Randles to run for Rathdrum mayor

RATHDRUM - Rathdrum business owner Kevin Randles will challenge Vic Holmes for the town's mayoral seat on Nov. 8.

Randles owns Daschco, a gas station, convenience store, laundromat and car wash, and Select Auto. He's also the landlord for a state-owned liquor store.

Randles said he believes he could help streamline the process for receiving permits, which would expedite building activity in town, add to the tax base and create jobs.

"I'd like to make Rathdrum a better place to do business," he said.

Randles said he has run into delays himself, but realizes he's not being singled out.

"I know that there's got to be rules, but the process is cumbersome," he said. "Becoming personally involved and streamlining the government process are practices I have always applied in my own business and that is what I would do as the Rathdrum mayor. Let's get to work making Rathdrum a working community."

Randles has lived in Rathdrum off and on for the past six years and has owned Dashco for the past 15.

"I think I work really well with people," he said. "All my key people are still with me from when I bought the business. I do not micro-manage."

Randles earlier proposed a motel for Rathdrum, but that project is on the back burner, he said.

Randles, 56, is involved with the Rathdrum Lions Club, Rathdrum Food Bank and the Economic Development Group.

"I believe involvement in the community is an essential component for any business owner and someone aspiring to be its mayor," he said.

Randles said his involvement in local benefit auctions and listening to the concerns of business owners has kept him close to the needs of the community.

Randles won a Patriotism Award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars this year. Dashco was named the Business of the Year by the Rathdrum Chamber of Commerce in 2010.