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The qualities we want in our elected officials, honesty, intelligence, fairness and the willingness to serve the public top the list. Candidate for Bonner County assessor, Dennis Engelhardt, has all of these and more.

I have known Dennis for over 30 years, both professionally and personally. In our professional relationship I supervised him, worked as his peer and was supervised by him. As supervisor of the hostage negotiation team I witnessed Dennis’ ability to remain calm under extreme conditions while negotiating the surrender of a triple homicide suspect who had already wounded two sheriff’s deputies. Even after our command post was fired upon by the suspect, Dennis remained focused on de-escalating the situation and talked the suspect into surrendering.

When Dennis was a lieutenant he was assigned by the sheriff to takeover the operation of a bureau that had been mismanaged to the point of becoming a liability. In a few months Dennis had the bureau reorganized, on task and within budget.

Dennis was able to do this because he is ethical and dedicated to performing his duties.

Because of his work ethic, coupled with his previous experience, I have no hesitation supporting and recommending Dennis for Bonner County assessor. Dennis will serve the citizens of Bonner County fairly, honestly and intelligently. A vote for Dennis is a guarantee that we will get the best qualified candidate.

JIM HOPKINS

Sagle