Sam Conner

Name: Sam Conner

Age: 72

Length of residency: 13 years in Athol; 43 in Idaho, arriving after my military service in Vietnam.

Family: Married with three children

Highest level of education completed: High school diploma

Degrees held: Mechanics training in the military.

Profession: Military — U.S. Army, 1968-1971; road construction; long haul truck driver — owner/operator; drywall contractor; mechanic; previous business owner.

Civic groups or nonprofit boards you belong to: Member American Legion Post 149.

Volunteerism: Volunteered in different capacities to support my children in their endeavors; Support Services at Timberlake Fire District.

Previous political experience: I have no previous political experience.

What prompted you to seek election to this position?

My son started volunteering at Timberlake when he turned 18. I watched as he turned a passion into his career. He is now a career firefighter in a different district. Because of him, when I retired from my occupation, I started volunteering at Timberlake in Support Services. I was able to see needs from both the firefighters’ perspectives, as well as the citizens’. I care deeply about trying to help. When the Zone 5 seat unexpectedly became vacant, I decided to run, feeling it was the perfect opportunity to serve my community. I was appointed as interim commissioner to the Zone 5 seat in August.

What are three things you will work to change or improve if elected?

The current board of commissioners and fire chief have worked diligently to improve the status of our fire district. I would like to further that improvement and continue to make Timberlake Fire Protection District the best it can be. Secondly, I would like to strengthen relationships between the commissioners and the firefighters, helping everyone understand we are all on the same side, working toward the best district in the area for the benefit of citizens, as well as employees. And finally, I would like to help bring knowledge to the community about their fire district, the needs there, and the importance of the service they provide.

What makes you the best candidate?

I am already in the position, gaining knowledge and building relationships with the firefighters, current commissioners and the public. Firefighter-endorsed, I believe I have gained community support and trust. I have served at the firehouse, understanding needs by following situations as a concerned citizen and parent. Care of the tangible assets of the district are extremely important to me. My father taught me to treat the equipment of others as if it were my own, and I believe that is a life-long trait that can be utilized here. The knowledge I possess from my past careers from mechanic, to business owner, to road construction are expressly beneficial to the needs of this department. I feel I have already helped the district with the wisdom and common sense that comes from working in those careers.