Biography and Background

My name is Joe Gish. I graduated from Lapwai High School in 1981 and spent 2 years at the University of Idaho before transferring to Texas A&M where I received a BS in computer science in 1987. I worked in high tech for a few years and then joined the US Navy in 1989 as a Pilot. In the Navy, I flew Lockheed P-3 Orions and hunted submarines. After 21 years I retired from the Navy at the rank of Commander (O5). I also worked at the Boeing Company as a programmer, systems engineer, first line manager, cost account manager and project manager. I retired from Boeing and after 35 years away, returned to the LC Valley in 2017 after getting a job as an airline pilot. I currently work as a corporate pilot and fly a King Air out of the Lewiston Airport.

I married a local girl (Ramona Garner Gish) from Gifford ID who I met in high school. We have grown twins. I enjoy flying in the back county, playing guitar, and am an avid home beer brewer.

My wife and I now live on Red Bird RD near Waha.


Top 3 Issues

Issue 1


Our property taxes are not fair or equitable. I plan to bring Nez Perce property taxes back in line by giving all Idaho county commissioners control over their county’s “homestead exemption”. This will give the county commissioners the power to stabilize property taxes when market anomalies drive up home prices. I have already authored a Bill for next year’s legislative session and am doing the legwork to get it sponsored. I will also fight for budget restraint and county growth incentives to lower overall property taxes over time.

Issue 2


Our constitutional rights are under attack! As your county commissioner, I will fight against unconstitutional mandates and regulation flowed down from national and state governments. I will fight for the citizens of Nez Perce County!

Issue 3


Nez Perce County needs an emergency local food plan. If elected, I plan to work with county staff to inventory the county and develop a plan to process and distribute local food in case food shortages come to the United States. Our county has plenty of food to feed its citizens, but currently has no way to turn wheat to flour, butcher cattle en masse, etc. A little planning will go a long way in these unpredictable times. I also want to start a farmers market on the fair grounds and work with state legislators on a Bill to allow families and individuals to sell garden produce and incur no state income or sales tax on the transaction.

Integrity in Affiliation

Submission: Yes
“I have read the Idaho Constitution and the Idaho Republican Party Platform. I support the Idaho Republican Platform and accept it as the standard by which my performance as a candidate and as an officeholder should be evaluated. I certify that I am not a candidate, officer, delegate or position holder in any party other than the Republican Party.”

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