News you can use

Democrat Bedwell tries for commissioner as write in

James Bedwell, an equipment operator for Hill County, told the Havre Daily News Thursday he is mounting a write-in campaign in the June 7 primary to be the Democratic candidate for Hill County commissioner Seat 2 in the general election.

He is seeking to fill the seat held by Jeff LaVoi, an independent from Havre, who decided against running for a second six-year term.

The Hill County Clerk and Recorder's office said Bedwell would need 141 votes in the primary to make it on the general election ballot on the Democratic ticket.

If he does advance to the next stage, Bedwell will go up against Hill County Superintendent of Schools Diane McLean, a Republican, and rancher and businessman Ted Solomon, an independent, both from Havre.

Bedwell said he had been "toying" with the idea of making a run for commissioner but just now decided to launch a campaign.

When he saw no Democrat was running, he eventually decided to do it.

"I figured there should just be a Democrat in there," Bedwell said.

An employee of Hill County for 23 years, he said he has long had an interest in county government and is concerned about the county's tightening budget situation.

Bedwell said if elected, maintenance of the county's deteriorating roads in Havre and the smaller surrounding communities would be his top priority.

He said that the heavy spring rain, combined with traffic and years of deferred maintenance have worn down many of the county's gravel roads.

Bedwell applauded Hill County 4-H for its continued efforts to raise money to replace the Chuckwagon at the Great Northern Fairgrounds.

He said other community organizations, such as the Havre Jaycees, should be encouraged to engage in such projects on the fairgrounds that could better conditions and bring more activity to the property.

The Great Northern Fairgrounds receives funding from the county, though over the years the county has sought to make the grounds self-sustaining.

Bedwell, who said he is one-eighth Chippewa, said in his capacity as commissioner, he would be willing to work with officials on Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation to bridge the divide between the reservation and the rest of the county.

Those wanting to vote for Bedwell in the primary will have to write in the name James Bedwell in the county commissioner section of their primary ballot.

All ballots must be filled out and returned to the Hill County Clerk and Recorder's office by June 7 at 8 p.m. For those who have not signed up for absentee ballots, voting will take place at polls around the county.

 

Reader Comments(0)