Mineral County candidates Q&A
Mineral County Sheriffs candidates
Michael Toth, 42
Mineral County Sheriff
Family information: Single / No kids
Why are you interested in running for this position?
I’m running for Sheriff because I see an opportunity to help rebuild the partnership between the Sheriff’s Office and the community. A responsive Sheriff’s Office and an engaged community will provide for a more productive and safer place for the citizens of Mineral County.
Why are you qualified and/or the best candidate?
Seventeen years of law enforcement experience helped me develop the technical knowledge, leadership skills, integrity and dedication required to lead the Sheriff’s Department in a positive direction. From Mineral County Deputy to a Police Detective in Washington, I have the experience.
What are the biggest issues facing your agency in the next two years?
Getting back to the basics of Law Enforcement and regaining the trust of the community. I want the citizens of Mineral County to be assured when they call 911 a Deputy responds; and that the responding Deputy has the proper training to see investigations through to the end.
Thomas W. Bauer, 51
Mineral County Sheriff
Family information: Engaged to Lori Asay
Why are you interested in running for this position?
Mineral County needs effective and trusted law enforcement. I will bring integrity, professionalism and dedication to this position. I will dedicate my life to the citizens of Mineral County. I will ensure that the deputies, undersheriff and I work with professionalism and integrity every day that I am in office.
Why are you qualified and/or the best candidate?
I have a total of 28+ years law enforcement experience (military and civilian law enforcement): Montana law enforcement academy graduate; former DARE officer; former narcotics canine trainer and handler; worked on Federal Drug Task Force for 12 years; member of MT Air National Guard Security Forces Squadron (28 yrs).
What are the biggest issues facing your agency in the next two years?
• Citizen Safety
• Illegal drug enforcement
• Narcotics Canine Program
• Generation of funds through narcotics canine program to replace department vehicles, equipment
• Train schools, business on “active shooter” and law enforcement issues
• School resource officer dedicated to drug/law enforcement education
• Start sheriff’s advisory council
Adam Cole, 30
Mineral County Sheriff
Family information: Married, Wife – Stacey, Daughter - Addison
Why are you interested in running for this position?
It’s critical for our community to regain trust, develop a long term productive/successful relationship with local law enforcement through community oriented policing.
• Higher standard of moral, ethical conduct
• Enforce laws under a system of fairness to preserve rights
• Actively seek citizen involvement
• Earn trust, respect
Why are you qualified and/or the best candidate?
I realize the responsibilities that come with this office, including the changes and improvements to local law enforcement that are critical.
I’m experienced in a variety of law enforcement positions including Deputy, Detention, Investigations and Probation Officer.
My experience, dedication, work ethic and leadership will provide effective and efficient leadership.
What are the biggest issues facing your agency in the next two years?
• We will strive to provide superior service to citizens through professionalism, fairness, and integrity.
• Protect life and property, deter and apprehend violators and provide public education.
• Enhance the quality of life in Mineral County by creating partnerships within the community to proactively problem-solve issues facing our community.
Robert Larson, 41
Mineral County Sheriff/Coroner.
Family Information: Married 14 years this September to Regina Brooks-Larson and we have three children.
Why are you interested in running for this position?
Serving the citizens of Mineral County has been a pleasure for over five years. During my tenure with the MCSO I’ve met many great people in our county. I believe I have some new ideas that can be used to improve the operation of our department if I am elected.
Why are you qualified and /or the best candidate?
I am a 4 year veteran of the U.S. Army Infantry, I’ve served in the Law Enforcement field for over 13 years. I am a graduate of the Montana Law Enforcement Academy, a Deputy Coroner, Field Training Officer, Senior Breath Test Specialist, Search and Rescue coordinator and a volunteer firefighter.
What are the biggest issues facing your agency in the next two years.
The biggest problem is our inadequate budget. I plan to enlist the help of grant writers; I call it my 54 CALL TO ACTION. I will solicit college interns to seek/write grants for MCSO. This will allow us to take advantage of equipment/training, at no or reduced costs.
Mineral County Attorney candidates
Marcia Boris, 41
Mineral County Attorney
Family information: I have been married to retired Montana Highway Patrol trooper Richard Hader for 3 years. I have two children, Michael, age 15, and Ty, age 23.
Why are you interested in running for this position?
One of my goals has been to leave this office and Mineral County better than I found it. While I believe we have made great strides in the county attorney’s office, we still have work to do. We constantly strive to improve the services we provide to the citizens.
Why are you qualified and/or the best candidate?
I have been a public servant since I became licensed to practice law, first as a deputy county attorney and for the last three years as county attorney. I can think of no better way to utilize my skills than to serve my community and the people in this capacity.
