Incumbents Decker and Christopher to remain in office
Voter turnout was what county officials called “excellent” as ballots were being counted into Wednesday morning for the general election Tuesday, Nov. 6.
A total of 13,534 ballots were cast in Lake County, where 19,286 voters are registered.
According to a 2017 estimate from the United States Census Bureau, Lake County has 30,273 residents.
“I’m impressed with the enthusiasm from voters who voted during the mid-term election,” Lake County Election Administrator Katie Harding said Wednesday afternoon.
Lake County officials will canvass the votes on Monday, Nov. 19.
One race that had a lot of buzz through the campaign season was for District 3 Lake County Commissioner, where incumbent Gale Decker, a Republican, was challenged by Democrat Caroline McDonald.
Decker was reelected with a vote of 7,622, against McDonald’s 5,604 votes, securing a new six-year term.
Headed into his second round as commissioner, Decker provided a statement in which he said that Lake County commissioners are “discussing ideas” with Lake County Sheriff Don Bell to drum up a plan for the Lake County Detention Center, currently at the bottom of the courthouse in Polson.
Decker said together, they are looking at ways to add beds and services to the facility, as well as a way to fund the additional costs.
“It is important to the public and the Commissioners that there is some resolution to the lakc of beds,” Decker wrote.
The county jail is usually at or above capacity of 46.
During his next term, Decker added that tax-exempt properties in Lake County will be analyzed.
McDonald expressed her gratitude to those who supported her during her campaign, explaining that she plans to utilize what she learned during the process “to help promote collaboration” within the county.
She also commented on the high voter turnout, noting “the extraordinary voter turnout shows that if little else, we in Lake County share a deep love for this Valley and our future—and that, is something special we can build on.”
ANOTHER LOCAL race that was closely followed not only covered Lake County, but reached into Sanders County as well.
Voters renewed a six-year-term for incumbent Deborah “Kim” Christopher, the 20th District Courge Judge with 7,933 votes in Lake County, and 3,713 votes in Sanders County.
Her opponent, Ashley Morigeau, counsel from the Office of the Public Defender in Polson, received 4,377 votes in her favor in Lake County, and 1,783 in Sanders County.
“I am humbled by the confidence the voters have again given me in thelection this year especially as my fourth term as District Judge,” Christopher said in a statement.
She was first elected to the bench in 2000.
“I am confident the reason I have been retained is my honesty in telling my boss, the people, the truth as I understood it and following the law as it is given, even if I didn’t like it or thought it to be otherwise, just as I ask juries to do,” she added.
Morigeau stated that she also appreciated “all of the support” she received along the way, adding “I had a wonderful time getting to know people on the campaign trail and am grateful for the experience.
VOTERS IN the St. Ignatius School District No. 28 passed a bond, with 704 voters approving while 617 were against it.
On Monday, Nov. 12, Superintendent Jason Sargent said that the district is waiting for county officials to certify the results “so we can go to work.”
An informational meeting will be held during the school board meeting Tuesday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m., where Sargent said that committees, phases of the bond and other topics regarding the bond will be discussed.
In next week’s issue of The Leader, Sargent will discuss the bond.
Lake County Commissioner
Gale Decker, Republican - 7,622
Caroline McDonald, Democrat - 5,604
District Court Judge
Deborah “Kim” Christopher - 7,933
Ashley Morigeau - 4,377
State Representative District 10
Mark Noland, Republican - 813
Bill Jones, Libertarian - 277
State Representative District 12
Susan Evans, Democrat - 2,072
Greg Hertz, Republican - 3,241
State Representative District 93
Eldena Bear Don’t Walk, Democrat - 1,850
Joe Read, Republican - 2,388
U.S. Representative District 1
Kathleen Williams, Democrat - 6,197
Greg Gianforte, Republican - 6,905
Elinor Swanson, Libertarian - 343
U.S. Senator
Jon Tester, Democrat - 6,687
Matt Rosendale, Republican - 6,393
Rick Breckenridge, Libertarian - 352
Public Service Commissioner District 5
Andy Shirtliff, Democrat - 5,557
Brad Johnson, Republican - 7,441
Supreme Court Clerk
Rex Renk, Democrat - 5,370
Bowen Greenwood, Republican - 6,723
Roger Roots, Libertarian - 728
Retain Supreme Court Justice Ingrid Gustafson
For - 9,433
Against - 2,302
Retain Supreme Court Justice Beth Baker
For - 9,618
Against - 2,196
Ballot issues:
Bond K-12 for School District No. 28
For - 704
Against - 617
Referendum 128, Extend Public Higher Education Funds
For - 7,807
Against - 5,226
Referendum 129, Restrict Ballot Collectors
For - 8,168
Against - 4,630
Initiative 185, Increase Tobacco Tax
For - 6,502
Against - 6,857
Initiative 186, Limit New Hardrock Mining
For - 6,208
Against - 7,029.