Todd Sudick

1. I wanted Bonner County to have a professional, business like and fiscally conservative government. I also wanted to cause a review of Planning and Zoning ordinances and the Comp plan. There had been no review in the last 7 years and it is required by State statute.

2. Retired Marine Marine Corps pilot. I have owned 4 businesses. Certified pharmacy technician. I am an expert in aviation and airports. Retired as a Captain with US Airways. 14 years Bonner County Waterways Committee. Experienced benefits negotiator.

3. The county commissioners are reviewing land use planning ordinances in an effort to stream- line the processes for county residents and make that interaction less expensive and more resonable. Property owner rights drive that equation. Bonner County is definitely headed in the right direction.

4. Continue the Planning and Zoning review. Further refine the budget process to produce balanced budgets and yet fund long term planning. I will continue to push road projects that include more paving and expanded MagChloride treatment.

5. State statutes that don’t make sense in terms of restrictions they place on County government. I would like to see some of the more senseless and ambiguous laws changed. I see the intent but don’t agree with the wording and legalese.

6. We are playing catchup in terms of infrastructure and maintenance. For instance, current expenditure on a new County wide software system will enhance productivity and allow for ACA compliance. This will produce huge savings for the County in all departments versus our current 20 year old system.

7. The County’s biggest strength is it’s employees. We have an outstanding group of employees and Department heads. Recent new hires, combined with a realignment of staffing, have produced a well run and cohesive County government where cooperation among departments is producing significant results.

8. Before an employee is terminated there is a consult with the three commissioners, our HR department, our two civil attorneys, an attorney from our insurance company and many times an outside counsel specializing in employee law. Any lawsuits resulting from terminations are thus without merit.

9. I derive the most job satisfaction from talking to constituents on a daily basis. The emails and phone calls I get are mostly requests for assistance in navigating county government, road requests and Planning regulations. Accomodating those requests and solving problems give me a sense of accomplishment.

10. The higher cost of housing in Bonner County has several businesses busing employees from Kootenai County where they can afford to live. This is having a dampening effect on attracting businesses. We are looking for solutions in the Planning and Zoning review.

11. The specific challenges that Bonner County faces with the budget in trying to provide for County services without raising taxes. We had a zero levy increase this year and expect the same for 2016/17.

12. The hysteria about lawsuits involving the County. Legal actions involve such things as roads, P&Z and personnel. Had we not fought the specious lawsuit from SilverWings the County would have had to pay $26,000,000. We prevailed and were awarded $750,000 in attorney fees. There is a reason we don’t lose!

13. The current Commissioners bring an extraordinary depth and breadth of knowledge and experience to Bonner County. We capitalize on that every day to run the County in a business like and professional manner that is producing quantifiable near and long term results such as a balanced budget.

14. What are your qualifications to run Bonner County? Currently I’m effectively managing the county. Twenty-two years as a Marine Corps officer, my diverse business ownerships, airline captain with 30 years of managing aircraft and crews world wide and my 35 years of public service in the community and county.