What are the biggest issues facing your agency in the next two years?
The problem of maximizing productivity in the face of increasing case loads and increasingly limited resources. We are currently experiencing a “ripple effect” from the Bakken, with state resources upon which small counties have historically depended increasingly being diverted to the eastern part of the state to accommodate the growing need.
**Marcia Boris is running unopposed.
Mineral County Treasurer/Superintendent of schools candidate
Mary Yarnall, Old enough to vote
Treasurer / Superintendent of Schools
Family information: Married to my rock, Dennis, 24 years; two wonderful children Wesley 24, and Jessica 22
Why are you interested in running for this position?
I want the opportunity to continue to serve all citizens of Mineral County.
Why are you qualified and/or the best candidate?
As I promised 4 years ago, I have updated my offices utilizing current, state of the art technology and have written procedure manuals reflecting these improvements.
What are the biggest issues facing your agency in the next two years?
Keeping excellent employees – I have employees working two jobs to make ends meet. We need fair wages for skilled employees.
**Mary Yarnall is running unopposed.
Mineral County Commissioner
Duane H Simons, 58
Mineral County Commissioner
Family information: Married to Donna Simons 40 years, 2 Children: Cori 37, Travis 35, 3 grand kids: Kaitlin 15, Brian 14, David 6
Why are you interested in running for this position?
I am interested in being reelected as commissioner because I have always been community minded when reelected I will continue to pursue honesty and integrity in all county operations. The current county commission has worked well together; I would like to see us finish some important project we have started.
Why are you qualified and/or the best candidate?
I am most qualified as Commissioner because, served on St. Regis School board 9 years, St Regis Sewer Board,County resident 41 years, 6 years experience on county issues budgets ect., a member of MACO, Forested Counties Coalition, member of Area VI Aging Board
What are the biggest issues facing your agency in the next two years?
The biggest issues facing Mineral County in the next 2 years are without a doubt maintaining services we currently provide directly related to this is better management of Federal Lands. One possible answer maybe be a Federal Land Transfer to the State. We must maintain our current budgets.
Robert (Bob) McCandless, 71
County Commissioner – West end
Family information: Married to Teresa (Cookie) for 36 years, 5 daughters, 1 Son, 10 Grandchildren
Why are you interested in running for this position?
Since moving to Haugan 8 years ago from Kalispell my wife and I have come to love Mineral County. I became a member of the Mineral County Planning Board several years ago and had a part in the development of the current County Subdivision regulations as well as other policies.
Why are you qualified and/or the best candidate?
I have experience in management and budgets both as a teacher for 26+ years and the founder of the Flathead Lake Music Camp. I was also instrumental in the formation of the Deer Lick Park Water District. I will work towards responsible growth while maintaining the natural beauty of our county. I also believe that before any decision can be reached – all information has to be gathered and considered.
What are the biggest issues facing your agency in the next two years?
- Safety and welfare of all residents in Mineral County
- Growth and expansion
- Job opportunities
Anton (Tony) Pearson, 70
Mineral County Commissioner, West End
Family information: Wife of 50 years is Roseanne; children are Anton (Swede) Pearson, DeeAnne Kaye Egan, Delle Katleen Colahan, Evangeline Faith Peterson.
Why are you interested in running for this position?
I have been a self-employed businessman in all aspects of business. I’ve bought and sold heavy equipment and have been in the logging and road building business for many years. I have purchased and harvested federal, state and private timber and marketed my own timber both domestically and foreign.
Why are you qualified and/or the best candidate?
Having experience in dealing with government officials, state, private entities gives me a well-rounded balance when negotiating contracts. I was a board member of Bark Mining Co, past president of Mid Valley Basketball Officials Association, chairman of Lincoln C. Fair livestock, and was elected to the Lincoln C.N.R.C.S. in Oregon.
What are the biggest issues facing your agency in the next two years?
- Access to Federal timber sales for logging industry
- We need more jobs in the Hi-tech industries such as manufacture of Droner in our county as well as Air Service Industry Satellite components
- I would push to see our federal timber turned over to state agencies
Mineral County Justice of the Peace
Juli Balenger, 53
Mineral County Justice of the Peace
Family information: Married to Jim for 31 years. Step-mother to two daughters, 38 and 34 years old.
Why are you interested in running for this position?
I have the knowledge and skills needed to make a smooth transition when Judge James’ term ends. I am not saying that I have the same experience under my belt. I do have the day to day court experience needed to handle initial appearances as well as all civil proceedings.
Why are you qualified and/or the best candidate?
