POCATELLO — With incumbent GOP Commissioner Ernie Moser not seeking reelection in District 1, the seat is up for grabs among three Republican challengers — Craig Yadon, Joel Jolley and Samantha Damron.

The three will compete for the District 1 county commissioner seat in the May 19 primary.

Yadon is a longtime local businessman who graduated from Highland High School and Idaho State University and served in the U.S. Army for four years before returning to Pocatello to start a family with his wife, Mariya. The couple have four adult children, three grandchildren and another on the way.

Yadon owned and operated a contracting firm servicing industrial facilities across the nation, steadily growing the business before selling it for around $30 million in 2020.

Yadon said he is running for county commissioner to address wasteful spending, advocate for residents of south county, support current county assets and fully fund law enforcement and emergency services.

"Some of the main issues are wasteful spending, and the prime example is the Portneuf Wellness Complex," Yadon said. "We've lost over a million dollars a year the last several years in concerts alone. That's just egregious. The government should not be in the concert business."

Yadon cited the significant costs of securing bands and the ticket sales required to recoup them, along with what he called the county's misuse of federal ARPA funds that could have addressed maintenance on county assets.

Yadon is also critical of the 14.5 percent raise county commissioners gave themselves last year while cutting assistance to the local veterans building and Aid for Friends. He said one of his goals is to fully fund the prosecuting attorney's office and the sheriff's department to pay better wages and retain deputies. He also wants to allow the County Fair board to function autonomously.

"We really have some great elected officials, the sheriff, the prosecuting attorney, the clerk, the assessor," Yadon said. "We've got some good people. As I go talk to them, what I hear is the commissioners get in and start micromanaging their areas, and so I really see a less-is-more (approach). If we can get the commissioners out of people's everyday business, I think they'll be able to do their jobs more effectively. That's really what I'm looking to do, is enable people, instead of micromanaging."

Damron serves as executive director of the Eastern Idaho Development Corporation, a position she has held for 16 years. She has worked in economic development for 21 years and holds a degree in finance. Part of her duties include budgeting for the nonprofit to ensure it operates efficiently and transparently.

"The reason why I want to run for county commissioner is primarily because of my experience and knowledge in economic development and my belief that I can be of some help," Damron said. "As we all know, Bannock County has not always had the greatest track record as far as being able to attract and retain small business, and the small businesses we do have sometimes tend to struggle."

Damron said she wants to identify rules or regulations affecting businesses and make the process more user-friendly for companies already operating in the county, as well as remove barriers preventing new businesses from thriving. She said she would also like to see the county pursue greater energy independence.

Fiscal accountability is also a primary focus.

"We need to be good stewards with the taxpayers' money," Damron said. "I would like to look at the budget, look for anything that might be identified as wasteful spending and see what we can do to cut that wasteful spending without putting other programs and resources in jeopardy. If we don't have the money, we don't spend the money. I'm a firm believer in that theory."

Public safety is another driving force behind her candidacy, and she places importance on community access to reliable emergency services and support for EMS personnel.

Property rights are another key issue for Damron.

"I think it's completely possible to have some growth and still protect our land rights and preserve the beauty that is Bannock County and the reason we all live here," Damron said. "But I think drawing a line in the sand and just saying that the answer to something is no without having a conversation — that shouldn't be the way business is done. I think everything deserves a conversation, and I will push for that, and then if the answer is no, then there will be a good reason why."

Jolley has lived in Bannock County for nearly 40 years, raising four boys with his wife, Sharla.

Jolley was elected twice to the Inkom City Council, serving as a member and later as president, before beginning a 15-year tenure as Inkom mayor around 2006. He is currently serving on the Inkom City Council and has more than 30 years of experience in local government and civil service in Idaho.

Jolley has overseen a variety of eastern Idaho projects, ordinances and resolutions.

"Serving in local government has provided the opportunity to serve my fellow citizens, to make a decision based on the thought of one, but the needs of many, while always being transparent in our findings and policy decisions," Jolley said. "I have a clear vision for what can be accomplished when important — and sometimes complex — issues are handled with thought, understanding, collaboration and above all, remembering that we serve the interests of our constituents, not our own."

Jolley said he is running for county commissioner to help ensure Bannock County is guided by steady leadership, responsible decision-making and real results.

"My experience has shown me that strong communities are built through careful budgeting, smart infrastructure planning, and practical policies that reflect the needs of the people — not politics," Jolley said. "I believe in working collaboratively to deliver reliable county services, manage growth through thoughtful land use and zoning, and keep our county moving forward in a way that protects both our quality of life and our future."

For more information on the May election, visit VoteIdaho.gov.