equalization to hear property assessment appeals and the Board of Canvassers to certify election results. [2, 4, 5, 6]Administrative & Public DutiesContracting: Reviewing and approving contracts for various county projects and services.Public Meetings: Holding regular business meetings (typically Tuesdays) and work sessions (typically Thursdays) to take official action.Personnel Management: Establishing terms of employment and overseeing the county's personnel system.Intergovernmental Relations: Representing Bannock County's interests at the state and federal levels. [1, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10]Election & QualificationsTerms: Commissioners are elected at-large but must represent one of three specific districts.Eligibility: While specific Idaho candidate requirements generally include being a resident and registered voter, the role is often described as requiring a background in finance, management, or community leadership to effectively handle complex budgeting. [2, 11, 12, 13][1] https://www.bannockcounty.gov[2] https://storymaps.arcgis.com[3] https://www.bannockcounty.us[4] https://www.bannockcounty.gov[5] https://idcounties.org[6] https://www.bannockcounty.us[7] https://www.bannockcounty.us[8] https://www.bannockcounty.gov[9] https://www.blueearthcountymn.gov[10] https://mrsc.org[11] https://www.indeed.com[12] https://apnews.com[13] https://commissionerjeffhough.com

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  • Candidate picture

    Samantha Damron
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Joel Jolley
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Craig Yadon
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

1. What are the most important challenges facing your county and how do you propose to address them?

2. What specific qualifications do you have to effectively address these challenges?

3. How will you continue to be engaged with your constituents?

Campaign Statement Community minded, business advocate, proud citizen of Bannock County running for District 1 County Commissioner. A vote for Samantha is a vote for economic development, working families, positive growth and change for the betterment of our county.
Campaign Phone 2082516584
Campaign Email samantha@samanthadamronforcommissioner.com
Phone 2082516584
Office Sought Bannock County Commissioner District 1
1. Bannock County has struggled in the past with attracting and retaining businesses both large and small. Through my current employer, I have worked within the business community for over 21 years helping them be successful. I will take that knowledge and experience and use it to not only attract new businesses of all types and sizes to our area but also improve things for the businesses we currently have. If businesses in our community are successful, we are successful. A successful business, will hire more employees and be able to pay a higher wage. In fact, as the business base in Bannock County grows, the property owners carry less of the tax burden. This results in lower tax bills.

2. Promoting responsible fiscal management to reduce taxes without sacrificing essential services is a challenge faced by the county. I will look for possible areas where costs can be decreased. In addition, I will work hard to find new revenue sources for the county that will offset costs.
I have over 21 years of experience in economic development, working with businesses of all types and sizes as they look for the capital necessary to grow their businesses. A successful business will hire more employees, pay hirer wages and pay more taxes. A win-win for all involved. This requires that I am able to think critically when issues arise, be creative with a solution at times and be a good listener.

As executive director, I am also responsible for the fiscal health of the organization. I have cut wasteful spending by eliminating costs that did not add value to the organization. I have also successfully looked for additional sources of income. I work for a self-funded organization, meaning that we do not receive funding from any outside sources. We receive income from the loans that we generate and that income pays our expenses. It is a balancing act that I have become very good at over the years.
This is an easy question to answer...I am a people person and love engaging with the public. I am a great listener and will make myself available to listen to suggestions, answer questions or address concerns. I will travel around the county to attend town hall or council meetings.
Campaign Statement Experienced leadership for a strong County.
Campaign Email jjolley4544@gmail.com
Mailing Address PO Box 395
Inkom, ID 83245
Phone 208 390 4484
Office Sought County Commissioner - District 1
Many have expressed their dismay as to how they are received when they address the commission. The people feel they are not being heard or are given a voice.

Budgeting is a concern in the County. What are necessary expenses and what is considered frivolous spending.

Growth in the County is happening at record amounts. We need to have growth that will include, economic, environmental and most importantly smart collaborations.
Bannock county needs someone on the Commission that will allow our constituents their right to voice and to be heard. A Commissioner who will listen and will be a voice for them. Someone who will look and consider all options before making a final decision.

Bannock County needs someone with 30+ years of governmental experience and leadership to help guide them in their growth. I have been a part of the City of Inkom government. Serving on their Land Use Board, City Council and as Mayor for fourteen of the 30+ years of my experience. During that time we had tremendous growth in which I was a part of and oversaw the necessary modifications to our water and wastewater systems while remaining fiscally responsible with the City's finances.
If elected, I look forward to working together with my constituents, building strong relationships, having a clear and concise avenue of communication. It is my hope that my many years in government will be valuable and useful to be the kind of Commissioner this county needs and wants. So those who live here feel like they have someone in their corner.
Campaign Statement Make Bannock County Prosper
Campaign Website http://www.yadonforidaho.com
Campaign Phone 2086816028
Campaign Email yadonforidaho@gmail.com
Office Sought Bannock County Commissioner, District 1
Bannock County needs authentic leadership putting its citizens first. We've seen a pattern of wasteful spending on top of a self-serving, nearly 15% raise the commissioners gave themselves in 2025.
Being a longtime business owner, I know what it takes to protect the personal investment and valued employees required to grow a business. A commissioner must look at taxpayer dollars in a similar manner. We need to value our county employees and utilize our county assets to maximize our quality of life in Bannock County.
I will make myself readily available to the constituents and go to where the issues are. As I've met with residents in Southern Bannock County, many of them feel neglected and disregarded.