Harter announces bid for county commision

SANDPOINT — Richard Harter has announced his candidacy for Bonner County commissioner, District 3.

Harter said he decided to run after feeling current commissioners operated in a vacuum with a lack of input from residents. He also cited what he said is a lack of honesty when dealing with residents, and a lack of respect toward those who disagree with them.

"When our county business is conducted behind closed doors, we all suffer the consequences,” Harter said.

Harter takes issue with current county management philosophy prioritizing development over residents.

“As commissioner, I will ensure that Bonner County residents are my first priority,” he said.

Harter, 51, resides in Clark Fork where he operates a family farm. He has served the Clark Fork area as a 4-H leader, and a member of Clark Fork Fire & Rescue since 2012, serving as fire chief since 2017.

He moved to Bonner County from Nevada with his wife Shonna in 2012 to raise their daughter, Catelyn, in a rural community with strong traditional values. A successful business entrepreneur, Harter said he understand the importance of handling large budgets, managing employees for maximum success, and working with the public through open communications, honesty and trust.

As a Republican precinct committeeman, Harter authored the Bonner County Republican Central Committee resolution resulting in the Scotchman’s Peak Wilderness designation being placed in the May 2016 ballot.

“County residents overwhelmingly voted to stop Scotchman’s Peak from being taken over by the federal government," he said. "All federal attempts to take over the area were dropped, and it remains open for full use by county residents.”

Harter said, if elected, he would work to protect the God-given rights of the people of Bonner County.

“From day one my door will not be open," he said. "It will be removed completely.”