Bonner County officials take oaths

SANDPOINT — Six Bonner County elected officials took their oaths of office on Monday.

Two of the officials — Clerk Michael Rosedale and District 2 county Commissioner Todd Sudick — are new to their respective posts, but expect smooth transitions due to help from their predecessors and appointed staff.

“There’s going to be a gigantic learning curve and I want to say how grateful I am to the staff that I have,” said Rosedale.

Rosedale said a transition in the clerk’s office would be impossible if not for the ranks of skilled deputy clerks. Rosedale, a Republican, pledged not to approach the office as a partisan operation.

“I represent Bonner County and so I’m going to be careful with our money,” said Rosedale.

Sudick thanked his campaign supporters, his wife and outgoing District 2 Commission Mike Nielsen, who fulfilled a campaign pledge to only serve a single term.

Although new to public office, Sudick is no stranger to county operations due to his service on the Priest River Airport and Waterways advisory boards.

“I want to thank all the county employees that I’ve worked with over the years in various capacities and committees, and also the staff here that really helped me transition the last five or six months. I’ve been spending a lot of time here to make this a very smooth transition,” Sudick said.

Nielsen was given a round of his applause for his service on the commission. Chairman Cary Kelly said Nielsen was the driving force behind a significant portion of the board’s work over the past four years.

“He’s here before 8 o’clock in the morning and he’s the last to leave,” said Kelly.

Incumbent Commissioner Glen Bailey has been on the job for more than three years after being appointed by Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter to fill a vacancy. He successfully stood for election in the primary and general races.

“I really want to thank all the people who supported me in my campaign. It gave me encouragement,” said Bailey, who also offered thanks and condolences to his wife for the demands another term will place on his time.

Incumbent Assessor Jerry Clemons ran unopposed in during the 2014 election cycle.

“To be running unopposed in an election for another term gives you an idea that things are running pretty well,” said Kelly.

Clemons said he was excited to be sworn in again, something he’s done seven times — once as a county commissioner and three times each as assessor and East Hope city councilman.

“I’m kind of used to it and I’ve enjoyed all those years. Hopefully this is the last, but I won’t promise that,” Clemons said.

Treasurer Cheryl Piehl, who also ran unopposed last year, was sworn into her fourth term.

“Thank you very much to all Bonner County residents. I’m very fortunate to live here and I enjoy working with all of you,” she said.

Incumbent Coroner Kitt Rose was unable to attend the ceremony and was sworn back into office earlier on Monday.