RATHDRUM, Idaho – Kootenai County Commissioner Leslie Duncan announced her decision to withdraw her bid for a North Idaho College (NIC) Trustee seat. This announcement comes after another candidate filed to run in Zone 5, one that Duncan said “will ensure the board of North Idaho College continues to represent the values of its community.”
In a statement released September 5, Duncan expressed her commitment to her County Commissioner responsibilities. “After careful consideration, and assessing the many challenges and community needs, my family and close advisors prefer I not divide my attention. This will allow me to remain squarely focused on my Commissioner role serving Kootenai County.”
In the same release, Duncan endorsed Michael Angiletta, “He’s managed large budgets and teams as a C-level executive and is a successful small business owner. He has also selflessly contributed to the community as an SBDC business coach helping small business owners throughout North Idaho.”
“Angiletta is best positioned to resolve the ongoing challenges facing North Idaho College,” stated Duncan. “I am confident that Angiletta will champion those same values and policies I would have fought for, and he brings the wealth of experience and pragmatism we so critically need. Although I rarely publicly endorse candidates, I urge all my supporters to join me in supporting his campaign.
“I’m honored by Leslie’s support and trust,” shared Angiletta. “As our County Commissioner, she’s an incredible asset to our region. I am committed to reflect her values and to serve the community and its college to the best of my ability as a Trustee.”
The three NIC trustee seats up for election on the November 5 ballot are Zone 3, Zone 4, and Zone 5. The election of college trustees is at-large, which means voters will vote on all three trustee seats no matter where they reside within county. The trustee seat zoning only affects the eligibility of candidates, which requires a person seeking the seat to reside within its zone.
Voters will choose between William Lyons and Rick Durbin for the trustee seat currently held by Todd Banducci, who is completing his third term and not seeking re-election. Eve Knudtsen will challenge incumbent Greg McKenzie, while Michael Angiletta and Mary Havercroft vie for the open seat left by outgoing Board Chair Mike Waggoner, who is also not seeking re-election.
