Two commissioners voted out

Voters booted two Kootenai County commissioners from office Tuesday, marking a resounding call for change in one of the state’s fastest-growing areas.

Retired county employee Rich Piazza, in his third try for a seat, led Commissioner Katie Brodie all night, appearing to grab victory with 62 percent of the vote and 80 percent of precincts reporting.

Post Falls City Councilman Todd Tondee also led all night and was ousting commission Chairman Gus Johnson with 59 percent of the vote so far. He will face Independent Tom Macy in the November general election.

Both Piazza and Tondee campaigned for a change in leadership.

“Obviously (voters) didn’t like what was going on in county government, and they want to see different faces,” Brodie said. “The bottom line is the voters have spoken. So be it. I get to go play golf.”

Tondee said his victory is more about how residents view the current commission.

“I think this is not a vote of confidence for me but a vote of incompetence for the commissioners,” Tondee said.

Piazza vowed to represent voters upset by what he characterized as out-of-control growth, skyrocketing property taxes and just plain political arrogance.

He said residents are upset that the most rural areas are becoming home to gigantic subdivisions and luxury golf course developments.

Brodie fought Piazza’s characterization that she’s “pro-development.” Instead, she called herself pro-economic opportunity for Kootenai County.

Piazza pulled off the victory even though Brodie raised nearly $21,400. Piazza raised $8,300, which included a $1,000 personal loan.

“I think their downfall was when they raised their salary by 23 percent,” Piazza said of the current commission. “I think you will see the new commission more responsive to the people. You will see trust come again.”

Tondee, who owns a pizza shop and used-car business, repeatedly touted the need for a county administrator to oversee the day-to-day business of the county. That would leave the commission to function more like a board of directors. Johnson opposed the idea, which county voters would have to approve.

Johnson, a third generation Kaiser Aluminum worker, ran a campaign touting his experience as a former Post Falls mayor and two-term commissioner.

He didn’t return a phone call for comment Tuesday night.

Ernie Jorgenson, who voted at the Hayden City Hall, said he was more concerned about the character of the commissioner candidates, not about such issues as growth.

He voted for Johnson but opted for Piazza instead of Brodie.

“They change their mind and views,” he said. “One month they are in favor and then the next month they are against it. I feel a county commissioner should be one way or the other.”

Brodie said she still has seven months of work left and will work to rewrite the county’s comprehensive plan, expand the jail and make decisions about growth.