DOUG O: One to lead us

As a lifelong resident, I celebrate this community and the many servants who dedicate their time and talents to shape its future. Doug Okuniewicz has been fully engaged in our community for many, many years as a solid family man, volunteer and businessman. He is also the president of a local nonprofit that has contributed more than $1 million to local charities like 4-H, the Good Samaritan Rehabilitation Program, Open Arms Pregnancy Center, TESH, Children’s Village, Holy Family Catholic School, STEM Charter Academy, and many others.

I’m often asked how I feel about the growth and changes I’ve seen over the years. Knowing change is inevitable and growth is essential for a robust economy, most agree that this also brings challenges and now, more than ever, we need leaders who can step up boldly when solutions are needed. Doug is one of those leaders who doesn’t just talk about problems, he actually puts in the time and effort to solve them. When the Idaho Department of Corrections announced they were considering putting a Prison Re-Entry Center in Kootenai County, Doug did his research and drafted code changes that would give the county and other municipalities local control over whether or not a criminal re-entry center will be built in Kootenai County. He’s shared this solution with our county commission, as well as city council members, and mayors throughout the county with good results. I’m voting for “Doug O” because we need more problem-solvers working for us in Boise!

SHELLEY ROSENBERGER

Hayden