Let's talk politics
By CHANSE WATSON
Managing Editor
SILVERTON — Politics is not normally thought of as polite eating conversation. Thankfully though, the politicians (and hopeful politicians) spoke after everyone had finished eating at the most recent Wallace Chamber of Commerce luncheon and candidate forum on Wednesday.
Hosted by Good Samaritan Society’s Silver Wood Village in Silverton, local candidates and curious voters showed up to briefly speak and get familiar with who will be on the ballot this year. Speakers were given a maximum of five minutes to make their pitch to the voters.
Although there is only one contested local race on the May 15 primary election ballot, candidates that are looking forward to the November general election also used the event as a way to get their name out into the community. Speaking of the one contested race, the Democratic candidates running for the position of District 1 County Commissioner were the first to talk to the 30-plus people in attendance.
Incumbent and Kellogg resident Patrick “Mike” Fitzgerald opened by stressing one message in particular, “as we go to the polls, let’s take a look at and see what will make us move forward in the future as a county — where is Shoshone County going?”
Fitzgerald then went on to explain what he and his fellow commissioners are responsible for on a daily basis. This includes being available 24/7 and talking with residents whenever and wherever. He explained that the commissioners must also keep in close contact with state and federal officials for a variety of reasons, using examples like keeping in contact with emergency crews during wildfire season or state lawmakers during budget time.
“We communicate our Shoshone County needs outwards. Not just on the local level, but we go to the state and federal level.”
On a county management side, Fitzgerald knows that a lot of faith is placed on the commissioners to do what is right for not only the residents, but the over 100 county employees as well. In many cases, this is done by making decisions with the county budget.
“We have a $12 million budget,” he said. “What that means to our folks is very simply — you have entrusted us with the responsibility to pull-off some of the essential services that are necessary for us to function as a community.”
He closed his speech by assuring the audience that he has what it takes to continue doing the job he currently has and residents should vote for who they think is going to help the community.
“I bring a lot of skills to the table. I’ve worked with a lot of local communities doing consulting work, I actually worked for ITD for a number of years, (and) I’ve been overseas and been in charge of crews as large as 270 men,” he explained. “I want you to go out please and examine the people that are running for the offices. Match where you think our county needs to be and who’s going to be in the positions.”
Following Fitzgerald was his challenger, Ellery Masterson.
Masterson began by introducing himself and how his background would aid him in being an effective commissioner.
“I live in Kellogg with my wife, Ellen. Our blended family has five children and 13 grandchildren. I was raised on a farm in Flocka, Mont. My family moved to Idaho when I was 10 and I’m the third youngest of 11 kids. So at an early age, I learned how to work together and get things done.”
From there, he drove right into specific issues such as how to properly utilize the county transfer station.
“The beauty of the Valley is more important to me than you can imagine,” he said. “I’d like to see the transfer station open up and remain as it was in former years — receiving any garbage or waste of the citizens up to an additional 200 pounds per month. This cost is already covered in our annual $80 solid waste fees.”
Sticking with responsibilities relegated to the position, Masterson hit on the issue of county leasing as well.
“All county lease land in any capacity should be reviewed and open for revision each year,” he explained. “This would make an equality for both the leasee and the county. This could also help offset the decreasing state and federal funding.”
Masterson stressed that following the letter of the law would be the of the utmost importance to him while he worked on the county budget and worked closely with other county employees.
These beliefs also applied to his proposal to create a highway district to replace the current county entity.
“I believe Shoshone County has a need for a highway district instead of a road department.”
He stated that this new district would save the county money and have a separate board to oversee it. It would be worked by the same employees from the old road department.
Masterson wrapped up by making his motivations clear to the audience.
“I don’t have an agenda, I will work on other issues along with other commissioners to find a resolution with the county’s best interests at heart.”
The remaining speakers at the event included District 2 County Commissioner John Hansen (D), County Clerk candidate Tamie Lewis-Eberhard (D), County Treasurer candidate Ellen Masterson (D), County Assessor Jerry White (D), and District 3 County Commissioner candidate Matt Beehner (I). All Democratic candidates will be on the May 15 ballot, but many will be uncontested with their opponents running as independents.
All of them except for County Assessor Jerry White and County Coroner candidate Richard Smith (uncontested in both primary and general elections) will have contested races in the Nov. 6 general election.
More information on these and other candidates in contested races will be provided by the Shoshone News-Press in our special election editions. These editions run roughly two weeks before election day and the next one is set for Wednesday, May 2.
The following are the local candidates in contested races for 2018:
COMMISSIONER DIST 1 (Primary election)
- Patrick “Mike” Fitzgerald - Democrat
- Ellery W. Masterson - Democrat
COMMISSIONER DIST 3 (General election)
- Matt Beehner - Independent
- John Hansen - Democrat
CLERK (General election)
- Tamie Lewis-Eberhard - Democrat
- Melissa O’Connell - Independent
TREASURER (General election)
- Ellen R. Masterson - Democrat
- Robin B. Stanley - Independent