David Stewart, a Kootenai County commissioner candidate, and Sharon Culbreth talk to Matt Roetter (off camera to left) during a break in the candidates forum sponsored by the North Idaho College Republicans Monday evening. (Photo: Duane Rasmussen)

As a result of Commissioner Jai Nelson's decision to withdraw from a re-election bid, David Stewart, above, has a clear shot at winning her commission seat. There are no other opponents in the race, on either the Republican or Democrat side. Stewart is a member of a rural property owners group that formed to fight the Unified Land Use Code last year. (archive story here) The anti-ULUC group also includes Marc Eberlein, a candidate for Commissioner Todd Tondee's seat. This means that two individuals from the same organization stand a good chance to control the Kootenai County Board of Commissioners next year.

Question: Do you think a political newcomer should be unopposed for county commissioner?

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