Two contested school races
POLSON — As of the filing deadline of March 28, only two Lake County schools have contested elections for the upcoming May 7 election to decide who will sit on their school boards.
In Ronan, five people filed for two available three-year seats. Robert “Bob” Cornwell is the only incumbent to throw his hat in the ring and will face Brian Bocksnick, Jack Duffy, John Cote and Bradley P. Wirz.
Four people filed for two available three-year seats on the Charlo board. Incumbents Dave De Grandpre and Donald Shane Reum will face Terrance R. Rosenbaum and Marv Stipe.
Other districts don’t have enough candidates to fill empty seats.
In an election that could replace five of the Polson school district’s eight board members, only three people filed for seats.
Tim McGinnis, who currently is filling a partial term, and John Triolo filed for the district’s two available three-year seats. Incumbent John Laimbeer, who currently holds a three-year seat, filed for one of two open one-year terms, while no one filed for the one two-year seat.
Mary Vance, who currently fills a one-year seat on Salmon Prairie/Swan Lake’s board, filed for the district’s open three-year seat, but no one filed for the open one-year seat.
People interested in running have until April 11 to file as a write-in candidate, according to the Lake County Election Office. If the number of candidates matches or is less than the number of open seats, the candidates are elected by acclamation, and no election is necessary. If not enough candidates file, school boards will appoint to fill the vacant positions.
Other district election filings are:
Arlee: Kris Gardner and Tom Haynes filed for the district’s two open three-year terms. Richard J. Bachmeier filed for the one-year term.
St. Ignatius: Frank D. Delgado filed for the open three-year term.
Valley View: Justin Fisher, who currently holds a seat, filed for a three-year term. Amy Westphal filed for a one-year term.
Upper West Shore Dayton: Bob Hanson filed for a three-year term.