Richard Panabaker (R)

Thu., Oct. 29, 1998

Personal: Born in Spokane on March 20, 1941.

Family resided in Coeur d’Alene since 1919.

Attended area schools-one semester at North Idaho College.

Army Reserve 1958-1963

Worked in auto-related businesses from 1956 through mid 1970’s.

Started own upholstery business in approximately 1973 and continue to this day.

Member of Nash Car Club of American since 1971.

Member of National Street Rod Association since 1975.

Restore old cars as a hobby.

Married to Karen for 34 years.

Two married children and seven grandchildren.

Mayor of City of Hayden for seven years.

Kootenai County Commissioner four years.

Served on Hayden Area Regional Sewer Board 11 years.

Chairman of the Board of Lake City Senior Center.

Chairman of the Board of Coeur d’ Alene River Basin Commission.

Member of Board of Directors, Children’s Village.

Member of Board of Directors, Coeur d’Alene Area Chamber of Commerce, 1992-1994.

Member of Kootenai Perspectives.

By Dick Panabaker About 12 years ago, I was complaining about government in general, and some friends told me I should be part of the solution not part of the problem. With the help of friends, I ran for the office of Mayor of Hayden, and was elected. During the seven years that I served, I learned a lot. We went through very rapid growth and development, but because we established a good team of people in Hayden, we accomplished a lot. I feel that experience in Hayden helped prepare me for the job as County Commissioner. I honestly believe we live in the best country in the world, and to keep it this way, we must help in the best way we can. I have been fortunate to be able to contribute as Mayor and as Commissioner. I believe in working as a team, doing everything we can to make government responsible and cost-effective. I believe we have done that. My goal is to always remember who I work for, to get the best information from the most knowledgeable people, and make to the best decisions we can, based on facts. From the beginning, my desire has been to leave the City of Hayden, and now Kootenai County, in better shape than when I took office. I believe I have accomplished that goal. Thank you.

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