Ron Bloxham wants to protect "the type of lifestyle we have" in Custer County and that's part of what prompted him to run for the Custer County Commission.
Bloxham is seeking a two-year term on the commission, representing District 1, which is the greater Challis area and north to the Pahsimeroi Valley. He and two other Republicans are vying for their party's nomination in the May 21 primary election to advance to the general election. Other Republicans seeking the position are Will Naillon and Jake Zollinger. The winner of the GOP primary will face a challenge from independent candidate Melvin Lanier in the November general election. Because Lanier is running independent of any party his name won't be on a ballot in the party primary elections.
The commission position salary is $30,164.
Bloxham said the rural nature of Custer County -- "we have no stoplights" -- is important to him. Custer County remains a good place because of its past, he said, "our ranchers, miners and small business people. I want to keep that. It's why people want to live here."
Retired from careers in construction and outfitting, Bloxham says he knows it takes plenty of time to be a county commissioner and he has that time. That extra time is one of the things that sets him apart from his opponents, he said.Â
He volunteered with multiple organizations and entities in years past and still is active in his church, water districts and as a ham radio operator. Stepping up in a small community is important, Bloxham said. "You can tell where a person's heart is by their volunteer involvement. It shows you care about the community and are willing to help better the community for all."
Bloxham said he's willing to listen to everyone's opinions and he realizes the importance of "give and take" on an elected board. "I'm a good listener and I'm good at solving problems." If elected, Bloxham would attend events and other government meetings around the county where he can hear and see what people are saying about various issues. He'd also "pay attention to things like Mackay Dam."Â
To help ensure public involvement in county government, Bloxham said possibly commission meeting minutes could be distributed via email to people who want to sign up for that information giving them an easy opportunity to learn more about the county's business. And he'd be "absolutely willing" to talk to the media about county issues to help get the word out.Â
"I've been here a long time and seen the ups and downs, booms and busts," he said. "I know a lot of people. I care about our community and the people here. I want to see businesses stay viable. We need them to survive. When everybody is doing good, everybody else profits. I want to see that continue," Bloxham said.
If elected, Bloxham said he'd like to see more focus put on law enforcement issues in the county, including more emphasis on "the drug problem I hear about." But he doesn't think anything within county government needs drastic changes. Â
Bloxham expects his first 100 days in office would be spent "focusing on homework, reading, studying and hearing people's ideas." As he's been campaigning he's already received plenty of feedback from people about many county issues they deem important.Â
Bloxham would look for advice from fellow commissioners and people who've been involved in similar situations if he felt he needed additional input regarding a county matter.Â
At the end of his term, Bloxham would want county residents to say he'd been a commissioner "who listened to people and got the things done that needed to be done and was fair to people."
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