BIOGRAPHY:

Brian Domke is a landscape architect with degrees from Cornell University (Bachelor of Science) and Morrisville State College (Associate of Applied Science degree).

He is married and has adult children.

He can be reached by email at [email protected] or via its website, Domke4BonnerCounty.com.

ANSWERS:

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

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

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

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

5. The area of ​​health care for which the BOCC is directly responsible is the appointment of members of the Panhandle Health District Board of Health. If elected, I will work to support and/or select representatives from our county for this board who will be champions of medical freedom. In our post-COVID world, it is essential that we protect the inalienable God-given rights of the citizens of our country against any attempt to force or coerce the use of medical devices, treatments or tests.

6. Our country’s current growth rate must be managed with a carefully researched and consistently implemented plan that takes into account both short- and long-term growth. To accomplish this, I would engage the Planning Commission, Planning Department, and subject matter experts to conduct a detailed assessment 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 avoid harming our neighbors. The county’s land use regulations would then be updated to support the policies outlined in the enhanced comprehensive plan.

7. I rarely hear candidates asked about the relevant experience they offer that makes them well qualified to serve as a county commissioner. Using an analogy, county taxpayers are the shareholders of our county government and they are about to decide who to hire to serve on their board. So I think voters should know if the candidates being considered have relevant experience overseeing multi-million dollar budgets, coordinating with federal and state agencies, and equally interpreting and administering county code. My professional and volunteer experience gives me proven abilities in all 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 support the motion of each of the other board members so that the merit of the idea could be reviewed and vigorously debated before being voted on, allowing the idea to win or lose, not the person. I would also appreciate public comment on each agenda item, as this would enable more informed decisions to be made while honoring the public’s constitutionally protected right to instruct its elected representatives.

9. The availability of housing depends primarily on the free market forces of supply and demand. The county can help define areas best suited for new housing by updating 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 entrepreneurs and more affordable for buyers.

10. I would start by treating the public with respect, even people who disagree with me. I would also seek public comment and encourage dialogue on each issue considered by the board. When a difficult and/or important topic arises and time permits, I plan to offer to hold public workshops to encourage more discussion with the public before making a decision. As the public sees that their contribution is welcomed and valued, citizen participation should increase, which can lead to better decisions.

11. Integrity is the most important characteristic of a public servant. Unfortunately, power is often a corrupting force, so a public official must have enough integrity to avoid falling prey to the lure of power. One way to avoid losing integrity is to first understand 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 up for the truth and doing what is right, even when it hurts.

12. Are you ready to stand up for what is right? Yes, I have proven my willingness to accept personal risk to stand up for what is right. For example, I resigned from a board position at an architecture firm when the company asked me to sacrifice the quality and risk of client relationships to meet new goals. profit of the firm. I refused to compromise on the promises that had been made to our customers, so I left that company and my position to accept a position with an engineering company that valued customer service over achieving a little more profit.

13. I believe I am the best choice for the District 1 County Commissioner seat because of my proven integrity, relevant leadership experience, responsibilities with multi-million dollar budgets, and experience in in Bonner County government. I proved that I was willing to do what’s right, even if it hurts. I have been a board member of a large company, director and owner of a small business. I have managed budgets in excess of the county’s annual budget, worked with the public and private sectors, and served in volunteer roles within Bonner County on the Natural Resources Committee and the Subarea Planning and Zoning Committee from Priest River/Oldtown.