MT 43 News Articles View a Published Article

Candidates for Office Well Received by Voters at Forum
Author: Nancy Marks, MT43 News Reporter

Nancy Marks

MT43 News Reporter

Ten of the 11 candidates for Broadwater County offices and Legislative District # 77 had a chance to introduce themselves and answer prepared questions for about 65 voters Wednesday, Sept. 16, at the Community Room.

Moderator Mark Irvin questioned each set of candidates for Commissioner, Sheriff-Coroner, and Treasurer-Superintendent of Schools. Candidate Mark Wood for Sheriff was out of town, so Undersheriff Jamie Buck did an admirable job representing Wood.

Some of the questions included how Commissioner candidates Debi Randolph and Tim Ravndal would balance the needs of agriculture with the need for continued residential growth and how would the candidate, if elected, reduce solid waste costs and increase service. When questioned about more public safety coverage in South Broadwater, Buck, on Sheriff Wood’s behalf, introduced the new South Broadwater County Deputy, Nate Oswell, who was hired in June of this year and lives in the area. Candidate Luis Espinoza emphasized the need for increased patrol in South Broadwater and the need for balancing the department’s budget.

Candidates for Treasurer-Superintendent of Schools Symantha Deans, Sheila Stenzel, and Leona Nelson explained their version of how the office will improve its accounting and accuracy. All three candidates expressed their desire to have the office open during noon hours for customers’ convenience.

Four of the 11 candidates were incumbents who were running unopposed for their offices: County Attorney Kevin Bratcher, Clerk and Recorder-Elections Administrator-Surveyor Angie Paulsen, and Legislative District #77 legislator Jane Gillette. They each, in turn, answered questions about high quality of legal representation in the county, free and fair elections, and how to motivate election workers. Gillette was tasked with answering questions about lowering property taxes and increasing available housing. Justice of the Peace Kirk Flynn was not present.

Broadwater County Democratic Central Committee and Tri-County Republican Women’s Club sponsored the forum. Janet Wagner was the timekeeper.

Article Images

Click on Image Thumbnail(s) to view fullsize image
PhotoCredit: Nancy Marks, MT43 News photographer and Joy Novota
Image 1 Caption: Voters listened intently as moderator Mark Irvin asked questions of the candidates running for county offices and District # 77 legislator Jane Gillette. Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer Pg1
Image 2 Caption: Participants Justin Tiffany and Kathy Blair visit with Undersheriff Jamie Buck following the forum. Joy Novota Photo
Image 3 Caption: Jamie Buck, Tim Ravndal and Luis Espinoza listen to a question for Candidates for Sheriff-Coroner. Joy Novota Photo
Image 4 Caption: Candidates received their questions in advance to allow them to prepare their answers. From left: Symantha Deans, Jane Gillette, Sheila Stenzel and Debi Randolph. Joy Novota Photo Pg1
Image 5 Caption: Candidates quietly rehearsing their answers. From left: Angie Paulsen, Leona Nelson, Kevin Bratcher, Jamie Buck for Sheriff Mark Wood, Tim Ravndal, Luis Espinoza and Moderator Mark Irvin. Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer Pg1