Steelsmith files for commissioner

Jim Steelsmith has announced his candidacy for the District 1 County Commissioner's seat currently held by Craig McCurry. McCurry is seeking election to the Idaho Legislature.

Steelsmith has been a resident of Mountain Home since 1976. He currently owns and operates MD Barns of Idaho, which is a construction company that builds primarily equine and agricultural facilities. MD Barns also does shops, garages, hay covers, handyman work, and consulting services on water rights.

Steelsmith said he has become "more and more involved in community activities, and I want to make a difference. "I want to do the most good for the most people."

It will be Steelsmith's first effort at seeking elective office. He said he was approached by Pete Neilson of the local GOP central committee who urged him to run for office. Steelsmith said he had not particular agenda, but said the issues he expects to face will involve county growth "and how to maintain a viable economic base."

On the current CAFO issue, Steelsmith said that the "county should proceed, on its own, but ask the state for help. Often, it's an investigative issue, and the state has the experts."

Steelsmith said he was always "open to new ideas, but I'm also cautious."

Steelsmith said he was concerned about people. "I figure if you take care of the people, the people will take care of the rest.

"I care. I'll make a difference," he said, adding, "in my career in the Air Force I had a large impact on young people."

He retired from the Air Force in 1999 as a Senior Master Sergeant and was superintendent of Wing Plans Programs and Evaluations for the 366th Wing. He was responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing all wing Operational Readiness Exercises, Major Accident Response Exercises, and Anti-terrorism Exercises, which ultimately ensures the wing's B-1, F-1 5C, F-1 5E, F-1 6CJ, and KC135R aircraft are able to meet short-notice worldwide taskings.

Born in Pocatello on Aug. 17, 1958, he was raised in Filer where he graduated from high school in May 1976. He enlisted in the Air Force (AF) in January of 1976 on the Delayed Enlistment Program and entered active duty in July the same year. He completed Basic Training in August and was awarded one of the first Honor Graduate Ribbons. He was sent to Technical school at Sheppard AFB, which was completed in November of 1976. Again, he was awarded honor graduate for outstanding academic performance as the top student out of over 1,100 students and earned his first incentive rides. SMSgt Steelsmith flew as a flight technician with the Defense Intelligence Agency while stationed in Abidjan, Cote d'voire and accrued over 600 flying hours while supporting U.S. embassies in 29 countries and has maintained 24 weapons systems over his career. He earned numerous awards and medals throughout his career.

Steelsmith was married to the former Carol Puder, of Filer, in 1978. They have two daughters, Jenny, 22, and Cindy, 18. Carol is currently an RN employed at Elmore Memorial as the Surgery Department Manger. Jenny is an associate at Home Depot in Yuma, Ariz., and is getting married this June. Cindy is a Junior attending MountainHome High School and is active in many activities such as Cheerleading, Choir, Optimist Youth Group, and American National Teenager.

He has completed over 26 professional management and administrative schools including the Senior NCO Academy at Gunter AFB Alabama in July 1997. He received his Associates of Applied Science in Aircraft Maintenance Technology from the Community College of the Air Force in May 1992. Currently he is working toward a bachelors degree with Park College. He currently volunteers personal time to the American Cancer Society in support of Camp Rainbow Gold, a children's camp for children with cancer.

He also is a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Mountain Home Ground Water Advisory Sub-committee for Domestic Water.

In the past he has been a judge at AFAD for 5 years, helped with Paint the Town, was a charter member of the Mountain Home Jaycees, assisted with Operation Warmheart, and the food baskets collected and delivered during the holidays.