Dewey “Dude” Simmons is proud to be a fourth generation farmer in Stevens County and a 37-year volunteer 4-H Leader. He has applied his degrees in Forestry, Wildlife, Outdoor Recreation, Administration and Basic Law Enforcement to past employment with the Idaho Department of Land, Department of Interior NPS, Stevens County Juvenile Department and currently as the County Administrator of the Designated Forest Land/Current Use Farm and Ag Program, where he works daily with landowners.

Dude’s knowledge of property laws and tax assessment is an invaluable asset he will bring to the office of Stevens County Commissioner. His experience in fiscal management gained from farming and 10 years of management at Schwan’s, will be utilized in addressing budget management within the County. Having worked in both the private and public sector enables him to work with departments, agencies, and citizens to address issues such as taxes, landowner rights, and wildlife & livestock conflict. Dude’s work ethic and dedication to service ensures tireless effort for Stevens County. There is no “me” in “service”.

I know there will be many issues needing addressed head-on to insure we bring Stevens County through these challenging times. Taxes will nearly always be the first issue raised when speaking with members of our community.

The first issue to address when working on the yearly budget will be managing our County without placing unnecessary taxation on our citizens.

Every year when composing the budget, Initiative Measure 747 limits the increase of a taxing district’s levy to no more than 1% over the previous year’s levy. Taxing districts are not required to take this increase. Based upon County budget records, this additional 1% budget increase will average $60,000+/- for the Stevens County Levy (Resolution 108-A-2019) alone. Eliminate that, along with the $20,000 a year raise for two Commissioner Positions (passed by unanimous vote of the current Legislative Authority, Resolution 32-2020) and we start on the right foot with $100,000+/- in taxes the citizens are not required to pay.

We can make a difference standing together.
One Voice = One Vote