Candidates answer questions

Washington County Sheriff

Sheriff Matt Thomas (R)

 My name is Matt Thomas, I was born at the Weiser Memorial Hospital and blessed to grow up in our small community. I’ve been happily married for 23 years to my beautiful wife and partner for life, Heather. We have two children and are proud grandparents to four grandkids. 

 I have dedicated my life to serving the Washington County community and for the past 26 years, I’ve worked for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, with the last 13 years as your sheriff. 

 Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to upholding the law and ensuring the safety of my fellow residents. 

 With my deep commitment to the community, I’m running for my fourth term as sheriff. I want to continue to strengthen public safety in the county and ensure a safe and thriving environment for future generations.

 Some community members and Washington County elected officials have stated that crime is increasing in Washington County. According to the Idaho State Police database, Washington County’s agency crime reports indicate a steady decrease in overall crime from 2019 to 2023. Please speak to that.

 While crime overall in the county has decreased, crime and arrests for the sheriff’s office has increased the last two years. From a low in 2021 of 70 offenses and 118 arrests, our numbers have jumped in 2023 to 128 offenses and 272 arrests. That is a 22 percent and 34 percent increase for the sheriff’s office. 

 We are seeing more people move into the county and more people using the county for recreation purposes. With the influx of people traveling in and through the county, it is inevitable that we are going to see an increase in crime. 

 Most of our arrests are drug related and are people traveling through the county. Your deputies are doing a great job combating the drug epidemic and fighting to keep the roads and county safe.  

 Has there been an increase in mental health related calls, and, if so, what steps have been taken in your office to make officers better suited to handle individuals with mental illnesses?

 Mental health is a contributing factor to much of the crime we see in the county. I believe people have come to the realization that the mental health crisis is a contributing factor in crime locally and nationally. Unfortunately, resources in rural Idaho are not readily available to everyone, so many people with a mental illness go untreated, or they end up in jails and prisons. Probably 50 percent of the Washington County jail population has some type of mental health issue. 

 Washington County deputies have attended training to help deal with people they encounter that are going through a mental health crisis. The training includes signs of someone might be exhibiting who is going through a crisis, and how to talk to a person going through a crisis, and resources available to them. 

 I’ve always had great pride in our deputies because they do know how to talk to people. Most of that comes from starting their careers in the jail. You learn how to talk to people and recognize the signs of mental illness. Washington County Deputies excel at de-escalation and understanding what people are going through during a mental health crisis. We work closely with mental health professionals in the area to ensure people who are going through a mental health crisis receive the care they need and have resources available to them.   

 

Washington County Commissioner 

District 1

Jim Harberd (R)

 Hello, I am Jim Harberd and I am an Idaho native. I am running for Washington County Commissioner District 1. 

 My wife and I raised our family in Weiser and have a vested interest in making Washington County a safe and enjoyable place to live. The amount of growth in our area is putting a tremendous strain on our resources. I decided to run because I am semi retired and have the time to invest in our county. I have a background in Ag, construction and water resources.

 How long have you been a part of the Washington County community? To what extent have you been a part of local government in Washington County? 

 I have lived in Washington County since I was 12 years old. This is my first time running for a county office. I have attended all the county commissioner meetings since announcing my candidacy in February. I have learned a lot and hope to be a asset to the county when I am elected.

 What do you consider the biggest challenge of the position you are running for? What areas need improvement and why?

 Growth is one of the biggest issues our county is facing. I feel we need to use our resources wisely to prepare for the inevitable growth we are facing. Another issue is the division within the county between the political parties. I will be working for everyone.

 What is your vision for the future of Washington County: What changes would you advocate and why?

 My vision for Washington County is for it to continue being an area our children want to

stay and raise their families in. We want a safe area with job opportunities and a reasonable cost of living. We choose to live in Washington County because we like our small town atmosphere. I will work for structured growth with the growth spreading from town outward. This will help protect our farms and ranches. I also am concerned with our water supply being adequate for the inevitable growth we are facing. I will be proactive not reactive.

 Most importantly I want to encourage everyone to vote. Your vote does matter!

 

Carolyn Wesner (D)

 I decided to offer my name as a commissioner candidate for balance: it seems un-American to have only one person or one party consistently on the ballot. And for equity: 50 percent of Washington County’s population are women. I hope this encourages more women to get involved. Also for an example to my family and friends of participation in governance. Lastly for unity: this is local, we are all in this together. We may not have much influence on the big scale out there, but we do here.

