Tensfeld launches bid for commish

Rosalia Fire Chief Bill Tensfeld tossed his hat in the ring Monday for Whitman County Commissioner from District 1.

“I’m at the point in my life where I think I’ve got the background, education and experience to make a good commissioner,” Tensfeld told the Gazette.

Tensfeld, 50, works as a traffic systems safety operator for the state Department of Transportation’s Spokane Regional Transportation Management Center. He has also served more than 25 years as a firefighter and EMT with the Rosalia Fire Department, the last 12 years serving as the department’s chief.

It’s his experience in transportation and public safety that Tensfeld said makes him suited for a seat on the county commission.

“With my background, I think I can make some good, fair decisions looking forward to what’s going to serve the county best in the future,” he said.

Tensfeld earned a degree in emergency management from Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood. He is currently the president of the Whitman County Fire Chiefs Association, sits on the Whitcom fire and EMS committees, is chair of the Whitman County Hazard Mitigation Steering Committee and owns Rosalia Mini-Storage.

He decided to run after a great deal of urging from friends and neighbors.

“I’ve been considering this for six or eight months,” he said. “And I’ve heard a lot of good support throughout the county.”

One of the hot topics Tensfeld hears from county residents is the commissioners’ decision to fund construction of $15 million worth of infrastructure at Hawkins Companies long-proposed stateline shopping center.

“You walk up and down the street and everybody asks ‘what in the world are they thinking about?’” he said. “You’ve got to listen to the citizens. And, really, they should have. I think I bring that, the ability to listen to people and share information with people.”

Tensfeld said his priority is to make sure the Hawkins development comes to fruition in a positive way.

“Whoever is elected is going to have to deal with it. We’ve got to be the best partner we can with the Hawkins group to make sure the county’s interests are protected,” he said.

Tenseld added the county needs to shift its focus on ways to encourage and grow existing local businesses.

“We’ve got to take care of our own before we venture out in these other plans and developments,” he said.

Tensfeld sees light in Whitman County’s economy, pointing to the economic benefits from First Wind’s wind farm on Naff Ridge, just south of his hometown. He did note, however, the impacts the wind farm will have on the aesthetics of Whitman County.

“It’s going to change the looks of Whitman County forever. But I think, after the turbines are there for a year or two, folks will get accustomed to them,” he said. “Plus, it’s a renewable energy, and it’s going to add some jobs to the county. I think it’s just a sign of the times.”

Tensfeld joins Steptoe’s Kirk Suess, who launched his campaign earlier this month, in the race for the seat currently held by Commissioner Greg Partch. Partch has yet to declare if he will seek a fourth term on the commission.

Tina McGuire Coe will be campaign manager for the Tensfeld campaign.