No Need For Primary For County Positions

The Roosevelt County commissioners read a notice during their weekly meeting on Tuesday, March 10, regarding the lack of a need for a primary election as far as county offices this year.

Tracy Miranda, election administrator, wrote, that pursuant to 13-14115 (2) (a), “I hereby declare that it is not necessary to hold a non-partisan primary election for the county offices of county commissioner-district 1, county attorney, clerk and recorder, sheriff, treasurer, Justice of the Peace Post No. 1 and Justice of the Peace Post No. 2.”

None of the positions have more than two candidates. The sheriff’s race is the only one with two candidates.

A primary election will still be conducted on June 2 for federal and state elections.

Also during the weekly meeting, commissioners approved for deputy Russ Corbell to attend K-9 handler school in Big Timber. Corbell will also receive a K-9. Cost will be $19,600.

“This is a good asset,” Commissioner Robert Toavs said. “I think it’s a good thing to have.”

The sheriff’s office already has one K-9 because deputy Jace Johnson has his own state certified dog.

Commissioners also approved the Holcomb Tract 2B single lot minor subdivision near Bainville and to lift the ag covenant.

During commissioners’ updates, Commissioner Gordon Oelkers talked about his experience attending to the National Association of Counties’ legislative conference in Washington, D.C.

Oelkers is supporting a policy that when the tribes purchase trust land, a new payment in lieu of taxes payment would backfill the county’s taxes lost. Oelkers said he doesn’t want to discourage the tribes from purchasing land. He noted it’s a national problem. He said the county loses about $10,000 a year.

Oelkers said he is also concerned that efforts to require ID requirements for voters could create challenges for tribal members. They might need to obtain birth certificates at the courthouse. He feels that tribal IDs should be proof of citizenship.