 I have many years’ experience in administration. The county commissioner is an administrator of many kinds of tax-funded activities such as supervision of county officers, of roads and bridge issues, of parks and recreational facilities, managing county property, auditing county funds, and paying county bills. 

 One important item in our code says that commissioners must be “disinterested.” It means that no member of the board may have personal or financial interest, directly or indirectly, in county purchasing, contracts, road improvement, etc. This can be hard in a small community, but “disinterestedness” must be preserved by county commissioners.

 How long have you been a part of the Washington County community?

 I’ve been a part of Washington County for nearly 30 years, first in Midvale/Cambridge then Weiser. Plus, I’ve lived in other communities, states, and a foreign country, which impressed me with how very alike we all are. We want the same kinds of things: decent employment at a reasonable wage, the respect of friends and neighbors, a good education for our kids, and a secure housing situation.

 To what extent have you been a part of local government in Washington County?

 During my working career and raising a family, unfortunately there wasn’t much time left to devote to civic duties. That said, I’ve always been an interested, consistent voter.

 What do you consider the biggest challenge of the position you are running for?

 County commissioners are administrators for the tax funds entrusted to them by their friends and neighbors. We as Washington County citizens have many similarities and I would like to listen, consider options, and make careful, code-compliant decisions. Some decisions won’t make everyone happy. Sometimes as a commissioner I could need to recuse myself from a discussion to avoid even the appearance of favoritism. That’s the nature of administration!

 What areas need improvement and why?

 We need to be very careful with managing the growth of our county, equally. For example, as the spouse of a farmer, I understand the great value of preserving agricultural lands and traditions. On balance, a farmer who decides to retire or get out of the business has the right to sell that property too, particularly if land uses in the area are changing. It’s a balance.

 What is your vision for the future of Washington County: 

 First: Education: to support our schools in functioning at their best with what we’ve got. I’ve experienced home schooling, parochial schools, public schools, and college in England as a Rotary Scholar. I fully support the wonderful public schools we have in this county. I would like to see a simple, age-appropriate class in U.S. government taught at every grade level to prepare responsible citizens of the future.

 Second: Managed growth: Nothing stays the same, we either make progress or fall behind. Local businesses can’t stay solvent if there isn’t enough population to support their survival. We are a mobile society – we make Costco runs, Nampa and Caldwell are moving our way, the big box stores are across the state line with no sales tax. Careful, thoughtfully planned growth helps everyone be able to enjoy more local amenities while protecting the rural character we love.

 Third: Housing: This is part of managed growth too, and not just new, high-end housing in the $350,000 plus range. RV parks for long term use provide useful housing, as do modular home parks. Everybody has to be somewhere, so we need to encourage a variety of housing options for a stable, multi-faceted community.

 What changes would you advocate and why? (See above)

 

Washington County 

Commissioner

District 3

Gordon Wilkerson (R)

 I have been a lifelong resident of Washington County, raised on a family ranch in Cambridge, Idaho, that was established by my ancestors in 1866. I am a proud fifth-generation resident. My wife, Maryanne, and I have two wonderful daughters, Andrea and Tanya, who are both married, and we are blessed with four grandchildren: Gracelee, Rhett, Jex, and Everson.

 I am running to represent the people of Washington County and to ensure their voices are heard. My background in farming and ranching has provided me with practical experience in solving everyday problems through common-sense approaches.

 How long have you been a part of the Washington County community? To what extent have you been a part of local government in Washington County?

 I have been a part of the Washington County community for 60 years. My first experience in politics came nearly two years ago, although my only prior involvement was serving as an officer in the FFA during high school. Despite my candidacy, I do not see myself as a politician.

 What do you consider the biggest challenge of the position you are running for? What areas need improvement and why?

 The challenges of this position are complex and cannot be summed up easily. One of the significant issues is fully staffing our Road and Bridge and Sheriff’s departments, which is largely a matter of competitive pay. Land use regulations also pose a major challenge, as they are often driven by both financial and personal factors. It can feel unjust for a single individual in government to dictate what property owners can or cannot do with their own land.

 I believe that improving communication between government and the citizens is critical. With better communication and a clearer understanding of how our government functions, residents might be able to offer valuable solutions to ongoing challenges, including suggesting changes to existing policies.

