ONEIDA COUNTY COMMISSIONER - DISTRICT #1

Bob Crowther

Education: 

Graduated from Malad High School- May 1971 

Graduated from Brigham Young University with a BS degree in Business Management- Dec. 1977

Experience:

Ten years of retail management, three years as Oneida County Assessor, twenty-five years Ireland Bank loan officer and Branch Manager.

Statement: 

My dedication to Oneida County is strong. I have been a citizen of Oneida County for sixty-three years. Anne and I raised our five children here. I worked in retail and banking to support my family, served in many capacities in my church and led in community organizations that promote Oneida County as a better place to live. My community involvement has included voluntary service on the Malad Area Chamber of Commerce, Oneida Education Foundation, Oneida County Hospital Foundation, Oneida County Library Board, Oneida County Republican Party Precinct Committeeman, Malad Valley Welsh Festival, Oneida County 4-H leader, Boy Scouts of America leader and Malad Valley Community Chorus. 

As I have served in these capacities I have gained greater appreciation for the citizens of Oneida County. As a community we work hard, play hard and give our all to make our community a great place to live. 

My desire is to continue to support our county as we face many challenges brought on by growth and fiscal responsibility. I will work to maintain our conservative values, agriculture-based lifestyle and love of community.

 Bill Drury

Education: 

B.S. in Computer Science from Purdue University

Experience:

Captain – Delta Airlines

Holbrook Summit Radio Repeater Project

Statement: 

My family moved to Oneida County 12 years ago.  Since then, we have come to love everything about this county and would like to see that which makes this a special place continue.  I have been attending commissioner meetings on a regular basis for years.  I have learned there are others who would love to move into the county.  This growth has its pluses and minuses.  I believe there is a way to have reasonable managed growth that will preserve the unique and distinct character of the county.  I believe it is important to do everything necessary to keep property taxes low.  This can be accomplished by spending county tax dollars responsibly.  Our county is mostly agricultural.  I will continue to do all the is necessary to protect and preserve agriculture.  Finally, the Bear River Basin Adjudication is coming to our county soon.  I think it would be valuable to have a commissioner who will be part of this process.

Drew Pettis

Education: 

Brigham Young University

Experience:

Enterprise Architect, Process Analyst, Project Manager

Statement: 

I am committed to government being the servant of the community, not the opposite. 

I am committed to unifying our county and community through access to the Commissioners – this will be achieved by scheduling our meetings at a time when our citizens can attend. I am also committed to limiting the bureaucracy that usually manifests itself in government overreach. I am committed to retention of our county employees – one way is maximizing benefits for county employees and their families. This will take a lot of effort on the part of the commissioners, but it should and will be a high priority. I am committed to prudent financial management.

There are a number of stewardships that deserve scrutiny.  

 Mike Asay

Education: 

Graduated from Malad High and graduated from Idaho State Diesel Program

Experience:

Born and raised on a dairy farm in Malad. Treasurer of POA. Steering committee

Board for the middle school. Member of the Farm Service Board for 4 years. Farmed for over 50 years in Malad.

Statement: 

Beside being in farming almost all my life while we lived south of Idaho Falls, I was 

Treasurer of a small community where I was involved in helping to get a grant and a bond election for a water district project. In Malad Cathy and I were involved in bringing softball to Malad Schools. I also am on the Oneida Count Translator Board, raised 5 children all graduated from Malad High. Malad is a great place to raise a family. I love farming. I worked on a lot of farm equipment in the county. I love to garden and share produce, go on UTV rides, do anything outdoors and serve in several church callings. It would be an honor to serve the residents of Oneida County as a commissioner. 

ONEIDA COUNTY COMMISSIONER - DISTRICT #2

Randy Willie

Education: 

Master Degrees at University of Idaho, Idaho State University, Bachelors Degree at Utah State University, Graduate of Malad High.

Experience:

Secondary Education: Taught government, history, English at Oneida and Pocatello School District, as well as coaching 3 sports. 

Served as a Congressional Intern in Washington D.C.

Currently serving as a PCP Committeeman/Oneida County Republican Party.

Owner of R&R Driving School for over 30 years.

Currently serving on the Department of Occupational Licensing for State if Idaho, appointed by Governor Brad Little. 

President of Idaho Private Driving Businesses Association and served as a Regional Vice President.

Serving in leadership callings in my church.

Author of historical fiction novel: “Heavy Metal”. 

Statement: 

Having studied and taught government and history courses all of my educational career, I believe that government should work for the betterment of the citizens of Oneida County. We should all have a voice in what is happening in our community and be active and willing participants in our local government. 

