Candidate profile: NIC trustee, Fritz Wiedenhoff
Birth date: 1/22/71
Profession: Fulltime Firefighter with Northern Lakes Fire, currently a shift Lieutenant; also work part time for the Coeurd'Alene Airport as Operations Specialist/Heavy Duty Mechanic
Educational background: Graduated from Coeurd'Alene High. Graduated from North Idaho College. Attended Idaho State University
Public service (elected or appointed offices): Been providing high level of public service for past 11.5 years as a Firefighter
Community service (service clubs, nonprofit boards, etc.): Long time member of Hayden Lake Eagles
How many years as a resident of your city: Have lived in same house for 19 years
Marital status: Single dad
Family: Daughters Ashley (17) and Madison (8), son Max (13), parents Jerry and Sharlene, sisters Libby Wiedenhoff and Jen Jensen, grandmother Yvonne DeArmond, ex-wife Rochelle.
Hobbies: Anything outdoors, especially enjoy summer and nice weather activities.
1. Why are you running for office?
I am running to simply serve. I enjoy public service and am a strong believer in education. I feel that this position is an excellent opportunity to both continue to provide public service coupled with steadfast support for education. My oldest daughter is a senior in high school currently, so post-secondary education is a huge priority for me.
2. What do you see as the three biggest issues you'll face?
I see them as 1-Funding; no surprise here, there will continue to be the drive to find means to fund higher education. 2-Ensuring Access; working with and helping develop new ideas to provide access to quality education to as many students as possible. And 3-Realizing and being supportive of changing needs of students.
3. If elected, what steps will you take to resolve these issues?
Funding-Advocate continued and increased State support of Community Colleges. In these current economic times this is important since a large funding mechanism for Community Colleges also comes from property taxes, so this must be tempered with the local taxpayer in mind. These must be balanced while keeping in mind education is an investment in our future.
Access-Simply put, exploring every avenue to ensure that every potential student has an equal educational opportunity that is right for them. Some of the needs may possibly be filled through some sort of partnership with business, particularly local business. Given the vast range of educational choices provided at NIC, supporting every access opportunity for every student is a priority.
Changing needs of students- Particular educational needs and requirements are different, as well as there are students from high school students attending dual enrollment to retired workers looking to acquire or enhance skills. Post secondary education can encompass nearly every trade and discipline. Given this, many trades and needs are continually evolving to meet the demands of their changing technologies.
4. What specific skills or experience qualify you for this job?
Being a taxpayer and mindful a steward of tax dollars. As a parent of a student, currently dual-enrolled at NIC, this gives me the unique opportunity to see the current students view. Being a NIC graduate, I posses a previous students' view. Also, serving as a firefighter gives me a unique skill set due to my work experiences.
5. Why should voters elect you, rather than an opponent?
I would encourage voters to elect me because of what I can bring to the position. That is I am a working father who prioritizes education, has a college student attending this institution, and believe in public customer service which I demonstrate daily at work. I also pay my taxes here, so I believe in ensuring fiscal responsibility.