On Wednesday, October 8, I attended the candidates’ forum conducted by Glenda Wiles in Hamilton. I welcomed the opportunity to hear the candidates for the open seats on the County Commission and for the Justice of the Peace openings. The questions asked of all candidates were very thoughtful and relevant.
In my over 60 years of voting I have predominately voted for Republican candidates, but consider myself an Independent as I vote for whomever I consider the best qualified for the particular position. It would be nice if the Commissioners’ seats were non partisan. Then the voters would have to look at each candidate individually and not be able to vote based purely on political affiliation. In each of the of Commissioner races the choice seemed quite clear to me .
Clint Burson is challenging Jeff Burrows for the District 4 seat. Mr. Burson demonstrated an excellent grasp of the problems facing Ravalli County and seemed eager to face them with fairness and common sense. Mr. Burrows was anxious to apologize for past mistakes on his part – most notably voting to appoint Ms. Stamey as County Treasurer. He said he voted for her based on the information available to him at the time – her interview and her resume. I have read her resume which was available to the public. It lists multiple jobs, each of short duration and mostly connected to school lunch programs. I cannot conceive how this work experience could in any way favorably compare to one with experience in the Treasurer’s office.
Marlin Ostrander and Doug Schallenberger are competing for the District 5 seat, the incumbent having been defeated in the primary. Mr. Ostrander is a successful member of the business community and has broad experience and education in most matters which concern the County Commission. Mr. Schallenberger’s experience appears mostly related to church, youth groups and agricultural activities. His knowledge of the commissioner’s job was based solely on the job description posted on the internet and he seemed a little vague on that. He plans to learn on the job. His response to the question about his alleged involvement in the cover-up of a pedophile case in his church to me seemed far from adequate.
Ray E. Hawk and Mark H. West are competing for the District 1 position, the incumbent also having been defeated in the primary. I did not know either candidate and Mr. Hawk was not present so I have nothing on which to base an opinion of him. I was very favorably impressed with Mr. West who appears well aware of our problems and has a positive agenda for moving the County forward.
I hope the voters will look beyond the R’s and the D’s on the ballot.
Virginia M. Bolen
Hamilton