Growing up on farms, my wife, Lois, and I are lifelong residence of Oneida County, where we live in our 1938 family farmhouse, among many wonderful friends and neighbors. The conservative values of this community helped us raise our children in this safe haven, where our beliefs and freedoms can be shared and sustained. 

 Kirk Nielsen

Education: 

Malad High School

Bridgerland Applied Technical College – Diesel/Automotive Mechanics

Experience:

Farm Bureau Board, Advocated for agriculture and rural communities. 

Oneida Extension Advisory Committee, helping guide educational programs and community outreach efforts.

Hands-on experience in agriculture and mechanical trades, bringing practical, real-world problem-solving skills.

Statement: 

As a fourth-generation farmer and rancher, I understand the values and challenges that make our county unique. My background in agriculture has taught me the importance of hard work, fiscal responsibility, and common-sense decision-making. I am committed to supporting our farmers and ranchers and ensuring responsible growth while preserving the character of our community. I believe in transparent government, listening to the people, and making decisions that benefit both current residents and future generations.

Water is one of our most critical resources, and we must manage it wisely. I am committed to protecting our water rights, supporting responsible use, and working toward practical solutions to address current and future water issues in Oneida County.

I am running for County Commissioner to be a strong, practical voice for our community- focused on solutions, stewardship of our resources, and preserving the way of life we value in Oneida County. Thank you for your vote and support.

ONEIDA COUNTY ASSESSOR

 Kathleen Atkinson

Education: 

Bridgerland Applied Technology – Executive Secretary certificate.

Certified tax appraiser; certified cadastral mapper.

Experience:

20 years in the assessor’s office; 9 of those as Assessor

Statement: 

I moved to Malad in 1995 thinking we were just passing through, but I fell in love with the people and the community.  I have enjoyed raising my family here. It is a great place to live.

I have conservative values, and as assessor, I feel it is important to be fiscally responsible, follow the law, and treat everyone the same.  I have an open-door policy and appreciate people coming in to visit and ask questions when they have them.  

Although the assessor’s position isn’t really political, I have used my position to get to know our representatives and senator in order to give them information to help them decide whether to vote for or against a bill. I am a member of the Idaho Association of Counties board of directors and am Chair of the Motor Vehicle and Parks and Recreation Committee for the Idaho Association of County Assessors.  The More I get involved, the more I can help small counties like ours.  

I appreciate the support and trust you have given me over the last 9 years and feel it is a privilege to continue serving you for the next four years.

ONEIDA COUNTY TREASURER

 Leigh Love

Education: 

County Official Institute Graduate, General Studies ISU

Experience:

 Seven years of proven experience as County Treasurer managing public funds and tax collection 

Statement: 

 As a proud member of the Oneida County community, I have been honored to serve as your County Treasurer for the past seven years. I understand the values and priorities of the people who call this county home. During my time in office, I have worked diligently to maintain the county's financial strength, including investing public funds wisely and generating over $1.2 million in additional revenue through thoughtful,

strategic investments.

I am committed to responsible financial management, with a strong emphasis on accountability and

transparency. I treat taxpayers’ dollars with the care and respect they deserve, making decisions

that are not only sound today but also safeguard the long-term financial future of our county.

Above all, I care deeply about the people of Oneida County. I am dedicated to serving each resident with honesty, fairness, and a strong work ethic, and I make it a priority to be accessible and helpful whenever needed. It is truly a privilege to serve this community, and I remain committed to continuing that

service with integrity and dedication.

ONEIDA COUNTY CLERK OF THE DISTRICT

 Lon Colton

Education: 

Graduate Malad High School – 1981

Utah State University - 1985 / 1987

Two year Certification - Public Risk Management (PRIMA)  – 2011/12

Experience:

County Clerk – serving since 2011

President – Idaho Association of Commissioners and Clerk – 2019/2020

President - Idaho Association of County Recorders and Clerks – 2022/2023

Statement: 

 I was Born and raised in Oneida County, graduating from Malad High School in 1981. 

I married my high school sweetheart in 1983 and we are the proud parents of four children, 15 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. 

I have had many great opportunities while serving as your county clerk include serving as president of the Idaho Association of Commissioners and Clerks and president of the Idaho Association of County Recorders and Clerks, respectively. Currently I serve on the clerk’s legislative committee, working with our lobbyist to promote good legislation and to stop adverse legislation from becoming law.  

I am grateful for this amazing opportunity to continue my service as County Clerk, promoting positive change locally. 

Oneida County is 162 years strong this year. Our rich heritage has come from the many sacrifices of our ancestors but also from the dedication and hard work from each of us today. 

Thank you for your volunteerism and dedication to building and maintaining a strong community.