Preparing to take office

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dbryce@journalnet.com

Southeast Idaho's newly elected county officials said Tuesday managing rapid growth and current state cutbacks will be their major concerns upon taking office.

Karl Anderson, who defeated Democrat Karen Cordell in November to win a seat on the Bannock County Commission, said his position regarding controversial development issues such as master planned communities has not changed since being elected.

Anderson, a Republican, said the county's comprehensive plan, which was adopted last summer, should not exclude such large-scale developments, but rather each proposal should be decided on its merits.

"I think we should leave the door open," he said.

Friday will be Anderson's last day at his job with Food Service of America, and he'll be sworn in as the newest member of the commission Monday.

While he admits he hasn't had much time to bone up on county ordinances and policies, he's confident that he and the commission's two other members can work together in the best interests of county residents.

Current chairman Larry Ghan agreed.

"(Steve Hadley) and I will do what we can to help him get his feet in the stirrups," Ghan said.

After Anderson is sworn into office, the commission will meet to appoint a new chairman. Ghan, who has served as the chairman for the Bannock County Commission for the past two years, said he expects Republican Steve Hadley to be named as the new chairman.

Hadley defeated Democrat K.T. Anderson in the general election to retain his position on the commission.

Ghan, a Democrat, said he believes commissioners will set party affiliation aside and work together for the benefit of the county.

"Any time you have three personalities, there are going to be differences of opinion, regardless of party affiliation," he said.

Bannock County Sheriff Lorin Nielsen will be sworn in for a fourth term Monday, as well.

Nielsen defeated challenger Paul Romriell on Nov. 4.

Newly elected Bingham County Commissioner Donovan Harrington believes he's ready to fill the District Two seat for his county.

Since defeating Whitney Manwaring in the Republican primaries, Harrington has spent at least 10 hours a week observing the commission in order to better understand the business of running the county.

Managing growth in the county and dealing with current state cutbacks are all issues that the commission will take on this year, he said.

Harrington owns Teton Stagelines and Tours, but said he has turned operation of the company over to his staff.

He fills the commission seat previous held by Wayne Brower. Brower announced pans to retire this year after 12 years on the commission.

Bingham County Sheriff Dave Johnson will be sworn in for a second term in office after defeating Independent Robert Edwards and write-in candidate Dayle Holm in November. Holm launched a write-in campaign after losing to Johnson in the May 27 Republican primary election.

The transition to his elected position will be a smooth one for Power County's new prosecutor, Randall Kline. Kline assumed the office in July when former Prosecutor Paul Laggis was appointed as a Sixth District magistrate.

"It's just a continuation of what I've been doing for the past six months," Kline said.

With Interstate 86 running through Power County, methamphetamine trafficking cases have increased.

However, Kline said the county's drug court program has proven effective. His office works closely with the program, which he said has reduced recidivism in drug cases.

The large number of Power County residents who are unable to obtain a social security number or driver's license is also an increasing problem in the Power County Prosecutor's Office.

"We work with these folks as much as we can," Kline said.

Other elected county officials due to be sworn into office Monday include Republican Greg Haney -- Caribou County's new prosecutor who defeated Jim Aldrich in November -- and the county's newly elected sheriff, Ric Anderson.

Anderson replaces longtime Sheriff Ray VanVleet in the county's highest law enforcement position.

    He defeated Independent J. Adam Mabey and Democrat Michael Haderlie in the general elections.

By Debbie Bryce

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