Candidate Profile-Jai Nelson

                                                
Public & Community Service: Lutheran Academy of the Master School board member & Chair: Human Resources Committee. Sacred Heart Medical Center Nursing Practice Council. Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and CASA Support Group Leader, Cancer & Community Charities (3 C’s), Art on the Green, KMC’s Festival Of Trees and Lake City Community Church. 
How many years as a resident of your city: I am a lifelong resident of Kootenai County. I’ve lived in Hayden Lake, Post Falls and Coeur d’ Alene. I have lived the majority of my life in rural areas. As such, I am uniquely qualified to represent all citizens of Kootenai County, urban and rural. I understand the distinct interactions of the incorporated and unincorporated areas of our county.
Marital status: Single
Family: Son: Chass, age 10, 3 out of my 4 siblings live in Kootenai County along with my parents and extended family members.
Hobbies: Volunteering, outdoor activities, writing, spending time with my horses and hanging out with 10-year-olds.

Why are you running for office?
I will provide effective, efficient leadership which brings a sense of pride to our community. I am dedicated to diversifying and sustaining our economy for the next generation. I previously ran in the 2008 Primary and lost by only 455 votes. Since that time, my circle of support has been steadily increasing and I’m very optimistic that I’ll be successful this time.

What do you see as the three biggest issues you’ll face?
1. Restore Trust
2. Economic Development
3. Restore Effective Leadership

If elected, what steps will you take to resolve these issues? 
1. Restore Trust
It is essential to restore and maintain a high level of trust in county government. I propose to return to a citizen-based focus with a new benchmark in openness and transparency. I will place the county checkbook online in order for the expenditures pathway to be traced and followed as to where our tax dollars are heading. 
2. Economic Development
I’m proposing a two-year freeze on property tax based budget increases. Any shortfall in revenues will be funded from the $46 million in cash and investments currently held by the county. Additionally, I’m proposing a joint venture — The Kootenai County Partnership for Economic Development to serve as a collective brainstorming effort to develop a strategy to improve, diversify and sustain our economy. 
3. Restore Effective Leadership
Effective leadership is not defined by words but by tangible actions and must be based on trust. The best measure of trust is to look at where someone has been because it’s a strong indicator of where they’re going. I have a long history of leading by action and standing up for Kootenai County and our values.

What specific skills or experience qualify you for this job?
The qualifications which are unique to my candidacy are a long history of extensive involvement concerning county issues, finances and services. Over the past several years, I have met with numerous county directors regarding their procedures and departments. This research and knowledge base will allow me to “hit the ground running” instead of spending many months simply getting up to speed.

Why should voters elect you, rather than an opponent?
While education, business experience and leadership skills are key components I embody, the essential task is developing collaborative working relationships with local and regional organizations and private sector involvement to aggressively position Kootenai County as a leader in trade and industry opportunities. This will provide a strong sustainable economic base equally balanced with protection of our natural resources and quality of life.