 What is your vision for the future of Washington County? What changes would you advocate for and why?

 My vision for Washington County is to ensure that we continue to live with the freedoms and rights guaranteed under the Constitution. It is important that we maintain a safe environment for our children, allowing them to grow and thrive.

 One of the main issues I am focused on is reforming land use codes, as I believe there is room for improvement in this area. While local governments face their own set of challenges, many of the most significant issues stem from higher levels of government, particularly at the state and federal levels. I believe that reigning in federal government overreach would have the most profound positive impact on our local government and community.

 

Linda Strain (D)

 Hi, my name is Linda Strain, and I’m running for Washington County Commissioner, D3. I’m a third-generation Idahoan, born and raised right here in Washington County. My husband and I have lived in Weiser for nearly all our lives, raised and educated our children in this community. 

 How long have you been a part of the Washington County community? To what extent have you been a part of local government in Washington County?

 I’ve been part of the Weiser Community Church for 30 years and served on 13 mission trips to Central America. 

 My career in Developed Recreation with the Forest Service allowed me to work with local volunteers, helping to preserve the beauty of our public lands and recreation sites.”

 What do you consider the biggest challenge of the position you are running for? What areas need improvement and why?

 What matters to me most is making sure that everyone in Washington County has a seat at the table. We need responsible growth, affordable housing, and strong partnerships with our neighboring counties. Agriculture is the backbone of our communities, and I believe in supporting our farmers, and ranchers. Protecting our public lands, preserving our natural and water resources, and responsible use of our outdoor spaces. I believe in transparent and fair government.

 What is your vision for the future of Washington County: What changes would you advocate and why?

 I’m running because we need balance in our county government, and I believe I can bring that balance. Washington County is growing, and we need leadership that understands the importance of working together – whether it’s solving local issues, supporting our small businesses, economic development, preserving our open spaces, or ensuring our freedoms are protected.  I would be honored to be a voice for the people of Washington County.

 

Washington County 

Prosecuting Attorney

True Pearce (R)

 I am a lifelong Idaho resident, raised on my family’s ranches in Payette and Washington counties. I earned my law degree from the University of Idaho, and my wife and I are raising our five children here, with our eldest now attending BYU-I. 

 I have been serving as a deputy prosecutor in Adams County, where I have had the opportunity to advise the Planning and Zoning Commission as well as work on significant criminal cases. My passion for ensuring justice and supporting our community drives me to run for Washington County Prosecuting Attorney. I want to bring accountability, transparency, and dedication to public service. With my experience and commitment to justice, I am confident that I can help make our community safer and stronger.

 Why do you want to be Washington County’s prosecuting attorney?

 I want to be Washington County’s prosecuting attorney to ensure fair, consistent, and firm enforcement of the law. Having voluntarily prosecuted the last murder case in the county, I know firsthand the impact of diligent prosecution on victims, families, and community safety. I am committed to putting my experience to work for the people of Washington County and providing the leadership needed to uphold justice. I will advocate for victims, support law enforcement, and be a resource for our community. I believe in a justice system that works for everyone, not just a few, and I want to ensure accountability and public trust in the office.

 Tell us about your public service/community service experiences? What drew you to them?

 My public service has included working as a deputy prosecutor in Adams County and now running for Washington County Prosecutor. I have also stepped up to serve the community by volunteering my time and expertise to prosecute cases that needed attention, like the recent murder case in Midvale. This commitment to public service stems from my upbringing in a family deeply rooted in community values – my father served as a State Senator, and his dedication to serving Idaho inspired me. Public service offers an opportunity to give back, stand up for victims, and work for the good of others, which is why I am passionate about this role.

 In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the prosecutor’s office and how do you plan to address it?

 The biggest challenge facing the prosecutor’s office is managing the increased workload that comes with a growing community while addressing the rising crime rates. Nationwide crime has increased, and Washington County is no exception to this trend. Additionally, we face challenges in the civil realm that require attention. To meet these challenges, I plan to prioritize prosecuting the most serious offenses to ensure justice for victims and deter further crime. I will work closely with law enforcement and community leaders to improve collaboration, streamline processes, and make efficient use of available resources. My goal is to enhance the efficiency and integrity of the prosecutor’s office while ensuring that every case receives the attention it deserves. By focusing on accountability, transparency, and community engagement, I believe we can build a safer and more just Washington County for everyone.