English Is Named New County Clerk

A Coeur d’Alene city councilman will replace Tom Taggart as Kootenai County clerk.

County commissioners Wednesday chose Dan English to take over the post when Taggart resigns to become the county’s first administrator. Taggart will step down Oct. 22. English will take over the next day.

“I’m thankful and, of course, gratified, that I was chosen,” English said.

English was among three Democrats recommended for the position by party leaders. Commissioners said they chose him over former Rep. Barb Chamberlain and student and community activist Linda Payne because of his management skills.

“He has budget experience and managerial knowhow,” Commissioner Dick Compton said. “He brings a lot of hands-on experience to the job.”

English, 44, is a credit counselor and former mortgage specialist who has spent 20 years developing budgets and hiring and firing employees.

As a founder of Anchor House, a home for juvenile offenders, he had to develop a budget and raise money.

“I’m not an accountant or technical expert, but I’m comfortable supervising budgeting,” English said.

The Coeur d’Alene native has been active in business and government here since his early 20s. He has served on the Coeur d’Alene School Board and the North Idaho Private Industry Council. He has worked as a juvenile officer for the county sheriff and as a paid fireman for the city.

He holds a master’s degree from Gonzaga University in counseling psychology and an undergraduate degree in criminal justice administration.

English said his first task will be to learn his duties and get to know his 60 or so employees. The clerk oversees the recorder’s office, elections and the court system. He also is charged with keeping the county financially stable.

“There are about a half-dozen areas of responsibility I’ll have to learn,” he said.

Taggart, who will be around to assist in the transition, said English also will have to jump in and prepare for election changes.

“There are elections to run in November and we’re redoing all the precincts,” he said.

While Taggart’s term was to expire in 1998, English will be up for reelection in 1996.

He also will resign his council seat effective Oct. 23, but city leaders aren’t sure yet whether his replacement will be appointed or chosen from among the top vote-getters in November’s City Council elections.

English was halfway through a four-year term.

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