Steve Johnson

BIOGRAPHY:

My full name is Steven Roy Johnson and I was born Nov. 30, 1949. I have worked as a teacher and principal, a farmer, a homebuilder, a sheet metal fabricator, a laborer for the railroad, a farmhand and a small business owner.

I was a student at Southside Elementary School in Cocolalla, graduated from Sandpoint High School and attended the University of Idaho in Moscow where I received my bachelor's and master's degrees. Marguerite and I raised our four children on the family farm in Sagle. 

I can be reached via email at stevejohnsonforcommissioner@gmail.com or via my website, stevejohnsonforcommissioner.com.

ANSWERS:

1. My first hundred days as a County Commissioner will include a great deal of listening. I will be listening attentively to my constituents. I will be listening with an open mind to my fellow commissioners, to the department heads and to the staff. I will be taking notes, asking questions, and doing research. I will respect input and demonstrate common sense leadership at all times.

I will pursue what I believe are practical solutions to complex issues. Our comprehensive plan must be completed. The future of Our county economy depends on a skilled and stable workforce. The workforce depends on affordable housing and quality training. I will also pursue the return of our state and federal taxes in the form of grants and legislative programs. Recently, we have seen the upgrading of our critical infrastructure with the addition of seven new Bridges in the county and the emergency medical services building. 

2 and 3. The three most significant issues facing all of us in the county are number one the cost of living, number two planned growth and number three affordable housing. The cost of living has increased dramatically, due in large part to the skyrocketing price of housing. A huge gap exists between our county’s median income and the price of housing. The future of our local economy depends on a labor force that is well-trained and can afford to live here. Programs that can help are in various stages of development, including one in Priest River. A North Idaho native has developed a housing program called LEAP and has partnered with Kaniksu Land Trust and the Idaho Housing Authority. They have broken ground on a six-unit development that will have mortgage payments that are commensurate with our median income. Creative private and government programs are necessary for our young families.

4. I strongly support and will be voting yes in November for Prop 1. The open primary initiative enshrines the freedom to vote in every taxpayer-financed election. I believe the Open Primary Initiative is consistent with the independence and freedom we all cherish. 

5. Idaho does indeed have a healthcare crisis. Idaho is a rural state with a population that is spread out over large areas. In many cases, quality healthcare is not readily available. In addition, the state legislature has enacted laws that have dramatically impacted the healthcare of our citizens. These recent laws have created an exodus of medical personnel from our state and the closing of some rural hospitals. High-quality and accessible healthcare is one of the key factors in a community’s economic well-being. Young families and skilled workers will consider the quality and availability of healthcare in any given area. 

6. The most critical issue in my race is the future of the economy and livability of Bonner County. I believe we are at a critical juncture. The growth is inevitable. Will it be planned and logical, or will it be random and haphazard? I will advocate for the common-sense and logical approach. I will vote for the completion, adoption and enforcement of the comprehensive plan.  

7. The county-wide issue that is not given enough exposure is that of the economic development efforts which directly affect our goals of affordable housing, new jobs, higher wages and job retention for community members, and planned growth and safety.  As Commissioners, we should be not only supporting but also helping to lead these efforts.

8. The recent fighting and conflict among the county commissioners, and with the public has been painful and embarrassing and unproductive. My approach will be first and foremost common-sense leadership. I will be respectful and civil at every turn. I will avoid assumptions and conjecture, and I will check for understanding. I will dignify responses, and I will demonstrate a sincere interest in various viewpoints. Common-sense leadership is a sacred privilege and a solemn responsibility. 

9. County Commissioners have a critical role in the economy of the county. Our economy relies on a well-trained and stable workforce. County commissioners have the ability to influence the availability of housing for that workforce. It is incumbent upon the Commissioners to work with all private and government entities in order to provide safe affordable housing. 

10. Citizen involvement in the county’s decision-making process is necessary for efficient and productive government. The degree of citizen involvement is most often a reflection of how valued citizens feel when they interact with government officials. As a County Commissioner, I can demonstrate my appreciation for public input and encourage public questions and statements related to county business. 

11. The most important characteristic for an officeholder to have is the ability to listen. Common-sense leadership requires the willingness and the commitment to be an open-minded and sincere listener.  I also believe a County Commissioner needs to be a proactive and positive force in the community. That includes advocating for our institutions and our Freedoms. That includes supporting our libraries, our public schools, our firefighters, our law enforcement, and our hospitals. That includes the freedom to choose your own Healthcare, the freedom to read what you want, the freedom to love who you want, and the freedom to pray how you want. 

12. Every candidate should be asked the most important question “Why are you running?“ My answer:  I believe my experience and my commitment to common-sense leadership will help create a positive and productive future for all of us in Bonner County.” 

13. I believe elections are a choice. I believe in common-sense leadership. It’s just common sense to choose freedom. It’s just common sense to respect people, all people. It’s just common sense to bring people together. My opponent is endorsed by an individual who does not support our institutions or our freedoms. Elections are a choice.