New Bannock County commissioner sworn in

Bannock County ushered in their newest county commissioner Monday, four days after Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter announced the appointment.

Craig Cooper, a current Pocatello city councilman and former Bannock County commissioner, will fill the recent vacancy left by Howard Manwaring. Manwaring announced his resignation in March citing serious health issues.

Cooper said he’s apprehensive about the job, but he’s excited to take it on and plans to rely on his previous experience in government.

When asked about the future, he said he’s coming into it with no set agenda, except to improve life in the county.

“What I think we need to do is look at every issue and weigh it carefully and study it,” Cooper said. “Then make decisions based upon what we would think is best for the citizens of the county.”

Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad will replace Cooper’s empty City Council seat and plans to announce more on the selection process in the future.

Cooper also said he hopes to be on the November election ballot.