Rathdrum resident seeks sheriff spot

Justin Nagel announced Friday he is running for Kootenai County sheriff as a candidate of the Libertarian party.

“I’ve spent my entire life on our land and our waters,” he wrote in a press release. “I’ve been able to watch our community grow through its high points and low points. I know those in our leadership, and I know our citizens.”

He said that over the last 20 years, he has learned about law enforcement agencies, the position of sheriff, internal practices, law, constitutional rights, and the history of our sheriff’s department.

Nagel said he wants to identify several areas of weakness in the department and will be referencing a number of cases where he said he has acquired records as proof of departmental abuse of authority or inappropriate actions.

“Things are not OK in Kootenai County. Many of our citizens are unaware of the inner workings of our law enforcement community,” he wrote.

Nagel believes his message of hope for reform will resonate with what he claims is a vast amount of residents who have been harassed or abused by local law enforcement.

In his press release, he said many don’t even know when their rights are being violated.

“The stories I’ve heard are almost unbelievable,” he said.

Nagel said he is fortunate to be surrounded by good people, with strong minds and compassionate hearts.

“I believe my experiences, and my tireless devotion to justice, equal treatment and a safer, better Kootenai County, will enable me to provide the highest quality leadership as sheriff,” he said.

In the primary election, Bob Norris won the Republican nomination for sheriff.

Info: www.NagelForSheriff.com