Tony Johnson

I am a 4th generation life time resident of Latah County. My roots run deep in Latah County. I have been a small business owner for over 25 years. I currently serve as the Chair of the Latah County Planning committee. I served as a Moscow City Council member for 6 years, during that time the City of Moscow undertook two major projects, the Hamilton Lowe Aquatic Center and upgraded the Waste Water Treatment plant. These two projects were major accomplishments for the City of Moscow.

Candidate Questions

Top Issues

I will work:

To develop a financial plan to create a 6 month financial reserve for Latah County for times of unexpected financial needs.

With county law enforcement to plan and acquire a county drug dog to assist in keeping the citizens of Latah County safe and drug free.

Coordinate and assist Latah County rural communities to plan and acquire funds to upgrade wastewater treatment plants for their communities.

What is the primary function of a County Commissioner?

Idaho code, Title 31 Chapter 8 defines the powers and duties of County Commissioners in the State of Idaho. The code lists 23 pages of duties and responsibilities. These range from Supervision of County Officers to County prohibition on utility connections. A County Commissioner office functions in a senior leadership role for the county, it includes extension services, law enforcement and justice operations oversite, county property management, supervision of elections to name a few.

Why are you running for County Commissioner?

I am running for County Commissioner to bring a conservative, local, lifelong voice to county leadership and be a voice for citizens of Latah County.

Commissioners have the power to pass ordinances, adopt budgets, set tax levy rates and oversee the county budget. As Commissioner, what are your ideas to save taxpayers’ money?

Be prudent in taxing, spend wisely, consistent in spending decisions.

Describe one way to improve the current budgeting process.

The budgeting process is working well. Julie Fry has been improving the flow of information and is doing an excellent job.

Describe your approach to promoting budget transparency for the public.

The budget process must be an open public process, accessible and understandable. I encourage citizens to look at the budget and the use of your tax dollars.

In your role as County Commissioner, provide one example of a process or function you will seek to improve.

Provide more access to the commissioners from other elected officials, staff and citizens.

In your role as county legislator, provide one example of a law/ordinance you might eliminate. Provide one example of a law/ordinance you intend to introduce and explain why and the benefit to citizens.

I would not intend to eliminate any laws, but would like to encourage better enforcement of drug laws in Latah County.

Name a book you have found instructive and helpful specifically related to your potential role as County Commissioner.

BIll O'Reilly's killing series books. These have excellent historical information and I have read 12 of these books.

If I vote for you, what two changes to Latah County do you propose in order to improve efficiencies, operations, or personnel?

First, increase the cash reserves to a 6 month buffer. A savings account for difficult times. This would be accomplished over a few years.

Second, purchase a drug dog to aid law enforcement and work to make Latah County drug free.

Latah County is currently experiencing a rapid influx of residents. How will you work to address rural development and what zoning/comprehensive plan changes would you propose, if any?

I am currently on the Planning Committee and we are currently working on the county comprehensive plan. The current schedule has this ready for public consumption and a hearing in August of 2024.