Change coming for Lake County Commission members

By MEGAN STRICKLAND

For the Lake County Leader

The June primary for Lake County commissioner did not have any Democratic candidates, meaning that barring a successful write-in campaign, the Republic primary determined that Charlo rancher David Stipe will serve the next six years in the position. 

Stipe narrowly defeated incumbent Ann Brower of Ronan in the primary by taking 41 percent of votes cast. Brower brought in 39 percent of the votes, and William Cordis, Jr. took the remaining 19 percent of the votes. 

Brower said that while she has enjoyed serving the past six years as commissioner and was willing to serve another term, she’s ready to finish out her term and head out on her next adventure. 

“I have many, many options, but I’m leaning towards real estate,” Brower said. “I do have my license.” 

Brower intends to spend the last few months working hard for the citizens of Lake County, but she admits that now that she has been voted out of office, things have changed a bit.

“It’s a little different when you know your opinion could be easily overridden in six months,” Brower said. 

She said she has enjoyed her time as commissioner. 

“It’s been a privilege and I was able to represent the people and the issues that came along,” Brower said. “I look forward to being involved in the communities and continue to serve them.” 

Incoming commissioner David Stipe does not think it will take too long for him to get the hang of the job. He previously served as commissioner from 1993 to 2005, when he decided to step down. He said some time away from elected office did him good. 

“It was good to step away,” Stipe said. “You get a better perspective when you work both sides of bureaucracies.” 

Stipe said when he gets into office he wants to work to make county government a bit more user-friendly. He also wants to focus on improving the county road system. During his first two terms the county government was able to chip-seal a lot of the roads, Stipe said. He said he is worried that current planned maintenance might mean some roads get sealed with a lesser surface agent. 

Stipe said he has never lost an election and that the primary results show that not all politics are driven by the dollar. He used old campaign signs for his election. He took one $75 donation and bought a couple of radio ads. 

“You can run for office without spending a lot of money,” Stipe said. 

While some things might have changed a bit, Stipe said he expects his adjustment to the office to be swift and easy. 

He will take office in January 2017. Bill Barron and Gale Decker are Lake County’s other county commissioners.