Omodt returns to the classroom

SANDPOINT — While his family is glad to have him home more, former Bonner County Commissioner Luke Omodt said he enjoyed serving the county's residents.

"Local politics is a rough and tumble sport. I greatly enjoyed the work of being a Bonner County commissioner," Omodt told the Daily Bee. "Elections have consequences and the voters made a decision for which my family is profoundly grateful; I'm coming around to it."

Omodt, who said he has returned to teaching, was defeated in the Republican primary by Ron Korn for the right to represent the party in the Nov. 5 general election. He advised Bonner County Clerk Michael Rosedale on Aug. 20 in a brief two-sentence letter that he would be stepping down from his county position early, with the resignation effective Sept. 7.

At the time, Omodt declined to make a statement, saying he owed it to the county's residents to complete the budget process first.

Omodt's decision to return to the classroom meant the need to end his term four months early instead of in January with the swearing-in of his successor.

"County commissioners have an immense amount or responsibility and I am most impressed with the rank and file employees who are responsible for keeping our roads plowed, our waterways safe, get us or loved ones to the ER, and protect the $115 million that flows through the office of the treasurer for all of the 54 taxing districts in Bonner County," Omodt said.

Korn is the Bonner County Republican Central Committee's top pick in its list of three ranked candidates to replace Omodt in the District 2 county commission seat. 

Also selected by the BCRCC for inclusion on the list were Tom Cleveland, Oden Precinct committeeman; and Kim Peckham, Hope Precinct committee person. State statute requires the party list the three in order of preference with Korn ranked as the top choice, Cleveland second and Peckham third. Also nominated, but not selected, was Cary Kelly, a former commissioner.

The list was sent to Gov. Brad Little in late August and the Idaho governor has 15 days from the effective date of Omodt's resignation to make his decision on who to appoint to the seat.

Because Omodt's resignation took effect at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 6, Little has until Sept. 21 to make a decision on who he wants to appoint to fill the remainder of Omodt's term. BCRCC Chair Scott Herndon said he doesn't expect a decision until the end of the week at the earliest.

In the Nov. 5 general election, Ron Korn will face independent Glenn Lefebvre for the District 2 county commission seat.

Prior to his announcement, speculation that Omodt planned to resign had been floating for several months, beginning shortly after he lost his re-election bid.

The speculation prompted several residents to ask at an Aug. 7 meeting if either Omodt or District 1 Commissioner Steve Bradshaw planned to step away before their terms expire in January. 

While the meetings could be contentious and the job wasn't always easy, Omodt has consistently said he is a strong believer in the community and in the county's people.

"Bonner County remains a great place to live and I'm greatly looking forward to not seeing my name in the paper," Omodt said.