Ken Roberts, a Valley County resident who said he was "born and raised in Valley County," described his decades of public service Wednesday as he answered commissioners’ questions during an interview for a Planning & Zoning (P&Z) commissioner seat.

Roberts told the board he previously served on local school and planning boards in the 1990s, spent 12 years in the state legislature and seven years as state revenue commissioner, and has run the family farming operation for decades. "I have a vision for the county," he said, adding that he has worked on large developments including Tamarack, Blackhawk on the River and Jug Mountain Ranch.

Roberts framed the chairman’s role as facilitating fair, quasi‑judicial deliberations that balance applicants’ interests and public comment. "I really see it as a facilitating of that conversation," he said, and said decisions should be tied to the comprehensive plan, Idaho statutes and Valley County ordinances.

On land‑use approach, Roberts said Valley County has used conditional use permits effectively but suggested the county examine targeted Euclidean zoning or overlay districts for commercial corridors. "I wonder at some point whether we should revisit whether at least a portion of this county should move to a zoning type basis," he said, arguing that clearly identified commercial areas can help businesses find appropriate locations.

Commissioners pressed Roberts on meeting dynamics and record-keeping. One commissioner said work‑session time for the comprehensive plan was dominated by Roberts’ comments, giving the rest of the panel limited opportunity to present alternate visions; Roberts said he prepares 3–4 hours per meeting and tries to involve other commissioners in deliberations. The commissioner urged clearer, written justifications for votes to strengthen the administrative record on appeals.

Residency questions arose when a commissioner said constituents worry Roberts does not "live here full time." Roberts responded that he is a Valley County resident, is registered to vote there and spends the majority of his Idaho time in the county: "I've registered to vote in Valley County. I get my mail in Valley County. I'm a Valley County resident," he said.

The board did not make a final appointment at the meeting; one commissioner offered to place the item on next week’s agenda at 3 p.m. for further consideration.

The interview and discussion will resume at the next scheduled board meeting, where commissioners said they will revisit the appointment and any training or process changes to ensure broader participation in P&Z deliberations.