Kootenai County commissioners offer insights

Kootenai County Commissioner Leslie Duncan, who was reelected in November and will take the oath of office again Jan. 13, said her top priorities in 2025 are the same as every other year: to serve the public to the best of her ability and protect the rights of citizens. 

The Justice Building expansion, which Duncan has long championed, will be completed this year. Duncan said that will bring focus on other county departments that are in need of more space. 

“Growth will continue to be a hot topic, as well as property rights, protecting the aquifer and controlling government overreach,” she said. “The community is increasingly sensitive to many issues and we need to work together to perform essential functions while respecting and protecting citizens.” 

Commissioner Bruce Mattare said his priorities for the coming year are to “properly manage growth, leverage operational efficiencies so we can do more with less, ensure that costs are properly allocated to where the benefit is enjoyed” and “properly fund public safety so criminals know they will get caught and prosecuted.” 

When these matters are “ignored or poorly managed,” Mattare said they lead to higher tax rates. 

“My hope is that we can start having honest conversations about the above topics and focus on good solutions for the community,” he said. 

    Mattare