• Huckleberries: Who is Leslie Duncan?
• Leslie Duncan: I'm a wife and a mom. I'm active in my community and I'm a volunteer. I serve as chairperson for the aquifer protection district.

• Huckleberries: Why did you decide to run for county commissioner?
• Duncan: I want to give back to my community and serve the residents of Kootenai County. This gives me the opportunity to touch many lives on an individual and broad basis at the same time.

• Huckleberries: You're running as conservative against three men who are also pretty conservative. So what distinguishes you from them?
• Duncan: I'm new to politics and I have no allegiance to special interest groups. I'm a team player and respectful. I'm bold but not offensive. I'm sensitive but strong. I believe in serving people and not my own interests. I will listen, serve and defend individual rights.

• Huckleberries: What are you qualifications for the office?
• Duncan: I've spent 10 years in law enforcement and I have a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. I've spent the last 14 years in the private sector running our own business. (My husband and I provide equipment and technical services for sports television productions, including ESPN, Fox Sports and Golf Channel.)

• Huckleberries: Can you tell me a little more about your police background?
• Duncan: I was a special investigator for state of California. I was a liaison with LAPD, Santa Barbara PD and Oxnard PD, as well as a reserve and range master for Montebello PD.

• What issue(s) is your main one?
• Duncan: The jail expansion is close to my heart as a result of my background. It is mandated that the county provide jail facilities for the sheriff. I've met with the sheriff to discuss different possibilities. Of course, property rights. And efficiency in government (fiscal responsibility, employee morale and fostering good relationships with other elected officials and county employees).

• Huckleberries: Where do you fall on the local Republican ideological divide?
• Duncan: I'm very conservative but it is important to me to represent each person in the county without prejudice or consideration of social status or political beliefs.

• Huckleberries: I'm interested in your work for the Union Gospel Mission. Can you tell me about that?
• Duncan: The center for women and children is a life-changing experience. The work that is done there restores these women's lives. I'm on the auxiliary board, and we are champions for the ladies and programs, getting their needs out to the public.

You can learn more about Leslie Duncan on her campaign Web site here.

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