Ron Smith is running for reelection

Ron Smith is running for reelection for his seat on the Bonners Ferry City Council.

Smith married his wife, who grew up in Boundary County and worked in law enforcement for many years. After working in law enforcement, Smith began his political career and served as Boundary County commissioner for 16 years, 14 as chairman.

His time at the sheriff’s office and county commissioner — as well as his community involvement — helped give him perspective of the needs of the community.

Smith, who has been a city council member for more than eight years, said he enjoys sitting on the facilities committee and working with the public.

“I just enjoy what I’m doing and if I can do some little things to make the community better then that’s what I’m going to do,” Smith said.

According to Smith, he’s proud of the nickname given to him — Mr. Badger. This nickname was given to him for his attendance record at most Badger games, where he can be found in the front row at football games — even state and district games.

In his time on the council, Smith cites his involvement with upgrading pool facilities as an achievement he’s proud of and said he enjoys knowing the splash pad and pool facility upgrades are a “hit with the young and old kids.”

Smith said he is able to do a good job because of all the hard work from city staff, from the city administrator to the many employees that help make the city run efficiently.

Smith highlighted the city’s involvement in expanding Riverside Road to create a walking path to the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge.

Smith serves as a board member on SPOT, which transports residents from Bonners Ferry to Sandpoint two days a week. Smith said the goal is to expand service to Monday and increase ridership.

Smith said he sees the importance of creating opportunities for residents to have accessible transportation to Sandpoint for various medical appointments.

Additionally, Smith has worked with the state of Idaho and other agencies during his time as an elected official to improve road safety, especially with the narrow lanes and need for road changes to enhance sharing the road with the many freight trucks that navigate through Bonners Ferry.

“When we have problems like that [road safety] I think I have the ability to talk to the state, or the city with the county and work out solutions in a diplomatic way,” Smith said.

Smith, if reelected, plans to create more collaboration with the different local governments. He said he wants the cities of Moyie Springs and Bonners Ferry to come together with Boundary County to collaborate and work together. Additionally, Smith intends to include the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho and guarantee they have a voice within local government.

“We have joint law enforcement with the tribe, fire protection and I think it would be good for the four of us to get together,” Smith said.

Smith said he would hold public meetings about various topics and feels he can communicate with the public and worked with the public enough to qualify him for another four years as a city council member.