Bonner County, Idaho

Commissioners

The Bonner County Board of Commissioners is responsible for providing administrative services to Bonner County. The purpose of this department is to identify and clarify the needs of the people, and ensure the County responds to those needs. The Board executes all legislative power authorized. These powers include, but are not limited to, adopting and enacting the budget, appropriation of expenditures and setting policy. Other powers include establishing fees and comprehensive use plans, and conducting public hearings and meetings.

 Lewis Rich

Commissioner Lewis Rich has been a Bonner County Resident for almost 27 years. He has a lovely wife named Karol whom he has been married to for 40 years, he has both a son and daughter and three adorable grandchildren. He was born in 1947 in Glendale, CA. The majority of his youth was spent growing up in Newbury Park, CA. In 1980 Commissioner Rich moved his family to Sandpoint, ID and he and his wife opened up Lake Automotive. His education includes an Associates Degree, and other education earning him a clear life SDS teaching credential. In 1999 he trained as an Emergency Medical Technician and currently holds a First Responder Certification. He is also certified in Ice Rescue, as an Extrication Technician, and has education in the field of Arson investigation.

He was also elected to a second, four year term as the Northside Fire District Commissioner. He belongs to both the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) and the National Search and Rescue Association (NSARA). Commissioner Rich has devoted well over 30+ years as a volunteer in the community, serving as a volunteer fireman for the City of Sandpoint and the Northside Fire District. Currently he is Vice Commander with the Bonner County Sheriff Search and Rescue, Inc. He also served as a President of many other volunteer organizations.

Cornel Rasor, Chairman

Commissioner Cornel Rasor was raised in Bonner County where he attended local schools. He was brought up on a cattle ranch on Rapid Lighting Creek Road and later in Westmond.  He and his four siblings have many fond memories of ranch life together.

In high school he was an active member of the FFA where he was also the North Idaho District President. He Graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1974 and went on to attend North Idaho College and University of Idaho where he studied Veterinary Medicine. In 1976 Cornel and his wife Kim were married at the Assembly of God Church here in Sandpoint. Together they have three children and 10 grandchildren.

Cornel has been the manager of the Army Surplus here in Sandpoint for the last 27 years.

 Mike Nielsen

Mike has been a resident of beautiful Bonner County for fifteen years since retiring as a law enforcement commander.  During his twenty-seven year career, he spent fourteen years working in municipal planning and budgeting.  He is also a former USAF officer and Vietnam War Veteran. 

His background includes a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Criminology with an emphasis in Police Administration.  In addition, he is a graduate of the FBI's National Academy Executive Leadership and Management School.

Long before considering public office, Mike has been active in local community affairs and volunteer work.  He founded the Priest Lake Search and Rescue Team and has been the team leader for over ten years.  During the past eight years he has been a volunteer fire fighter and served for two years as Fire Chief of the Coolin- Cavanaugh Bay Fire Protection District.

Mike is married to his best friend, Annina, who is a CPA and an avid gardener.  After living twenty-one winters in Alaska, they moved here for "warmer weather" and to build their own home.  They have two sons who are both in the military (USCG, USMC) and have six grandchildren.