Sanders County Ledger - Your Best Source For Sanders County News

Candidates for local political races gathered last week to share their views with the public. Two candidate forums sponsored by The Sanders County Ledger allowed candidates the opportunity to answer moderated questions.The first forum was held Tuesday at The Rex Community Theater where more than 150 people attended, and nearly 100 attended the second forum Thursday at The Paradise Center. Both forums were moderated by Ledger owner Annie Wooden.

"Tonight's questions are relevant to all candidates in any race," Wooden said. "Questions are not directed at specific candidates. The candidate order on the stage was set at random by pulling names out of a hat." Each candidate was given two minutes to introduce themselves as well as two minutes to respond to each question.

Attendees at the forums heard from the two candidates for State Representative House District 13, Colleen Hinds and Paul Fielder. Denley Loge, running for State Representative, House District 14, followed. Randy Mitchell, who is also running for State Representative, House District 14, was not present during Tuesday evening's forum, but attended Thursday's forum. Mitchell introduced himself during his allotted two minutes but declined to answer any moderated questions.

The two candidates running for Sanders County Clerk and Recorder / Treasurer / Superintendent of schools, Katy French and Nichol Scriber, were in attendance. The audience also heard from Sanders County Coroner candidate Pat Barber. Coroner candidate Martin Spring was out of state during the forums.Current Sanders County Justice of the Peace, Dough Dryden and his opponent, Carl Marquardt, answered questions during both forums. While running unopposed, Sanders County Attorney, Naomi Leiz took the opportunity during both evenings to address constituents.

Voters will select two Sanders County Commissioners this year. The four candidates from District 2 are Don Detienne, John Holland, Randy Arnold and Mahlon Lee. For District 1, the candidates are Adam Bache, Dan Rowan and Daniel Moore. Six candidates running for Sanders County Sheriff are Cory Wheeldon, Roy Scott, Christopher Stough, Shawn Fielders, Lanny Hensley and Mark French.

The candidates answered questions that ranged from how to manage a budget, their management style and top priorities if elected.

The Sanders County elections office last week mailed 6,209 absentee ballots to voters in the county. The primary election will be held Tuesday, June 7. Elections staff recommends mailing ballots by Tuesday, May 31, to ensure delivery by the postal service. Ballots can also be dropped off by 8 p.m. on June 7, Election Day, at any polling place in the county. Sanders County has 9,748 eligible voters.