Experience Helps To Make Difference

COVER LETTER

Can one commissioner make a difference? As you know, there are three county commissioners, each representing a different area. If I am elected, I will likely be one Democrat trying to work with two Republicans. One political rookie working with two commission veterans. What would I bring to the job?

I’ve been in public administration for 25 years. I’ve learned a great deal and seen a lot of changes in the way we do business in local government. We’ve learned how to be more efficient and how to improve the quality of our services. How to more fully involve various stakeholders in decision-making that affects them. How to save money through self-insurance and risk management. How to be more proactive in anticipating and solving problems.

I’d like to bring this experience to work for you at the County Administration Building. As commissioner, I will provide balance and perspective to county decision-making. Stimulate some different ways of thinking about possibilities for Kootenai County, about how to work on the continuing issues facing us today and tomorrow. Manage growth while maintaining and enhancing our environment and quality of life. Diversify our economic bases with “clean” businesses. Positive leadership to promote a positive image of the county and its people.

One commissioner can make a difference. And the difference will be to swing the pendulum toward a more positive, creative, and balanced leadership for the community and to the talented men and women who serve us as county employees. Thank you for considering my candidacy.

This sidebar appeared with the story: RESUME OF Rob Beck Education: Masters of Education, Educational Psychology, University of Washington, 1972; Bachelor of Arts, Economics, University of Washington, 1969; Teaching Certificate - Secondary, University of Idaho, 1989 Employment history: 1997 to current: Self-employed human resources management consultant. 1980 to 1997: Personnel director for city of Coeur d’Alene. Recommended restructuring of personnel function which eliminated this position. 1982 until 1991: Economics instructor at North Idaho College. Taught one or two evening Introduction to Economics - Macro and Micro - courses each Fall and Spring semester. 1979-1980: Real estate sales at Acuff Reality. 1973-1978: Personnel analysis for city of Seattle. Personnel/Civil Service Department. 1968-1971 University of Washington Office of Student Affairs. Other professional or community activities: United Way of Kootenai County Board of Directors, (February 1998 - present) Group Health Northwest Board of Directors, a consumer governed, non-profit health maintenance organization, currently Vice-Chair. (April, 1993 - present) Coeur d’Alene Soccer Club - 1992-95. Washington State Youth Soccer Association, District 6 (Eastern Washington North Idaho) Director of Competition. 1994 - 1997 Mayor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities and Older Workers - City of Coeur d’Alene liaison. TESH, Inc., a Coeur d’Alene based non-profit organization providing rehabilitation, training, employment, and housing services to the developmentally disabled, mentally ill, and other populations. 1986 through 1991; Board member, served as board president, 1990, and board secretary, l986-89. Personal: Born January 3, 1947 in Detroit, raised in Walla Walla and educated in the Walla Walla public schools. Worked on local farms as a teenager in pea and wheat harvests. Moved to Coeur d’Alene in 1978. Married; two children; excellent health; hobbies include travel, music, fitness related activities, bicycling, skiing.