Dennis Engelhardt

1: I’m running for Assessor because it’s an administrative position and the office requires reliable and experienced leadership with a fresh and unbiased perspective. I’m also motivated by discussions with property owners in the county who feel the Assessor’s Office has had little regard for their concerns and issues.

2: I have decades of experience at the county government level dealing with budgets, personnel matters and labor related negotiations. I have a bachelor’s degree in vocational training and development allowing me to step into an organization, identify and analyze employee tasks to ensure they comply with law and agency policies.

3. Economic development, housing and vocational training and retention of employees are interdependent issues facing the county. As Assessor one can contributed to the effort to address these issues by assuring that whatever sufficient and affordable housing is developed is timely and accurately assessed at a fair market value.

4. Idaho Department of Environmental Quality should continue to closely monitor the permitting process in Washington state and if there are indications of approval for the construction of a smelter who’s emissions will negatively affect the environment and quality of life in Idaho, initiate or join legal actions to prevent it.

5. I prefer the recommended wilderness status held since the 1970s be continue. If permeant status is given I would like language that prohibited buffer zones adjacent to the area and human activity above a given elevation. If this is important then all concerned should forfeit some preferred use access.

6. Establishing and executing policies and procedures, manage budget expenditures, maintain effective employee relations. Promote a trusting relationship with the public, local government and members of the business community. Address conflicts using the law, facts presented by all parties and common sense to mediate and resolve the matter.

7. The need for proven experienced leadership in county government. Leaders translate intention into reality while focusing on vision, mission and values. The office of Assessor is too important to be used for leadership on-the-job training.

8. The terms appraiser and Assessor are not synonymous. An appraiser collects and records data to help comply with an area for which the assessor has responsibility. In terms of the comprehensive skill sets required, the two jobs are so unrelated that Idaho state statute exempts county assessors from certification as appraisers.

9. I haven’t read anything that suggest the additional bridge would increase train traffic, just that it will relieve congestion and move trains through the Sandpoint area more efficiently, which seems logical. Hopefully, Idaho Department of Lands public hearings on the project on May 23 will offer greater insight.

10. How have your life choices prepared you for the duties and responsibilities of the position you seek?

Assessors require leadership experience. My first leadership experience came at 15 supervising construction site prep for my Dad. At 18 I was leading combat Marines in Vietnam, and 20 of my 30 years in law enforcement were in leadership positions. I chose a bachelor’s degree relevant to duties of a leader.