More changes on the local election scene. After a quiet start, candidates have started to show interest in Mono County. Inyo has seen some new activity as well.inyo_courthouse.jpeg

In Inyo County, the most recent election change is the announcement by incumbent Supervisor Jim Bilyeu. Supervisor Bilyeu says that he will retire at the end of his term and will not seek re-election.

In an official statement Bilyeu writes I have decided to retire in 2009; therefore I will not file for or run for another term as fourth district Supervisor. My wife Sandee and I intend to travel some, relax and enjoy other interests. I have enjoyed serving on the Board of Supervisors and will continue to do so until my term expires this coming December. There are many difficult issues ahead for Inyo County and I ask you to carefully select someone for this position who has the best interest of the communities at heart with a belief that he or she works for the people and not the other way around.

Bilyeu says that the pressing issues for Inyo County and the Fourth District include deferred maintenance on county buildings, and finding money to either demolish the old Big Pine Care Center or restore it and find a use for it.

Marty Fortney has officially filed to run in the Fourth District and Butch Hambleton has taken out papers to run for Bilyeus Fourth District seat.

Incumbent Supervisor Susan Cash has officially filed to run for re-election in district two. Ted Gardner has taken out papers to run in district two as well.

Richard Cervantes has officially filed to run for re-election in district five. Bill Wenzel has taken out papers to run for the Lone Pine supervisors job.

It looks like three candidates will seek the job of Inyo Superior Court Judge. Judge Brian Lamb and Bishop attorney Tom Hardy have officially filed to run. Assistant District Attorney for Inyo County, Mark Johnson, has taken out papers and said that he plans to enter the race for Judge as well.

As of early last week, no potential candidates had taken out papers to run in Mono County. That has now changed. Christi Robles with the Clerk Recorders Office reports that no one has officially filed to run yet, but many have now been issued the paperwork to run. Assistant Assessor Bob Musil has taken out papers to run for assessor if the recall of current Assessor Jim Lovett passes. Joel Flamenbaum has taken out papers to run for Assessor as well.

Three supervisor seats are up for election in Mono County. In District 3, Supervisor Vikki Bauer has taken out papers to run for re-election. In District 2, Hap Hazard has taken out papers to seek re-election. Hazard may face some competition as Joseph Conti has taken out papers in District 2 as well.

In Mammoth, the council seats of Kirk Stapp and Skip Harvey are up for grabs. Jo Bacon and Don McPherson have taken out papers to run so far. Kirk Stapp has now taken out papers to run.

The filing deadline for nomination papers is March 7th unless one of the incumbents does not file. In that case, the deadline extends to March 12th.

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