Candidates file to fill county openings, deadline looms Monday

GRANITE COUNTY – If you’re still interested in running for a local political seat, you’ll have to hurry to beat Monday’s deadline.

Granite County has two openings that candidates are lined up to run for come the June 2 primary, with the results of the primary likely determining the winner come November.

Blanche McClure and Timothy Luthyje are running for the Granite County Commissioner District 1 seat held by current Bill Slaughter. Slaughter, who was elected to his term in 2014, had filed to run as the incumbent Jan. 21, but opted to withdraw a day later.

“Five years ago I said I would work hard, for one term, to apply the experience and what I learned after 35 years or so with county and state government to enhance my country's Commission,” said Slaughter in a text message to the Flint Creek Courier Thursday. “So, after consulting with family I decided to spend my time being a citizen again.

I am deeply thankful and humbled by the opportunity to serve the wonderful people of Granite County.”

Slaughter’s complete statement can be read below.

McClure and Luthyje are both running as Republicans with no present Democrat, Libertarian or Independent candidates currently filed. The winner of June’s primary will likely take the seat come the November general election.

Carol Bohrnsen (R) is running unopposed for the Clerk of District Court position.

There are several candidates running for various seats on the Granite County Hospital Board. Kristi Manwaring and Christopher Cornelius are vying for Seat 4, Jim Waldbillig and Elena Gagliano are going head-to-head for Seat 3 and Chad Green will run unopposed for Seat 2.

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Bill Slaughter’s statement

Five years ago I said I would work hard, for one term, to apply the experience and what I learned after 35 years or so , with county and state government to enhance my country's Commission.

Working with my fellow Commissioners, we have developed policies and procedures that improved public notice of issues before the Commission, and public participation that effect decisions.

I am proud of my support of Granite County's public safety, Fire, EMS the Sheriff’s Office equipment and salaries.

We all worked hard on water and land issues that affect area ranchers and farmers.

I worked to make our county road department more professional and effective by hiring the an experienced and professional Road Supervisor who has rebuilt the road crew into a team, that work safer ,work together and are improving our County's road system and snow removal day by day.

We have invested in new equipment using lease-purchase programs and selling off old, unsafe and unreliable equipment and trucks and are rebuilding a fleet that can do the work that 700 miles of County roads require.

I worked to make the budgeting process more open and help county employees and citizens better understand the county budget.

I am proud of my stand on the improving forest management issues and made the motion that created the counties first forest management working group (FMAC).

I am proud of my follow Commissioners and our recent stand and Resolution on the second amendment.

So, after consulting with family I decided to spend my time being a citizen again.

I am deeply thankful and humbled by the opportunity to serve the wonderful people of Granite County.

Respectfully,

Bill Slaughter