Stewart runs for seat held by Nelson

COEUR d'ALENE - David Stewart, who has been in business for 30 years, filed as a Republican candidate for the Kootenai County Commission District 2 seat, which is currently held by incumbent Commissioner Jai Nelson.

Stewart issued a press release Tuesday announcing his candidacy and explaining why he is running. He has two primary issues with the current county government.

He first takes issue with the way the current county commission handled an update of its land use codes, and his second issue has to do with employee morale, based on the findings of a recent employee survey.

"This election season is the most important I have seen in years. Our property rights have never been under attack as they are right now," Stewart said in the release. "My wife and I are property owners. I am running for Kootenai County Commission District 2, so that I may better preserve these rights for you and I and future generations."

Stewart graduated Coeur d'Alene High School in 1981. He is married, with two children. He has been in business since 1983, and currently owns Pro Formance Lube Center in Spokane. Prior to that Stewart owned a development company that developed the Arrow Point area on Lake Coeur d'Alene.

He also studied real estate in 1988, and was certified in OMC technical training for boat mechanics in 1982.

Stewart said he has a background in construction, real estate development and running a business.

So far, Stewart is the only candidate filed for the county commission seat currently held by Nelson. Filing deadline for all county and statewide seats in the May 20 primary election is March 14.