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Idaho Enterprise

New Commissioner Profile—Brian Jeppsen

During last November’s elections, Brian Jeppsen was officially elected as an Oneida County Commissioner, after defeating former Commissioner Bob Christophersen in the primary to run for the position.  While Chairman Bill Lewis and Commissioner Ken Eliason are returning to their positions, Jeppsen is coming into this year as a fresh face on the group that helps to steer and set county policies.  The Enterprise caught up with Commissioner Jeppsen to ask him a few questions and let him introduce himself to those in the county he now represents.

What made you decide to run for the County Commissioner position? 

The core answer to this question is that I truly want to serve the members of this community in an effort to make Malad an ideal place to live and to raise a family. I believe that there is formidable strength and power in coming together and being unified for the greater cause.   

What are some of the things you hope to accomplish this year in the position? 

I hope to continue improving communication between local government and the citizens. In addition, I believe that our local governments can best serve our citizens when there is greater community involvement in the process. It is impossible to have a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people" without the participation of "the people". 

What is your experience/background in the county/valley, and how do you plan to bring that to the role? 

I have served in many volunteer capacities within the community in a variety of organizations.  I also currently serve on multiple national boards where standards and regulations are drafted and codified for the mining and concrete industries.

What do you think the county administration can do most to help residents

I believe that one of the things that will benefit our residents the most will be to get them to engage in "the process". As alluded to previously, every elected official has been placed in his/her position by the voice of the people. Our best success will come only when that same "voice" is actively engaged in the day-to-day business of its representative government. 

What has your early experience been like as a commissioner, and what are you most looking forward to? 

I have been very pleased with the amount of community involvement that I have already witnessed. Many have called with concerns regarding issues that face our growing community. I look forward to working with Commissioners Lewis and Eliason, as well as the other county officials and agencies, as we welcome community input, then pool our individual and collective resources to solve problems, address concerns, and engage the community in "the process". My hope is that, as we work together, we can continue to create an environment that every individual and family would be proud to call "home". 

The Enterprise wishes Commissioner Jeppsen well as he begins this journey of public service.