Domke announces BOCC District 1 campaign

Bonner County resident Brian Domke publicly announced his candidacy for the Bonner County Commissioner District 1 seat Monday, currently held by Steve Bradshaw.

Domke — who has been observing and participating in the commissioners’ business meetings throughout the past year — said he decided to run after becoming concerned by the lack of humility and respect between members of the board and the community.

“This dysfunction is preventing the county from fulfilling its duties in an effective and efficient manner,” he said in a press release.

Domke said he believes the citizens of Bonner County have the right and responsibility to demand the individuals elected to office conduct the business of local government with truth, accountability and transparency. 

Since moving his family to Bonner County in 2014, the District 1 candidate said he has been actively engaged as a volunteer in a variety of roles focused on helping to support, protect and preserve the community that he calls home.

His volunteer positions have ranged from serving as the chairman of the Priest River/Oldtown Sub Area Planning Committee, service on the Bonner County Natural Resource Committee, and volunteering on both the Priest Lake Search and Rescue as well as the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office Volunteer Search and Rescue teams. Domke has also been a 4-H leader and has assisted Love, Inc. in providing firewood for those in need.

“It was an honor to serve our community in each of these volunteer roles, and now I am ready to serve our community in an even more important role as one of our county commissioners,” he said.

Domke brings over 25 years of experience working collaboratively with diverse groups of clients, industry professionals, regulatory agencies, contractors, and the public. Additionally, he said he has overseen the planning, design and construction of over $1 billion in public works projects, including single projects of over $100 million. His professional experience has equipped him with the knowledge required to guide long-range planning, oversee large budgets, encourage teamwork, find creative solutions and make difficult decisions when resources are limited. 

The candidate said his stated goals fall under the three primary categories of: Listen and serve, “protect our county,” and build trust.

Domke said he believes that the listen and serve aspect of helping Bonner County should include acting as a true public servant, promoting public input and reducing special meetings. He sees planning and zoning reform and the defense of medical freedom as key components to “protect our county.” He also desires to build trust between county government and the community through enhancing fiscal responsibility as well as removing barriers between county offices and departments. 

The District 1 candidate said he also desires to preserve and strengthen the many small communities that together form the greater community of Bonner County by combining his love for volunteer service and leadership experience with his passion to promote truth, accountability and transparency within local government.  

Learn more about Domke’s platform at domke4bonnercounty.com or the Facebook page “Brian Domke for Bonner County Commissioner District 1.”