My extensive court experience has afforded me the knowledge needed to work with a variety of cases - criminal, including initial appearances for people charged with felonies, to civil filings. My customer service experience has given me skills needed to work with the public in a professional yet effective manner.
What are the biggest issues facing your agency in the next two years?
Budget issues are the primary problem. The County Commissioners need to provide a proper budget to run the office efficiently.
Mark Grimm, 50
Mineral County Justice of the Peace
Family information: Married 21 years to Cindy, 1 daughter Amy
Why are you intersted in running for this position?
I can ensure “Better Justice for a Brighter Future” through:
• improving service to users of the Court
• ensuring the quality of justice provided by the Court,
• wise management of taxpayers’ dollars in operations of the Court,
• when dispensing justice, everyone is treated with integrity, fairness, respect
Why are you qualified and/or the best candidate?
• My honesty, fairness, ability to make wise decisions, manage money, people/projects has been critical to my success. I possess excellent mediation skills through years of working with the public.
• More of the same does not provide the management, quality of service that is critical. Justice Court requires change.
What are the biggest issues facing your agency in the next two years?
• The top issue facing the position is to ensure equal Justice for everyone and to treat all persons with integrity, fairness and respect. This will be my top priority.
• Implementing wise management, including checks and balances in the accounting of citations and funds handled by the Justice Court.
Doug Sharkey, 64
Mineral County Justice of the Peace
Family information: Married (Lorna) 12 years/4 children/11 grandchildren (our own football team!)
Why are you interested in running for this position?
The Justice Court system impacts our daily lives. Whether it is Landlord/Tenant disputes, uninsured motorists and traffic violations, criminal acts and drug crimes, the Court needs to mete out fair, firm justice. The challenge this presents is intriguing to me and allows me to, hopefully, improve myself and our community.
Why are you qualified and/or the best candidate?
I am best qualified because: I am currently a substitute Court Justice, most recently serving for 6 consecutive months. I possess vast legal and Law Enforcement experience as a State Trooper. I have years of experience in personnel, office and financial management as a retired Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer.
What are the biggest issues facing your agency in the next two years?
*Restoring the integrity and trust of the court.
*Insuring the flawless tracking and accounting of funds.
*Adjudicate open cases and recoup thousands of dollars in outstanding fines.
*Reduce repeat offenders by holding the guilty accountable for their actions.
*Focus on responsibility and deterrence in sentencing rather than “life management.”
Patricia (Pat) Morgan, 61
Justice of the Peace, Mineral County
Family information: Married to Dennis Morgan for 42 years; 2 daughters, both live in Montana; and 6 grandchildren.
Why are you interested in running for this position?
Administration of Justice is accomplished with professionalism, integrity, honesty, and the protection of individual rights. Judges don’t make laws or write citations but hold discretion in sentencing, within the legal guidelines. I would provide Justice and hold a high level of accountability to the citizens of Mineral County.
Why are you qualified and/or the best candidate?
I hold degrees in Legal Studies, Education, and Business. I have 10 years experience as a Court Administrator, worked closely with Court-ordered programs, supervised staff, set Court budgets, trained Court software, was a member of MT Supreme Court committees, ran yearly financial reports, and disbursed funds to appropriate agencies.
What are the biggest issues facing your agency in the next two years?
* Substantial amounts of money flow through a court which may be viewed as a “Cash Cow”. It requires diligence to make sure sentencing is not money driven, but justice driven.
* Separation of powers: as legal pressures increase with societal changes, it is important to maintain separation of powers.
Dale Joseph Magone, no age provided
Mineral County Justice of the Peace
Family information: I have been married to Becky Simkins Magone for 38 years. We have two sons. Shawn is 37 and served 12 years in the Army, of which 18 months were in Iraq. He is now working for the Department of Defense. Kyle is 36 and has been in the Navy for the past 5 year and has just reenlisted.
Why are you interested in running for this position?
I am concerned about maintaining Mineral County as a safe area for residents to live. My wife and I grew up and have lived almost our entire life here. We were fortunate to grow up in an economically and socially stable environment. My interest is to preserve that lifestyle.
Why are you qualified and/or the best candidate?
In the past, I have been actively involved in improving the local community by serving as an Alderman, Mayor, and volunteer fireman for Superior. I recently returned to college and have just received a BS degree which displays my commitment and ability to learn new material.
What are the biggest issues facing your agency in the next two years?
Mineral County has the lowest per capita income in the state which produces increased social problems such as:
• Higher crime rate
• Transient population
• Decreased community involvement
• Increased alcohol/drug use.
• Domestic abuse
• Gambling addiction
• Lack of respect for law enforcement and other residents