Commissioners, assessor take oaths of office
(Photo by KEITH KINNAIRD) Former commission Chairman Glen Bailey addresses the crowd during a swearing-in ceremony on Friday. Commissioners Dan McDonald, Jeff Connolly and Steven Bradshaw, who replaces Bailey, are seen in the background.
(Photo by KEITH KINNAIRD) Bonner County Commission Chairman administers the oath of office to Assessor Donna Gow on Monday.
(Photo by KEITH KINNAIRD) District 1 Commissioner Steven Bradshaw offers his remarks during a swearing-in ceremony on Monday. Also pictured are former Commissioner Glen Bailey, Commissioner Dan McDonald and Commissioner Jeff Connolly.
SANDPOINT — A new Bonner County commissioner and assessor were administered oaths of office on Monday.
Steven Bradshaw toggled and Donna Gow toggled from District 1 commissioner-elect and assessor-elect, respectively.
“I want to thank everybody in Bonner County that voted, regardless of who you voted for,” Bradshaw told a capacity crowd during a swearing-in at the Bonner County Administration Building.
Bradshaw, pastor of the Cocolalla Cowboy Church, said he told parishioners during a Sunday sermon that Psalms 19:14 will be featured on his office wall. The passage calls for the meditations of his heart and his words to be pleasing to the Lord.
Bradshaw also pledged to be accountable to the taxpayers of Bonner County.
“I work for y’all. I’m your employee. Your best interests will be always be the driving force,” said Bradshaw.
Bradshaw succeeds commission Chairman Glen Bailey, whom Bradshaw defeated in the GOP primary. Bradshaw went on to win the seat after beating Democrat Steve Johnson in last fall’s general election.
Bailey thanked county employees, his office’s staff and commissioners Dan McDonald and Jeff Connolly.
“It’s the people that make this a great place to live, a great place to work and a great place to serve,” said Bailey.
Clerk Michael Rosedale, a Republican who ran opposed in the last election cycle and is starting his second term, recalled asking Bailey, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, how he started his day while the two were campaigning. The answer: 70 push-ups, 30 pull-ups and shooting at basketball-sized targets from 120 yards.
“You’ve got to be well rounded,” Bailey cracked, adding that he’s up to 80 push-ups and 60 pull-ups these days.
Bailey, upon motions by McDonald and Bradshaw, passed the chairman baton to Connelly, whom Bailey called a valuable mentor during the their time together on the board.
“When I came into office, I was pretty sure I had it all figured out. Obviously, we learn as we go and we’re still learning every day,” Connolly said.
McDonald, meanwhile, was decidedly brief in his remarks, which began with him thanking his campaign staff and supporters.
“Were it not for them, I don’t know if I could have won,” he said.
Gow is grateful for the support she was shown by voters and her family, in addition to former Coroner Dale Coffelt.
“It helped me immensely in this process,” said Gow, adding that she’s blessed by inheriting great staff at the Assessor’s Office and the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Rosedale thanked his supporters as did Coroner Robert Beers, who also ran unopposed for his four-year term.
Treasurer Cheryl Piehl was sick on Monday, although Rosedale said she has already been administered her oath of office.
Bailey said he is leaving the county in good hands.
“They will do a good job. I have confidence in all of them,” Bailey said.
Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.