Voters to decide on party candidates, municipal issues and judges
This year’s primary election takes place next Tuesday, May 17, when Blaine County voters will cast ballots on a number of national, state and local candidates and issues.
Candidates for U.S. President were voted upon by the state’s electorate at special elections and caucuses held in March.
Locally, voters in Hailey, Ketchum and Sun Valley will have their say on matters involving increases in property taxes, an extension of a local option sales tax and annexation of land for a cemetery.
Hailey’s vote involves a special levy to increase property taxes for two years to raise $800,000 for the city’s infrastructure. If approved, the money will be used to repair, design and construct sidewalks, bike paths, trails and bike-pedestrian systems. The city’s stated intent is to “more safely move pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles on key streets through Hailey.” A simple majority is needed for approval.
Voters in Ketchum will decide on a general obligation bond for a new city hall and fire department headquarters. The city is asking for $23.1 million in a 30-year general obligation bond to replace the 42-year-old old structure at the corner of East Avenue and Fifth Street and to relocate the fire department building to a new location on Lewis Street. A two-thirds majority is needed for approval.
Ketchum’s electorate will also vote on whether the Ketchum Cemetery District will annex a parcel of land.
The City of Sun Valley is asking its voters to approve a 10-year extension of the city’s local option taxes. Under the existing LOT, the city charges a 3 percent tax on lodging, restaurant food and beverages, liquor by the drink, recreational memberships, leasing of property and event admissions. A 2 percent tax is charged on general retail sales, excluding building materials, and a 1 percent tax is charged on ski lift tickets. In addition to asking for a 10-year extension of its LOT assessments, the proposal adds a 1 percent tax to sales of building and construction materials. Approval requires 60 percent voter support.
The primary election is also when political parties select their candidates for the general election in November. On May 17, party members will vote on candidates for county offices, the state legislature and the U.S. Congress.
For national office, Democrat candidates include Jerry Sturgill for the U.S. Senate and Jennifer Martinez for the Second District House of Representatives position.
Democrats running for state legislature are: Legislative District 26, for state senator, Michelle Stennett; for representative in the legislature position A, Kathleen J. Eder; and for position B, Sally Toone. All are unopposed.
Three Democrats, incumbent Jacob Greenberg, Kaz Thea and Gary Whitworth Brower, are running for Blaine County Commissioner Second District and incumbent Angenie McCleary is running unopposed for the Third District seat. Steve M. Harkins is running unopposed for county sheriff and Jim J. Thomas is the only candidate for prosecuting attorney.
Republican candidates for national office include incumbent Mike Crapo for U.S. Senate. Candidates for the House of Representatives Second District position are Lisa Marie and incumbent Mike Simpson.
For the state legislature, Republicans running are Dale Ewersen for Legislative District 26 state senator; incumbent Steve Miller for representative position A; and Alex Sutter for representative position B.
No Republicans have filed for county office.
The Constitution Party has several candidates on its ballot, including “Pro-Life,” a man formerly known as Marvin Richardson, and Ray J. Writz for U.S. Senate. Running as a Constitution Party candidate for the House of Representatives is Anthony Tomkins.
Also up for election on May 17 are judges, who run nonpartisan. Incumbent Roger S. Burdick is running unopposed for the Idaho Supreme Court. Running to replace retiring Idaho Supreme Court Judge Jim Jones are Robyn Brody, Sergio A. Gutierrez, Curt McKenzie and Clive J. Strong.
Incumbent Molly J. Huskey is running unopposed for her position on the Idaho Court of Appeals.