Gorden Forgey: Last days to file

The upcoming county commissioner elections have generated a lot of interest. Challenges to the two sitting commissioners whose terms are ending this year have been expected for some time.

This week is the official filing period for candidates seeking office, and so far two candidates have filed to run against Commissioner Greg Partch.

Commissioner Pat O’Neill is expected to have at least one challenger. Commissioner Michael Largent does not come up for reelection for two years.

For several months, three candidates seemed likely challengers to Partch. They were Art Swannack, Bill Tensfeld and Kirk Suess.

As of this writing, Swannack and Tensfeld have officially filed.

On Monday, Suess made a surprise announcement, saying that he would not seek the office.

He was the first commissioner challenger to declare a run, throwing his hat in the ring late last year. In the meantime, he has spent several thousands of dollars positioning himself for the race.

As of presstime, no word has come from Partch on his filing, although he did announce his intentions to seek a fourth term earlier this year. O’Neill has yet to file as well as does his announced challenger, Dean Kinzer.

By filing for office, which includes paying a filing fee, the candidate is officially registered and earns a spot on the primary ballot.

In the case of more than two candidates for a single office, the primary in August will reduce the field to two candidates. These two will appear on the November general election ballot.

Information on filings as of press time (Wednesday morning) is in the news columns. This will surely change by Friday when the filing period ends. The county elections office has a full listing of positions with expiring terms. They range from governor to local school boards.

Citizens still have the opportunity to seek election to public office. There is still time to participate. Deadline for filing in person is 5 p.m. Friday.

Gordon Forgey

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