Jeff Connolly

1. I feel there is a need in the county for more transparency and better communication.

2. I am a lifelong resident of Bonner County and have made my living here in the timber industry for 39 years. I have strived to be a community volunteer as much as possible and have served on the Priest River City Council for 15 years. I believe these attributes will help bring Bonner County values to the commission.

3. 1. Planning and zoning

2. Budget

3. Improved employee communication and participation in the county’s processes.

I think the above issues are imperative to a smooth running county and will better include the citizens.

4. 1. By utilizing the P&Z commission, an advisory board to the commissioners, I will work on streamlining the process with the Plan-ning De- partment.

2. To work on bring- ing in more public in- volvement and to have more careful consid- eration in the spending of reserve funds.

3. Making sure the employees know their participation is valued and important.

5. I would like to bring a legacy of open communication and of bringing the people back into the processes of the county.

6. As this has been explained to me, it seems as though the Legislature has the ability to monitor the agencies’ rules in an effective and ongoing manner now. This can and should be reviewed as agency rules progress so they remain within the legislative intent.

7. No. Investing in the young people’s education now is a value for the future. The rural areas are struggling with their education funding and this needs to be looked at more closely.

8. Transportation funding was lacking for some time. At this point, after the recent gas tax increase, I would like to see what the funding is and how it is being spent. Many necessary improvements are taking place.

9. I think government should start moving towards mimicking private industry where when employees fulfill their duties, they keep their job.

10. I would like to see things move in a more positive direction. I believe in utilizing the P&Z commission the way it was set up to work. With 2 new commission members, and a new chair, things should go more smoothly but it is important to get reasonable and respectful public input.

11. Yes. Because I believe it is a win-win-win. Continuing to collect taxes as it is currently set up, the conservation easement allows recreationists access and the easement limits urban sprawl into the rural areas, which can put added pressures on the county and its programs. This forested area will also continue to be actively managed as a working forest meaning timber and mill jobs are being protected.

12. At this time, I am not aware of any.

13. Encouraging public participation so the commission can make decisions based on the majority of citizens.

14. I have heard from some that I am not conservative enough, but again, I feel that all citizens have the right to be heard and paid attention to. I try to find that balance.

15. To actively promote job growth, you have to make this county a place that is attractive to families and businesses. I also believe we should continue with tax credits for existing and new businesses. This should be an exciting time for responsible growth in Bonner County.

16. Why would you want to do this? I truly believe I can help this county move forward in the right direction and make a difference for our citizens.