Candidate Profile-Kevin Ratigan

Birth date:  Oct. 4, 1958

Profession:  Publisher – North Star Publications, Builder  - Windsor Classic Homes

Educational background:  Bachelor of Science, Construction Management

Associate of Science, Building Construction

Public service:  Precinct Chairman, Republican Party

Community service: Varsity Scout Leader Troop #249, Church Men’s Service Organization - provide help for the elderly, mentoring for youth, food for the needy, promote strong families, and provide self reliance counseling. Springdell Corporation, Nonprofit Association

Years as resident: Three years, Hayden, Idaho

Marital Status:  Married, 24 romantic, fun-filled years, Linda Ratigan

Family:  Children, 5,   Diana (23),  Sandra (22),  Michelle (20), Adam (17), Samuel (13)

Hobbies:  Hiking, fishing, boating, writing, and huckleberry picking!

 Why are you running for office?

I’m running because like many voters, I‘m disappointed with how government is run. I’m tired of watching property taxes rise even as valuations plummet. I’m tired of going back to vote for issues we voters have already decided three times. I’m running because it’s time the county learned it exists to serve the public and not the other way around.

What do you see as the three biggest issues you face?

The three biggest issues that face the county are, number one, reducing the tax burden on individuals and businesses, second, making county departments accountable to those they serve, and third but not last, insuring the North Idaho way of life is protected while still providing opportunities that increase jobs and target business growth.

If elected what steps will you take to resolve these issues?

Reducing the tax burden starts with my promise not to vote to increase your taxes. Next, the budget will be strictly reviewed and all unnecessary expenditures deleted. Also, there are departments within the county that are overstaffed and bloated. In these trying times, I will make the hard choices that will increase efficiency and responsibility in those departments.

Next, there are way too many complaints by county residents of being treated unfairly, inconsistently, and disrespectfully from some county offices. This will stop by ensuring that department heads are qualified, trained, and willing to expect and verify that subordinates provide each resident with the friendliest, most consistent, and respectful experience possible.  Residents are not just numbers; we are neighbors.

Protecting the North Idaho way of life starts with the approval of a comprehensive plan that shields our property and open spaces, and that safeguards our water and water rights. To raise jobs, the plan must also provide for targeted low tax zones which will bring specific companies to the area and provide higher paying jobs for our children.

What specific skills or experience qualify you for this job?

The voters want real leaders and not just more managers. Like other candidates, I run successful businesses, make payroll, and set budgets; but beyond these common management skills, my experience and resolve will bring a sense of leadership the County administration sorely needs. The tough decisions, the right choices will be made.

Why should voters elect you, rather than an opponent?

Voters should elect me, Kevin Ratigan, because I believe the County should budget like you run your household, which is living within their means and stop increasing fees and taxes simply because they can. My leadership skills will hold down taxes, honor the will of the voter, and bring an openness to local government that does not now exist.