OPINION: If not you, then who?
Christa Hazel
In a solid conservative region like North Idaho, the closed Republican primary in May often determines who ultimately wins in November. That reality can feel frustrating — or empowering. It depends on whether we choose to participate or simply react after the fact. Spring 2026 offers more opportunity than many people realize. There are practical ways ordinary citizens can step forward, shape leadership, and help preserve the communities we care about — without becoming “political” in the loud, performative sense of the word.
Here are three paths worth knowing about:
1. Kootenai County offices: real responsibility, real compensation
Several Kootenai County elected offices will appear on the May Republican primary ballot. These are full-time leadership roles overseeing budgets, staff, and essential public services, with professional-level compensation.
Based on the county’s current salary schedule, annual pay is approximately:
• County Prosecutor: $159,000
• County Commissioner: $109,000
• County Clerk: $115,000
• County Assessor: $109,000
• County Treasurer: $110,000
• County Coroner: $97,000
These positions include county health insurance and retirement benefits through the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI), providing long-term stability many families value.
Some offices have specific requirements — for example, the prosecutor must be a licensed attorney. Others do not. For example, Idaho does not require the county coroner to be a medical doctor. Training is provided, and the role focuses on investigation, administration, and coordination. Across Idaho, coroners come from law enforcement, emergency services, military, and management backgrounds.
This isn’t about dismissing everyone currently serving. Some offices are competently run by professionals doing serious work. But many capable people never consider running because they assume someone else must already be better suited. In many cases, that assumption keeps good candidates on the sidelines.
2. The Legislature: part-time service, statewide impact
Legislative seats are also up for Republican primary election this year. Serving in the Idaho Legislature is a part-time citizen role, but one with real influence over taxes, education funding, regulation, and the long-term direction of the state.
Lawmakers earn roughly $25,000 per year, plus a daily per diem during the legislative session. They are also eligible for health insurance and PERSI-backed retirement. It isn’t a career move for most people, but it is a meaningful way for grounded Idahoans to bring local experience, common sense, and restraint into state policy.
3. Precinct committeeman: small time commitment, big influence
There is also a quieter option — one that rarely makes headlines but shapes nearly everything upstream.
Kootenai County Republican precinct committeemen are neighborhood-level party officials. Each precinct represents a small geographic area. Committeemen typically meet once a month, on a Tuesday evening, for a few hours.
There is no pay, but the influence is real. Precinct committeemen help guide local party priorities and play a key role in which candidates receive official party support. They also help shape the Idaho Republican Party platform and work to elect Republican candidates.
If you’ve ever looked at a “Rated & Vetted” sample ballot and felt uneasy — if you’ve been frustrated by incompetence that costs taxpayers money or reduces services —
if you’ve watched state budgets grow while outcomes lag behind —
That's exactly where this role comes in. This is one way Republicans keep a hand on the wheel.
For several months now, North Idaho Republicans have offered weekly commentary from a range of local conservative voices and perspectives. That commitment reflects a simple belief: this is a vibrant Republican county, and voters are eager to support Republicans who lead with competence, integrity, and respect for shared values.
You don’t have to be loud to lead. Often, the first step is simply realizing these opportunities are available to you.
Self-government only works when citizens are willing to serve. If not you, then who?
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Christa Hazel is a former Coeur d’Alene School Board trustee and former Kootenai County Republican Precinct Committeewoman. Find more information at www.northidahorepublicans.org.