DART announces candidate endorsements

The nonpartisan group DART announced its local candidate endorsements for the Nov. 8 election.

"Competent, local leadership is the difference between a thriving, growing community or one that is dysfunctional," said Rick Palagi, DART chair, in a news release. "DART's mission is to identify and support dedicated, accountable and responsible individuals in all of our community and civic institutions. We've evaluated the candidates using this set of characteristics.”

Using published news reports, candidates’ websites, social media posts and their comments in various forums, DART evaluated the candidates with specific criteria, including length of residency in Kootenai County, current and prior public service history, amount of related professional experience to the office, and stated interest in representing all community members.

The following endorsements represent DART's opinion of the best suited candidates to place in these important positions of local leadership:

County Commissioner — Ruben Miranda

Assessor (write-in) — Bob Scott

NIC Trustee Zone 5 — Pete Broschet

NIC Trustee Zone 2 — Brad Corkill

NIC Trustee Zone 1 — Tarie Zimmerman

Kootenai Shoshone Soil and Water Conservation District — Robert “Bob” Flagor

Kootenai Shoshone Soil and Water Conservation District — Jon Groth

Kootenai Shoshone Soil and Water Conservation District — Calvin Roberts

“It is in our hands, with our votes to elect thoughtful leaders who think for themselves and hold the best interests of all residents in front of them at all times. We are confident recommending this slate of leaders,” Palagi said. “But people have to vote.”

For more information on DART, email the organization at DARTCDA@gmail.com.