By Michael Howell
Ravalli County Sheriff Chris Hoffman has thrown his hat in the ring for a seat on the Board of County Commissioners. He will face fellow Republican and current Commissioner J.R. Iman in the June Primary election.
Hoffman has served as Sheriff for four terms and will remain in that position while he runs for a seat on the commission. Iman has served on the board of commissioners for the last eight years and has filed to run for another term.
Hoffman said he believes that the current commission is making a lot of politically motivated decisions that are not serving the county well. He said the commissioners have gone overboard in their efforts to micro-manage all county offices and departments in order to implement political agendas. He has stated in the past that having to go before the commissioners to get permission to make purchases that were already included in his budget undermines his authority as an elected official running his own office. He considers it an improper use of the commissioners’ budgeting authority.
He said as Sheriff he worked hard to hire qualified people, give them solid direction and clear expectations, and let them do their jobs. He thinks the commissioners should do the same.
Commissioner Greg Chilcott has also filed to run for re-election. No one has yet filed to run against him
The Ravalli County Study Commission has recommended that the number of county commissioners be reduced to three. If the reduction is approved by the voters, the term of office for all elected and sitting Commissioners will expire on December 31, 2018. If disapproved, the term of office may be determined by the drawing of lots.
Also on the ballot this year is the office of Clerk of District Court. Incumbent Paige Allen Trautwein is the only candidate to file so far.
In state races in Ravalli County, Republican incumbents Fred Thomas, Senate District 44, and Theresa Manzella, House District 85, filed.
House District 86 Republican incumbent Ron Ehli has filed and already has some competition from Democrat Nancy A. Neal.
District 21 Judge Jeffrey Langton has also filed to retain his position.
Deadline for filing for the elections is March 14, 2016.
