The three-member Board of County Commissioners is the governing body of the county. County Commissioner is the only office that has legislative, executive and judicial responsibilities and duties. Commissioners have the power to pass ordinances, adopt budgets, fix tax levy rates and oversee the county budget. They are charged with the duty of supervising the official conduct of all county officers as their conduct relates to public monies and revenues, as well as supervising appointed boards and committees. They also act as the Board of Equalization. The Board sits as a quasi-judicial body to hear various matters, including planning and zoning requests, property valuation protests and requests for cancellation of taxes, and indigent issues among many others.
Campaign Email
grubham2026@gmail.com
Office Sought
Benewah County Commissioner, District 1
The biggest challenge Benewah County faces is finding a way to join the rest of Idaho in the modern world without sacrificing individual liberty and personal rights. Our county struggles with the mentality of "that's how we've always done it", the saddest words ever spoken.
As a result, there is a serious lack of communication between county leadership and the constituency leading to unrest and speculation. As with many other counties, we struggle with budgets, but Benewah is currently $3M over budget due to more communication gaps at the courthouse. The State of Idaho cutting road funding and the major problems with financial accountability at our hospital compound the issue. Solid waste expenditures exceed $1.7M annually and the county has grown in population 16% in six years.
Open communication, transparency, and bold leadership are required to turn it around. We'll need to take a hard look at our options and make the difficult choices together.
I'm a lifelong resident of the St. Maries area, born at Benewah Community Hospital, graduated from SMHS. I've raised my family here as well and live just outside of SM on the south slope of Grassy Mountain.
I worked twelve years for Potlatch Corp as a diagnostic electrician and 'whistle chaser'. In 2005, I started my own business, Stillwater Electric Inc which now does business from Kooskia to Bonners Ferry. We currently employ eight crew members, allowing them to raise their families here also.
I served as the Scoutmaster for the local Boy Scouts for 8 years, registered as a leader for 23 years and was asked to train all new Scouting leaders in the Old Missions District for many years. I received numerous leadership awards during my time in Scouting.
I have actively served in other community roles, provided many years of church related service, and supported our area during storm recovery both as a contractor and directing other teams.
Again, communication is key. We need to restore faith in the institution of county governance. The only way I see that happening is through open, honest, and transparent conversation.
Currently, the county commissioners meet at 8am on Monday mornings twice per month. I propose we move at least one of the meetings (preferably both) to the late afternoon, say from 4 to 8pm, to allow working folks the opportunity to attend. In addition to the commissioner meetings, each commissioner should do a quarterly town hall meeting in his/her district with the specific goal of allowing the open and transparent sharing of information and public input/comments. To be consistent with Idaho Open Meeting Law, these meetings will be announced in advance, will have an agenda, and public input will need to be documented.
Yes, this means work. It's the job. The commissioner represents the people of his district. He can only be effective if he knows their thoughts.
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