Brian Domke

BIOGRAPHY:

Brian Domke is a landscape architect who graduated from Cornell University (bachelor of science degree) and Morrisville State College (associate of applied science degree). 

He is married with adult children.

He can be reached via email at info@Domke4BonnerCounty.com or via his website, Domke4BonnerCounty.com.

ANSWERS:

1. I would begin by starting the process of building trust between the BOCC and other county officers/boards, county staff, and the public. Our county will only begin to make progress toward other important areas of improvement after it becomes apparent that the county government is focused on serving the public and acting with integrity. This effort would include spending time meeting with county department staff to understand their current challenges, so that I can support their success in serving our county’s citizens. 

2. I believe the issues in my commissioner race that are the most significant to the citizens of our county are: 1) correcting the current dysfunction within the BOCC; 2) protecting the communities of our rural county from the harm caused by poorly planned growth and unlawful land use decisions; 3) reduce the county’s legal liability caused by inappropriate BOCC decisions and actions that funnels taxpayer money away from providing services to our community. 

3. 1) I would help to restore professional conduct within the BOCC through leading by example, such as treating others with respect and staying focused on each issue, not the personalities associated with the issue; 2) improving the comprehensive plan and land use regulations to better assess and define which areas of the county can support stable growth without overtaxing the capacity of the land or harming the adjacent neighbors, plus adding development impact fees; 3) openly deliberate issues based on the finding of facts prior to voting so that the process of decision making is transparent and legally defensible. 

4. 1) I would help to restore professional conduct within the BOCC through leading by example, such as treating others with respect and staying focused on each issue, not the personalities associated with the issue; 2) improving the comprehensive plan and land use regulations to better assess and define which areas of the county can support stable growth without overtaxing the capacity of the land or harming the adjacent neighbors, plus adding development impact fees; 3) openly deliberate issues based on the finding of facts prior to voting so that the process of decision making is transparent and legally defensible. 

5. The area of healthcare the BOCC has direct responsibility over is the appointment of members to the Panhandle Health District Board of Health. If elected, I would strive to support and/or select representatives from our county for this board that will be champions for medical freedom. In our post-COVID world, it’s vital that we protect the inalienable God-given rights of our county’s citizens from any attempt to force or coerce the use of medical devices, treatments or testing. 

6. The current rate of growth in our county needs to be managed using a thoroughly researched and consistently implemented plan that considers both short-term and long-term growth. To achieve this, I would call on the planning commission, planning department, and subject matter experts to perform a detailed evaluation of the county’s existing land characteristics to determine which locations in the county can support each level of development density, while respecting our natural resources and avoiding harm to our neighbors. The county land use regulations would then be updated to support the policies defined in the improved comprehensive plan. 

7. I seldom hear candidates asked about what relevant experience they offer that makes them well-qualified to execute the duties of a county commissioner. Using an analogy, the county taxpayers are the shareholders of our county government, and they are about to decide who to hire to be on their board of directors. So, I think voters should know if the candidates being considered have relevant experience to oversee multi-million-dollar budgets, coordinate with federal and state agencies, plus interpret and equally administer the county code. My professional and volunteer experience provides me with proven capabilities in all of these areas. 

8. It all starts with leading by example, including treating others with respect and staying focused on each issue, not the personalities associated with the issue. I would second the motion of each of the other board members so that the merit of the idea can be considered and vigorously debated before being voted on, allowing the idea to win or lose, not the person. I would also welcome public comment on each agenda item, as this would lead to making more informed decisions while honoring the constitutionally protected right of the public to instruct their elected representatives. 

9. The availability of housing is primarily driven by the free market forces of supply and demand. The county can help to define areas that are the most suitable for new housing as it updates the Comprehensive Plan. The county can also create more clearly defined land use regulations so that developers understand the rules and can provide quality housing at a fair price. Having well-defined land use regulations will attract higher quality developers who understand how to follow the rules to produce housing that is both profitable for the contractors and more affordable for home buyers. 

10. I would start by treating the public with respect, even those people who disagree with me. I would also ask for public feedback and encourage dialog on each issue being considered by the board. When a challenging and/or important topic arises and time allows, I plan to propose holding public workshops to encourage more discussion with the public before reaching a decision. As the public sees that their input is welcomed and valued, citizen involvement should grow, which can result in reaching better decisions. 

11. Integrity is the most important characteristic of a public servant. Unfortunately, power is often a corrupting force, so a public servant needs to have enough integrity to not fall prey to the lure of power. One way to avoid losing one’s integrity is by beginning with the understanding that the role of a county commissioner is that of a public servant, not an overlord. My Christian worldview binds me to the moral code of standing for truth and doing what is right, even when it hurts. 

12. Are you willing to stand for what is right? Yes, I have proven my willingness to accept personal risk to stand for what is right. For example, I resigned from a successful board level position with an architecture firm when the company required that I sacrifice quality and risk client relationships to meet the firm’s new profit targets. I refused to compromise on the promises that had been made to our clients, so I left that firm and my vested position to accept a position with an engineering firm that valued customer services over making a little more profit. 

13. I believe that I’m the best choice for the District 1 County Commissioner seat because of my proven integrity, relevant leadership experience, responsibility with multi-million-dollar budgets, and experience serving within Bonner County Government. I’ve proven that I’m willing to do what’s right even when it hurts. I’ve been a board member of a large firm, a manager, and I’m a small business owner. I’ve managed budgets larger than the county’s annual budget, worked with public and private sectors, and served in volunteer roles within Bonner County on the Natural Resource Committee and the Priest River/Oldtown Planning & Zoning Sub-Area Committee.