Lake County commissioner race to be decided in primary

West Shore News

One Lake County race will be determined in the primary election Tuesday, June 8.

Four Republican candidates are vying for the position of Lake County District 2 commissioner on the November ballot.

Roy Anderson

Anderson is a local farmer and has been part owner of a milk marketing co-op for the past 25 years. He has served on school board and spent more than 10 years as a 4-H livestock coach.

"I will do all I can to help people accomplish their goals and dreams," Anderson said. "I believe in people. They know what they need — whether it is building a home, or a business. It will be my goal as a public servant to help make things possible, to help you get it done."

Ann Smith Bower

Bower currently serves as an election clerk, a Ronan City Council member, treasurer for Lake County Search and Rescue, a member of the Ronan Parks Board and a committeewoman for Precinct 9.

She's worked in the Lake County Election Office since 2006.

"Local government is where we should see results from those we elect to serve us," Bower said. "I believe I offer experienced, effective problem-solving skills necessary in serving the residents of Lake County."

Ron Merwin

Merwin is the owner and manager of Merco, Inc., and a member of the Lake County Pachyderm, the board of directors of the Ninepipes Museum, a life member and vice commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5652 Ronan as well as a member of other military-related organizations. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1960 to 1981.

"The travesties that are taking place at the national level and even at the state level are destroying the country that I served and defended for 21 years as a member of our armed forces," Merwin said. "To try and bring about real change, and not the change the current administration in [Washington,] D.C., promised us, we have to start here at home to try and bring common sense solutions to the issues that are vital to restoring our country."

Paul Tryon

Tryon is an employee of the Lake County Bridge Department as well as a local rancher and farmer. He has worked for the county for 11 years.

He is also an active member of the Lake County Odd Fellows, assists with 4-H, coaches high school and semi-pro football, and is the former vice president of the Western Montana Weed Council.

"I feel it is time for the county to do something for the people," Tyron said. "The county needs to listen to and be sensitive to the people's needs and step up to make things better. I enjoy helping people, and I want people to be happy."

SHERIFF

The Lake County sheriff race will be narrowed in the primary election. Three Republicans, one Democrat and one Independent have filed for candidacy. Current Sheriff Lucky Larson did not seek re-election.

Dan Yonkin filed as a Democrat and Steve Kendley filed as an Independent; both will move on to the November ballot.

All candidates have backgrounds and experience in the Lake County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement agencies.

Jay Doyle

Lake County Undersheriff Jay Doyle has spent much of his adult life in law enforcement, starting in 1988 as a detention officer and as a reserve deputy for Lake County Sheriff's Office.

He then worked for the Polson Police Department until 1997, when he was re-hired by the sheriff's office.

For more about Doyle, visit http://jaydoyleforsheriff.com.

Jeff Kingery

In 2007, Kingery developed the sheriff's chaplain program for the Lake County Sheriff's Office. The following year he completed the reserve sheriff's academy and graduated from Police & Fire Chaplains Training Academy in Seattle, Wash.

Prior to his time working with the sheriff's office, Kingery served as senior pastor at both the Plains Alliance Church and Ronan Alliance Church.

To find out more about Kingery, visit http://jeff4sheriff.com.

Art Walgren

Walgren has more than 20 years in law enforcement. Six of those years included time as a chief of police and then as the assistant chief of police in Ronan.

He has also served as a 911 dispatcher, volunteer firefighter, EMT and spent four years working with the Idaho Legislature as a law enforcement consultant/liaison.

To find out more about Walgren, visit www.walgren4sheriff.com.

OTHER

Current Lake County Attorney Mitchell Young is running uncontested, as is current Justice of the Peace Judge Chuck Wall, Clerk and Recorder Paula Holle and current Treasurer Patty Duford Kugler.

Superintendent of Schools Gale Decker is also running unopposed. Late last year, the Lake County Commissioners passed a resolution making the office of Superintendent of Schools a part-time elected official position.

The commissioners made the change because of budget issues and the lack of necessity for a full-time official.