Silver Valley Online - serving the Silver Valley

An interview with SC Commissioner Larry Yergler

Editor: On January 10, 2011 a rare occurance for Shoshone County took place. A Republican was sworn in as a county official--as County Commissioner. The last to serve on the Board of Commissioners as a Republican was Bill Lytle from 19xx to 19yy.

Larry Yergler was born in Fairbury, Illinois in 1948. His family moved to Idaho in time for him to start the first grade here in Shoshone County. Since 1954, other than time served in the US Army, Mr Yergler has lived in Shoshone County.

He was gracious enough to give us a few minutes of his time on his first full day as a sworn-in commissioner.

Silver Valley Online: Congratulations, Mr Commissioner, and thank you for giving us a few minutes of your time for this interview.

Commissioner Yergler: You're welcome. Thank you for the invitation and opportunity.

SVO: What prompted you to run for office ... any office, but especially the office of Commissioner.

Yergler: It was out of concern that our county was continuing to degrade. By that, I mean that our quality of life is going downhill, we have lost so many friends and neighbors who had to move away to find work. Jobs that pay well enough to let you raise a family in Shoshone County are disappearing every day.

SVO: When you first decided to run, were you confident of being elected?

Yergler: Well, I knew it would be a very big challenge. At times it even looked to me like it might be unattainable. But my family and friends were very supportive of what I was trying to do, so I just kept on working at it.

SVO: What do you hope to do in the next four years?

Yergler: Well, again, I have watched as so many of our traditional jobs in mining and logging have disappeared. I want to help creat jobs that can support families. I also want to work on creating an even field so locals can have more influence over Federal agencies.

SVO: What would you like to say to the citizens of Shoshone County?

Yergler: I appreciate your support during the campaign and election. I want to say that I will always have an open door to talk, or for suggestions or comments. I also want to say I truly appreciate the chance to serve the whole county.

SVO: Thank you, Larry.

Yergler: Thank you.