"Three years ago when there were some improprieties in the handling of money in some counties, he was appointed to work with the Attorney General and State Controller to develop an Ethics Manual. The manual has Best Management Practices that give county elected officials the tools if they are inclined to do it ethically, he said. Due to his forte in budgeting he also helped with revision of Uniform Accounting and Budget Manual. He has also taught budgeting policy to newly elected clerks for the last 10-12 years." Window On the Clearwater 3-8-2006

Lee addressing the general session of the Idaho Association of
Commissioners and Clerks concerning the benefits of a new optional voter by mail procedures.

Lee Heinrich (62) and his wife, Brenda, reside in Cascade Idaho. Lee and Brenda have 5 Children, 11 Grandchildren. Lee was raised on a seed potato farm in Valley County, and partnered with his brother in law in a cattle ranch and a potato farm in 1960-1970. The Arizona Farm Bureau Arizona, Idaho Farm Bureau and Farm Bureau Insurance employed him from 1965-1975. Lee also has been a self-employed building contractor and resort manager.

Lee is the Past President, Idaho Association of County Recorders & Clerks and a Past President, Idaho Association of Counties, Chaired a Committee to Revise IAC Uniform Accounting Manual, and Chaired the Idaho Association of Counties Ethics Committee to establish guidelines for County Elected Officials, currently serves on the Idaho Association of Counties' Board and just resigned from the Board of the National Association of Commissioners & Clerks.

Civic duties include, but are not limited to, Chairman, Cascade Rural Fire District and recently retired from the Board of Trustees, Cascade Medical Center. Lee is proud to say that he was one of the original organizers of West Mountain Snowmobile Club in Cascade Idaho.

Lee’s personal view on how a state senator should serve his or her constituents? “Managers are people who do things “right”, but leaders are people who do the “right thing”. You need to be a leader regardless of who gets the credit. The best leaders are the ones willing to take counsel and, in fact, actively seek it out and then pay attention to what they hear.”

“It is my desire to protect traditional values, assure continued access, sustainable use of the land and natural resources, and make myself available to the constituents to insure that I provide their representation. I believe that Thomas Jefferson was absolutely right when he said “when a man assumes a public trust he should consider himself as public property.”

Issues facing the region, now and in the future, that the state could better address?” Public Access – Water Rights – Property Rights - Rural Economic Development- Analysis of the Entire Taxing Systems. Wolves and other Endangered Species.”

 Strengths and experience that will benefit his work as your senator: Lee has the ability and the courage to admit there may be a better way to do things if circumstances have changed, accept responsibility, and have open discussions. As a self-employed building contractor and resort manager Lee has had to work with restrictive regulations and onerous taxing policies to make a living and to meet payroll. Lee is committed to working diligently to promote lower taxes, and the proper role of government by protecting our individual freedoms and our property rights. Lee has personally experience working with and testifying before the legislature during his sixteen (16) years as the Valley County Clerk. Lee has a grounded understanding of the function and operation of the state senate. He agrees with Thomas Jefferson who said that "The Legislature that governs the least, Legislates the best".