Democrats Line Up For Shoshone Races

Shoshone County

Four Democrats are eager to manage Shoshone County’s money matters. In thex primary election, long-time assessor Duane Little is being challenged by Jim Appelberg.

Darlene Currie and Ellen Sauer are both bidding to replace treasurer Tamara House, who recently resigned.

Currie, of Kingston, offers a variety of managerial and office experience. Currently working for a Pinehurst dentist, her former jobs included senior computer operator at Bunker Hill Co. and welfare eligibility examiner for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. She is also a licensed insurance agent.

Currie, 50, is making her first run at public office.

“It’s just something I’ve always wanted to do,” she said. “The timing’s really good. My son’s out of college.”

A third-generation Shoshone County resident, she lives in Kingston with her husband, Mark Currie.

Sauer, 41, is manager of the U.S. Bank of Wallace. She has 20 years of banking experience.

“I have worked the banking end of the treasurer’s office over the years, so I have a really good understanding of what they do,” she said. “It would be a real smooth transition.”

Sauer said she would revive the treasurer’s former tactic of doing short-term investing of funds with local banks, “for a good return on the taxpayer’s dollar.” She would also shop hard for the best banking products, she said.

This is her first run for office. She and her husband, Don Sauer, have two children.

Little has been auditor for 24 years. He said he has “fought very hard for protection of the homeowner through homeowner’s and circuit breaker exemptions in the past, and will continue to do so.”

He will continue his open-door policy, he said. “Everyone will be treated fairly and equally, according to the law.”

Little, 60, is a Kellogg resident.

Appelberg, also of Kellogg, could not be reached for comment.