Smith longest serving commissioner

BONNERS FERRY — This week, a long-time fixture on the Boundary County Board of Commissioners will be leaving. Commissioner Ron Smith has served the county for over two decades as a county commissioner and sheriff.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” says Smith. “I’ve had an enjoyable 16 years as county commissioner and five or six years as sheriff.”

Smith is the longest serving commissioner in the history of Boundary County. He was commissioner for six years between 1989 and 1995 and returned 10 years ago. He was also the commissioner chair for 14 years.

“Ron is more than a elected official,” said Jeff Gutshall, Boundary County Road and Bridge superintendent. “Ron has a unique dedication. He supported us. He led by example.”

“I can’t say enough about the employees of Boundary County,” says Smith. “They make things happen. They get the job done.”

Without the employees, some of highlights of Smith’s terms wouldn’t have happened. One of the biggest issues Smith encountered as a commissioner was the landfill. When he was elected 10 years ago the landfill was predicted to be full in eight to 10 years.

“Claine Skeen made a tremendous difference,” says Smith. “Now we’re looking at 30 years or more.”

The recent project of installing an elevator at the Restorium was also a highlight.

“A good thing to happen,” said Smith. “Mainly the efforts of the Restorium staff and board.”

“The part I’ll miss the most is no longer being able to work with the people of Boundary County,” says Smith. “That’s what I’ll truly miss.”

“We’re blessed that our elected people can work together,” said Smith. “The relationship with the sheriff is great. You don’t see that in other counties.”

The toughest part of being a commissioner, for anybody, is making decisions that aren’t politically correct says Smith. He said he always based his decisions on what was best for Boundary County, not for a certain group.

“Do what’s right,” says Smith. “And stand behind it.”

The hardest issues Smith remembers handling were certain planning and zoning issues and the formation of the ambulance district. Smith recounted that there was much misunderstanding forming the ambulance taxing district, but now it is formed, with funding and he is happy about it.

“I have no regrets on anything I did,” said Commissioner Smith. “I walk away with no hard feelings.”

Smith’s long-time involvement in the county won’t end anytime soon. Smith plans on becoming involved at the courthouse in a non-elected position, hopefully in the courts.

He’ll also be seen supporting the Badgers at basketball games like he’s done for many years.

Smith lost re-election last spring in the primaries.

Lee Pinkerton will be sworn in as the new commissioner on Jan. 14.