Brian Riley announces candidacy for BoCo commissioner Dist. 1 seat

By Zach Hagadone
Reader Staff

The actions of the Bonner County board of commissioners have been tumultuous — to say the least — and now comes a challenger to Dist. 1 Commissioner Steve Bradshaw’s seat, with Brian Riley announcing his candidacy in the May 2024 GOP primary.

Brian Riley. Courtesy photo.

In a news release, Riley highlighted his 25-year career with the Idaho Forest Group, via the Riley Creek Lumber Co. — from which he retired in 2021 after six years of managing operations in Laclede. In addition, Riley has worked more than 10 years as manager of the Chilco and Laclede Facilities Maintenance, Procurement and Filing departments.

He is the owner-operation of Riley Resources Log Hauling and Logging in Sagle. 

Riley underscored his leadership of 170 employees as a reason why voters should support him at the ballot box.

“The BOCC is essentially a three-legged stool designed to support our county’s residents interests along with providing guidance and support to the departments within the county that report to the Board of county commissioners,” he stated, adding that, “Honesty, integrity and the experience gained from listening to others input and perspectives,” have prepared him for a spot on the BOCC.

Outside of politics, Riley stated that he has coached Sandpoint Little League and North Idaho American Legion baseball teams, and volunteered for the Bonner County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue. 

“Knowing that one ingredient that makes Bonner County special is its people,” Riley wrote that he has served on committees including Priest River Timber days, Winterfest and Timberfest in Sandpoint. 

In the schools, Riley stated that he has worked to help local students gain training in professional trades, including apprenticeship partnerships between IFG and SHS, Priest River High School and Lakeland High School. He has also served on North Idaho College’s advisory boards in the Professional Trades.

“I have been a resident of Bonner County for close to 38 years,” he wrote. “I attended Sagle Elementary, Sandpoint Middle School and graduated from SHS; my wife, Tania, and our two boys were born in Sandpoint. We live in a special place and as leaders, we need to be stewards to the communities of our county. This includes understanding we will continue to be a destination area for growth and tourism but to approach the challenges of this growth with a vision of keeping our rural roots intact and to represent all of the people of Bonner County.”

Further information about Riley can be found on the Facebook page: “Brian Riley for Bonner County Commissioner Dist 1.”