Omodt returns to the classroom

SANDPOINT — Whereas his household is glad to have him dwelling extra, former Bonner County Commissioner Luke Omodt mentioned he loved serving the county’s residents.

“Native politics is a tough and tumble sport. I significantly loved the work of being a Bonner County commissioner,” Omodt instructed the Every day Bee. “Elections have penalties and the voters decided for which my household is profoundly grateful; I am coming round to it.”

Omodt, who mentioned he has returned to instructing, was defeated within the Republican major by Ron Korn for the appropriate to symbolize the celebration within the Nov. 5 common election. He suggested Bonner County Clerk Michael Rosedale on Aug. 20 in a short two-sentence letter that he could be stepping down from his county place early, with the resignation efficient Sept. 7.

On the time, Omodt declined to make an announcement, saying he owed it to the county’s residents to finish the price range course of first.

Omodt’s determination to return to the classroom meant the necessity to finish his time period 4 months early as a substitute of in January with the swearing-in of his successor.

“County commissioners have an immense quantity or accountability and I’m most impressed with the rank and file workers who’re chargeable for retaining our roads plowed, our waterways secure, get us or family members to the ER, and defend the $115 million that flows by way of the workplace of the treasurer for all the 54 taxing districts in Bonner County,” Omodt mentioned.

Korn is the Bonner County Republican Central Committee’s prime decide in its checklist of three ranked candidates to interchange Omodt within the District 2 county fee seat. 

Additionally chosen by the BCRCC for inclusion on the checklist had been Tom Cleveland, Oden Precinct committeeman; and Kim Peckham, Hope Precinct committee particular person. State statute requires the celebration checklist the three so as of desire with Korn ranked because the best choice, Cleveland second and Peckham third. Additionally nominated, however not chosen, was Cary Kelly, a former commissioner.

The checklist was despatched to Gov. Brad Little in late August and the Idaho governor has 15 days from the efficient date of Omodt’s resignation to make his determination on who to nominate to the seat.

As a result of Omodt’s resignation took impact at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 6, Little has till Sept. 21 to decide on who he desires to nominate to fill the rest of Omodt’s time period. BCRCC Chair Scott Herndon mentioned he does not anticipate a call till the top of the week on the earliest.

Within the Nov. 5 common election, Ron Korn will face unbiased Glenn Lefebvre for the District 2 county fee seat.

Previous to his announcement, hypothesis that Omodt deliberate to resign had been floating for a number of months, starting shortly after he misplaced his re-election bid.

The hypothesis prompted a number of residents to ask at an Aug. 7 assembly if both Omodt or District 1 Commissioner Steve Bradshaw deliberate to step away earlier than their phrases expire in January. 

Whereas the conferences could possibly be contentious and the job wasn’t at all times simple, Omodt has constantly mentioned he’s a robust believer in the neighborhood and within the county’s individuals.

“Bonner County stays an important place to reside and I am significantly wanting ahead to not seeing my identify within the paper,” Omodt mentioned.