by George Gramlich
In the biggest voter turnout in the history of the West Custer Hospital District Board, all four incumbents easily beat the challengers from the “Patients First” slate for the four open slots on the District’s Board. There were lines at the Custer County Courthouse all day long as the citizens re-elected the current board members, Janet Candelaria (625 votes) and Bob Tobin (621) to the Clinic Board for four-year terms over Patients First candidates Mike Haga (217) and David Brothers (214). Similarly, incumbents Ann Evans (590) and Bob Weisenbach (574) easily defeated challengers Ann Barthrop (196), Larry Luikart (164) and Mike Kienbusch (163) for the two open two-year Board positions.
The first ever high-profile campaign for the Clinic Board was highlighted by mailed flyers from both camps, newspaper ads and multiple community meetings. Apparently the Patients First message of a poorly managed clinic, no full-time doctors on staff, and a chronic lack of second ambulance availability did not resonate with the voters of Custer County who voted to keep the current Board in office. Hopefully, the new Board will somehow address these issues in the future.
There were two open positions up for election on the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District Board with four candidates vying for the slots. The two winners were ex Fire Chief Henry (Dave) Tonsing (430 votes) and Scott Virden (310). Coming up short were Jeremiah Coleman (190) and James Lewis (140). Voter results subject to certification by the Secretary of State.
The Sentinel would like to thank all the candidates and supporters on both District elections for running excellent, open and informative campaigns. A light shining on our government is always welcome.