I would like to address a recent article that came out involving the Idaho State Journal endorsement of county candidates. While I believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and political views; I think it’s important to address a few key points about my campaign. If the Idaho State Journal would have dug deeper they would have found who has been causing a decrease in county employee morale, who is responsible for the mismanagement of the Portneuf Wellness Complex, and why our county budget is under investigation by the attorney general. My opponent Terrel “Ned” Tovey has proven why we need a commissioner who has the leadership capabilities, experience and education to confront these issues.

I want my fellow residents of Bannock County to truly understand my qualifications and experience that uniquely qualifies me for the job of county commissioner. I am not just a “former national rodeo queen.” I am also a graduate of Idaho State University with a degree in management and marketing, plus eight years of work experience in management, marketing and public relations. I have experience in working with high-value marketing budgets for corporations and local business, similar to that of the wellness complex. I’ve also worked on events similar to those that we should be having at the complex and fairgrounds. I have an understanding of leadership and communication that is severely lacking in the commissioners’ office. This is why I’ve received bipartisan support and endorsements from former county officials and business leaders such as Diane Bilyeu, Craig Cooper, Kelly Duffin, John Alexander and Jason West, as well as many others.

From the beginning of my campaign, I have recognized that Bannock County has serious issues involving the budget, county employee morale, the wellness complex, disassociation with rural Bannock County and serious lack of leadership — all of which were mentioned and acknowledged by the ISJ article. If our current commissioner Tovey was doing his job the way it was intended there would be no reason to have a forensic audit called for the county budget and no reason for county employees to feel a lack of morale. While he may have inherited the wellness complex, there has not been enough focus directed to the wellness complex to manage the issues going on. There is no strategy and no plan in place to fix these issues. Within the last two years I feel at the very least these could have been addressed. Bannock County needs someone with the courage to confront these issues.

I am running for county commissioner because I believe the people of Bannock County deserve better representation, transparency and not only accessibility, but improved communication with their commissioners. Elected officials are voted into office by the people and are expected to make decisions that benefit the well being of the people. I am running for this office to create a commission that listens, communicates and understands. For these reasons I am the right person to serve as your commissioner. I ask that you vote for me on Nov. 6 and give me an opportunity to go to work for all of Bannock County.

Maicie Bullock,

Pocatello