Quantcast
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 292

Meet the candidates: Twin Bridges Rotary Club hosts candidate forum

Frank Colwell, president of the Twin Bridges Rotary Club, welcomed over 50 community members to a candidates forum at the Twin Bridges high school on Oct. 8.

On Nov. 4, Madison County residents will have three contested races to vote on. Residents of commission district two – which spans from Twin Bridges north and around the loop to Norris – will have four contested races.

There are two candidates running for Madison County Clerk of District Court – Kacey Smart and Karen Miller. Suzanne Nellen and Marc Glines are both running on the Justice of the Peace (JP) ticket Two candidates – democrat Johann Lester, who was not in attendance, and republican Ray Shaw are running for House District (HD) 71. Finally, residents of commission district two must elect a commissioner, either Dan Happel or Ron Nye.

 

Madison County Clerk of District Court

Colwell turned to Smart and Miller first, giving them the floor.

Miller, who lives in Alder, said she has worked for the county for over 20 years – working as the clerk of district court has been her dream and career goal since 1997, she said.

“I’ve worked in the legal system for the past eight years,” she said, explaining her qualifications. “My positions required confidentiality and good record keeping.”

Most recently, Miller has worked as the administrative assistant in the sheriff’s office – before that she worked in justice court.

Smart is the current clerk of court – she was appointed to the position by the commissioners last year when former clerk Bundy Bailey retired before her term ended.

“I was the deputy clerk for seven years,” Smart said. “I’m the most qualified candidate.”

Smart said she is a certified clerk of district court, a title that took 40 hours of education and participation at conferences over a four year time period.

 

Madison County Justice of the Peace

Colwell then moved the discussion to the JP position.

Nellen, who lives in Sheridan, was temporarily appointed to the role in April 2014 by the commissioners after long-time justice MaryAnn O’Malley retired.

“It’s the people’s court,” Nellen said. “It’s important to have a good education, demeanor and experience. You have to be firm and confident, but fair.”

Nellen graduated law school in 1981 and has been a private practice lawyer for 30 years – a legal background she said is important as a justice.

Glines moved to the area in 1998, first serving as a Yellowstone National Park ranger, then as a Fish, Wildlife & Parks game warden.

“There are huge issues with [minor in possession MIP)] and [Driving Under the Influence (DUI)],” he said. “Especially with young kids. I would go to every school and talk to juniors and seniors about the dangers of drinking and driving. Get to them early.”

 

Madison County Sheriff’s Office

Next, Colwell introduced current Undersheriff Roger Thompson who is running unopposed for the sheriff and coroner position.

Thompson has 30 years of experience in law enforcement – 20 years in Seattle and 10 years in Madison County, nine of which he spent as undersheriff.

“It’s because of the people in this county and sheriff’s office that I’m running,” Thompson said.

 

Madison County Commission District Two

After Thompson, Colwell moved the discussion to the race for commission district two, allowing incumbent candidate Happel to go first.

Happel, who lives on a ranch north of Pony, is a retired commercial builder who was elected as commissioner four years ago.

“I do this to protect our rural communities,” he said. “Our federal government is out of control.”

Local government is the last, best hope for America, Happel said.

“I have done a good job, I’m consistent,” he said about his first term. “I am responsible. I do my research before I make a decision.”

Nye is a lifelong resident of Madison County. Recently, he has focused his time and energy on helping Twin Bridges fundraise for a senior and community center – a project that is nearing construction, he said.

Roads and water rights issues are the two points Nye identified as most important in the area.

“I feel qualified,” he said. “If the voters are ready for me to do this, I’m ready to serve them.”

 

House District 71

Before wrapping up the forum, Colwell turned the floor over to Representative Ray Shaw of Sheridan, who is the current representative for HD 71, which includes Madison County and parts of Jefferson and Silverbow counties. Shaw’s opponent, Johanna Lester was unable to attend the forum due to complications from surgery, Colwell said.

“Last session I was the new kid on the block,” Shaw said about his first term. “I asked a lot of questions and did a lot of research.”

Shaw said family values, veterans issues and jobs are just a few of the issues he focuses on while in Helena for the session.

“I’ve learned how to make connections [in Helena],” he said. “I can work across the aisle. I can work in my own party. And once in awhile, I learned how to take a big, deep breath and compromise. I work for you.”

 


Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 292

Trending Articles