Green announces sheriff run

Republican John Green has announced his candidacy for Kootenai County sheriff.

Green, an attorney and former Texas deputy sheriff, has 39 years of law enforcement experience. This includes hands-on experience in a major county jail, as a patrolman, detective and sergeant, combined with legal experience as a criminal and civil attorney.

“The county sheriff is the only elected head of law enforcement in our state. As such, he is directly accountable to the citizens to uphold the U.S. and Idaho constitutions,” Green said in a press release announcing his candidacy. “Ensuring public safety, protecting property, and guarding individual liberties are the cornerstone of my philosophy. Law enforcement is there to serve the people, not the other way around.”

Green said the current budget for the sheriff’s office is adequate to effectively meet the needs of the community. He said he would like to see more deputies out serving the public and fewer sitting behind desks. As for the jail, Green asserts it’s not necessary to burden the taxpayers with additional levies or bonds when the current facility was designed for expansion and the county has the funds available to make that happen.

Green has a B.S. in Criminal Justice (cum laude) from the University of Houston, a J.D. from South Texas College of Law and numerous law enforcement certifications — including a permanent license for Advanced Peace Officer Certification from Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards & Education. He currently serves as general counsel and chief law enforcement advisor to the United States Bill of Rights Foundation.

Green and his wife, Elizabeth, have four children and live near Rathdrum, Idaho.