Candidate Profile-Rich Piazza
Birth date: April 19, 1947
Profession: County Commissioner
Educational background: College 3 Years Industrial Arts Teaching Major
Public service (elected or appointed offices): County Commissioner, Precinct Committee Man Basin Commission AlterNet, Grass Roots Committee National Rifle Association, Past Vice President Pachyderm Club, Past Chairman Hayden Chamber Legislative Committee, Board member of Kootenai Perspectives a branch of Jobs Plus.
Community service (service clubs, nonprofit boards, etc.): 40 Year Life Member National Rifle Association, Past Member Mica Grange, Republican Woman Associate Member, Member of Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and volunteer since 2000, Member of St. Pius Catholic Church, Past Member of CDA Trap and Skeet Club & the CDA Rifle and Pistol Club.
How many years as a resident of your city: 38 Year Kooteani County Resident
Marital status: Widowed, Married 40 years to Mary Lou
Family: Son and Daughter. Sal is married to Jenny, they have 3 children, Marriah 8, Demarco 6 and Niko 2. Nicci is married to Levi Cushman, they have 1 son, Dawson, 1.
Hobbies: Classic Muscle Cars, Hunting and the Shooting Sports
Why are you running for office?
To continue to serve the community I’ve been part of for 39 years, and know so well. I’ve lived and worked here longer than any other candidate. I’m proud to have been part of Kootenai County’s growth and look forward to continuing on the team taking us into the future.
What do you see as the three biggest issues you’ll face?
1. Completing the County Comprehensive Plan
2. Drafting the Comprehensive Plan ordinances
3. Resolving the jail-overcrowding problem
If elected, what steps will you take to resolve these issues?
1. We will complete the work we’ve already accomplished on the Comprehensive Plan. Though we’ve had exhaustive studies done and talked with many interested parties, there are still some more county citizens that want to be heard. Because of the long-term impact of this Plan, we can’t rush it. I expect we should have it completed within three months. Then we’ll present the Plan for public comment.
2. Once the Plan is completed, we will select a qualified consulting firm to draft the ordinances that will implement the Plan. The ordinances must be cohesive and defensible in a court of law.
3. Jail crowding is currently being dealt with by shipping inmates to jails outside Kootenai County. This is expensive. Voters have rejected funding measures three times for jail expansion. Accordingly, the present system will have to remain, as we explore all possible solutions. I encourage the public to get involved and help us by submitting their suggestions.
What specific skills or experience qualify you for this job?
I’ve been serving the citizens of Kootenai County as commissioner for three years, and have a track record of accomplishment. Prior to that, I worked in the private sector, successfully running my own auto restoration business, then serving the county for 18 years as an appraiser.
Why should voters elect you, rather than an opponent?
During my term as a Kootenai County Commissioner, I’ve tackled some big issues, with long-term impact on our county. These issues are now nearing completion, and should not be further delayed by on-the-job training of a new, inexperienced commissioner. I intend to get the job done. That’s why I’m asking the people of Kootenai County to vote for my re-election.