SANDPOINT — Former Bonner County Commissioner Luke Omodt expressed his enjoyment in serving the residents of the county while also appreciating the additional time with his family since stepping down. “Local politics is a rough and tumble sport. I greatly enjoyed the work of being a Bonner County commissioner,” Omodt shared. In the recent Republican primary, Omodt was defeated by Ron Korn, who will represent the party in the upcoming general election on November 5. Following his defeat, Omodt informed Bonner County Clerk Michael Rosedale of his resignation, effective September 7, in a brief letter on August 20.
Omodt chose not to comment on his resignation initially, stating that he wanted to honor the residents by first completing the budget process. His return to teaching required him to resign four months before the end of his term, which was set to conclude in January with the swearing-in of his successor.
He reflected on the responsibilities that come with being a county commissioner, expressing admiration for the employees dedicated to vital community services, including maintaining roads, ensuring water safety, and managing emergency services. “I am most impressed with the rank and file employees who are responsible for keeping our roads plowed, our waterways safe, get us or our loved ones to the ER, and protect the $115 million that flows through the office of the treasurer for all of the 54 taxing districts in Bonner County,” he noted.
The Bonner County Republican Central Committee has recommended Korn as their top candidate to succeed Omodt in the District 2 county commission seat. The committee also included Tom Cleveland and Kim Peckham in their ranked list. The nominees submitted to Governor Brad Little are required to be ranked, with Korn at the top, followed by Cleveland and Peckham, while Cary Kelly, a former commissioner, was nominated but not selected.
The list was forwarded to Governor Little in late August, who has a 15-day window from the date of Omodt’s resignation to appoint someone to the vacant seat. Since Omodt’s resignation became effective at 11:59 p.m. on September 6, Little’s deadline to make a decision falls on September 21. BCRCC Chair Scott Herndon anticipates that a decision may come by the end of the week at the earliest.
In the upcoming general election on November 5, Ron Korn will compete against independent candidate Glenn Lefebvre for the District 2 county commission seat. Speculation about Omodt’s resignation had circulated for months following his loss in the primary, leading residents to inquire about his plans during an August 7 meeting.
Despite the challenges of his role, Omodt maintained a positive outlook on the community, saying, “Bonner County remains a great place to live and I’m greatly looking forward to not seeing my name in the paper.”