Grimm to run for sheriff in 2020

HAYDEN — John Grimm, a Kootenai County resident for 15 years, announced his candidacy for sheriff on Thursday. He is running as a Republican in the May 2020 primary.

Grimm owns AMI Machining in Hayden, a company that manufactures small components for the medical, aerospace, automotive and defense industries.

"I am running for sheriff because I believe I can improve the department to better serve our community," he said in a news release. "The challenges facing the sheriff’s department thus far have not been able to be resolved from within.

"Other candidates are too new to the area, and I am concerned that they have not been in North Idaho long enough to learn about, and in some cases accept, what is important to us. Every resident of Kootenai County, from Spirit Lake to Medimont and Bayview to Worley, deserves someone who not only understands the problems we face but has the solutions to solve them."

Grimm said he'd bring his business experience, community involvement and ability to create "proven solutions" to the table.

Grimm said he has served several years as a volunteer youth leader and educational adviser.

As a former volunteer in a reserve-deputy program, Grimm said he had a unique outsider’s perspective.

Grimm and his wife, Sara, live in Hayden. Sara has worked for the Coeur d'Alene School District for more than 10 years.

Between them, they have six children, all of whom live in Kootenai County.

Grimm’s slogan is "Keep It Idaho.”

— Brian Walker