Seats up for election this year locally. Some news to report on that.

At the Inyo County Courthouse, elections officials report that all three incumbent supervisors have taken out petitions in lieu of filing fees – Supervisors Susan Cash, Jim Bilyeu and Richard Cervantes.

And, if Dj vu appeals to you, former Supervisor Butch Hambleton has taken out petitions to run in District 4, which would challenge Bilyeu. Last time around, Hambleton lost in the wake of positions he took against a voter-approved measure and against hospitals receiving tobacco money.

In Lone Pine, William Wenzel took out papers to run against Richard Cervantes. February 11th marks the official start date of declaring candidacy.

One more office up for election – Superior Court Judge Brian Lamb's seat. Judge Lamb has taken out petitions in lieu of filing fees.

At the Mono Courthouse, elections officials said no one has taken out petitions in lieu of filing fees. However, Supervisor Hap Hazard did circulate an email that said he does plan to run for re-election. Hazard said that he sees accomplishment over the past three years – improvements in the county's management and accountability of staff.

The seats of Mono Supervisors Vikki Bauer and Bill Reid are also up for election.

Another election matter in the works – the potential recall of Mono Assessor Jim Lovett. The Elections Department has until Friday to verify signatures on the recall petition. Stay tuned.