Latah County Races

Thu., Oct. 29, 1998

By Andrea Vogt andreav@spokesman.com

Latah County voters must decide two contested commissioner’s seats and a controversial ballot measure that could change how Latah County is governed.

The Optional Forms of County Government proposal would allow elections only for the three county commissioners and the prosecuting attorney. The other management positions (including sheriff) would be appointed by a hired county manager who would work with the commissioners and oversee courthouse operations.

Incumbent Democrat Loreca Stauber of Genesee is running for District 2 county commissioner against Independent challenger Bill Twigg, a Moscow businessman. Stauber’s campaign has focused on her efforts to make government more accountable, and her record of thoughtful, informed decision-making, Stauber said. Stauber, 57, also emphasizes her role in rural economic development, specifically helping the community of Helmer apply for and receive a grant to build a sewage system. She is opposed to the optional forms of government proposal.

Twigg, 46, who builds horse-drawn carriages, said he decided to run after being asked by Cindy Agidius, a Moscow Republican activist. Rather than address specific county issues, Twigg said he wants to focus on improving the decision-making process. He believes the process should mirror “a corporate board,” with limited after-the-vote complaining. He also is opposed to the optional forms of government proposal.

Three candidates are vying for the District 3 commissioner’s seat. GOP Incumbent Harry DeWitt, 67, is the only state or county politician up for re-election supporting the optional forms of government proposal. A county manager would improve the chain of command, DeWitt said, and protect good elected officials from term limits.

DeWitt maintains he’s kept a fiscally conservative record of limited spending and controlling the budget. Even so, new sheriff’s vehicles were purchased, county employees got raises and a computer upgrade program is underway, he added.

Democrat Sam Duncan, 53, a WSU Student Health Services pharmacist, said he wants a more open commission and an end to the “let’s meet at lunchtime, work out a deal and tell the people later approach.” Specifically, he’s critical of DeWitt’s decision not to go out for public bid on a $5,000 project and the “insensitive” approach to a citizen’s request for a cemetery district. Duncan supports increasing, not decreasing tax support for Latah Health Services. He opposes the optional forms of government proposal.

Kendrick forester Bob Hassoldt, an Independent, served on the county planning and zoning commission for eight years. Hassoldt said he ran for commissioner after realizing he had maxed out what he could do by simply volunteering.

Hassoldt, 41, said the county should do a better job of anticipating changes - like the closure of the Moscow-Arrow rail line. If elected, his top priorities would be improving U.S. Highway 95 and attracting more light industry. He opposes the optional forms of county government proposal.

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