Norris to seek second term

Kootenai County Sheriff Robert “Bob” Norris announced he will seek election to another term.

“I am proud to declare my continued commitment to the citizens of Kootenai County,” Norris said, in a news release. 

Norris said his first term highlights many successes, which he listed: “Cultivating a culture within the sheriff’s office to place protecting Kootenai County citizens’ rights as the No. 1 priority. Developing new sheriff’s office community outreach programs through town halls, open houses, coffee/breakfast with the sheriff and other special events. Increasing donations for sheriff’s office operations, including K-9, Marine, Dive, Search and Rescue Teams and equipment to help offset taxpayer funding needs. Turning the office from a command central organization to empowering employees with ownership stakes in community outcomes (i.e., developing a management-by-objective culture). Developing a helicopter program that does not cost county taxpayers one additional penny. Embracing the role of a community-engaged sheriff. Kootenai County Sheriff’s Employee Association overwhelmingly voted 93% to support my reelection.”  

Norris said in the release that since many internal issues with the office have been corrected and an improved culture is emerging, he would like to get the community more involved. 

In his next term, he would like to build an all-volunteer force of vetted citizens, he said, to help with keeping the community safe.

“We are witnessing an era where our country, and our community, is rapidly changing,” Norris said in the release. “Preparing our county for the national changing landscape, growth in our community, and the crime that comes with it, is critically important to maintain our high quality of life. The more the community can come together and play a role in its future the better off we will all be for it.”