Mayor Jim Martin
Jim was born and raised in Priest River and is a 4th Generation Priest River area resident. He attended Priest River Lamanna High School and graduated in 1986. He later attended college and received his BA from Eastern Washington University. After graduating from EWU, Jim attended graduate school at Arizona State University before receiving his Masters Degree from the University of Montana. Jim was first elected to the City Council in November 1997 and was sworn in to his first term in January 1998. After serving two terms on the City Council, Jim was elected Mayor in 2005 and was sworn in as Mayor in January 2006. Jim is employed full time managing the Juvenile Detention Center for Bonner County. Jim and his wife Kerri also own a telecommunications business. When he does have a little free time he enjoys playing golf and spending time with his family. His grandfather, mother, brother, sister, and their families all live in the Priest River area. Jim has been married to Kerri for 12 years and has two stepsons and one grandson. He enjoys working with the people in the community and is looking forward to growth and making Priest River the place to live, work, and visit.
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Councilman Jeff Connely
Jeff was born Priest River in 1958 and raised, attending school and graduating. He has been married for 23 years to his beautiful wife Kris, and they have had two wonderful children. Jeff has worked in the timber industry throughout his career, and enjoys every minute of it. He has been active in the Priest River Youth Association, the Priest River Chamber of Commerce and the Stewardship Committee. Jeff was elected as a Council member in 2001and took office in 2002. He is serving as the Parks and Fire Commissioner, and is currently heading up a skateboard park for the youth of the area. He enjoys snowmobiling and hunting. He also loves to fish, but never seems to get the chance, as he is very busy.
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Councilman Doug Wagner
I have been married for 31 years to Judy and we have two daughters; Christina and Jennifer. Christina and Scott have given us three grandchildren; Connor, Gracie, and Brooklyn. I graduated from Newport High School in 1974 and have resided in Priest River since 1976. I was re-elected by the community for the City Council position of 2008-2012. I was a past council man from 2004-2008 and from 1992-1996. I am very active in the community. I was a past president and member of the Lions Club for the past 10 years, currently a member of the West Pend Oreille Fire District for the past 26 years, and was an EMT for Priest River Ambulance for 8 years. I enjoy being a part of the community. I am currently a member of the West Bonner County Park Commission, a member of the Bonner County EMS Advisory Board, and a member of the Priest River Chamber of Commerce. I truly enjoy spending time with my family. My wife and I enjoy camping, 4-wheeling, fishing, and spending time with our kids and three grandchildren.
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Councilwoman Peggy George
Peggy George has lived in Priest River since the spring of 1990. Born and raised in Idaho, she and her family relocated for her husband’s logging business. She is employed with Avista Utilities as a construction project coordinator. Peggy holds an Associate of Business from North Idaho College. She is active in the Priest River Park’s Commission and the Urban Renewal Committee. She is married to her husband, Bob, has two grown children and two grandchildren. She enjoys golfing, boating and spending time with her family.
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Councilman Rob Perkins
I was born and raised in Louisiana. At 20 years old I joined the US Army. I was honorably discharged after serving 3 years and 9 months. I received a 3 month early out discharge upon my return from Desert Storm where I served as loader/tank commander for my Battalion Commander. Upon a short visit to my old home in Louisiana, I moved to Priest River to be closer to my future bride Rushelle Cliff. Rushelle and I got married in 1993 and have three sons, Jacob 12, Justin 10, and Jeremy 8. Upon moving to Priest River, I went to work for my future in-laws, Roy and Linda Cliff, running a skidder. Shortly after I went to work for Ponderay Newsprint and after 6 years, I started my own business, Allwest Hardscapes, Inc. After many years, I sold that business and opened Northwest Stone and Hardscape Supply, Inc in Hayden Idaho. For now, I commute to Hayden daily and could not imagine living in any other town than my new home, Priest River.