Deadline nears for city races

SANDPOINT — Two days remain for Bonner County residents to announce their candidacy for city office.

With the deadline to file candidacy set for 5 p.m. Friday, time is short for individuals to throw their hat into this year’s elections. Those wishing to do so must bring their declaration of candidacy signed by a public notary to their local city clerk. This declaration must be accompanied by either a $40 filing fee or a collection of at least five signatures from qualified city electors. These electors must be certified by the Bonner County clerk as qualified to participate in local elections.

Ponderay has two council seats up for grabs, currently occupied by Steve Geiger and John Darling. While the City Hall office is normally closed on Fridays, City Clerk Su Warren said she will be available to accept candidacy papers right up to the deadline. To date, no residents have put themselves as candidates for office.

East Hope has two four-year council seats and one two-year seat up for election. Two candidates have emerged so far to pursue those positions. Tom Grimm has been confirmed by Bonner County to appear on the ballot, while Ronald Seay is still awaiting final approval of his candidacy declaration.

Two seats held by council members David Sundquist and Crystal Closson are available in Kootenai. Both incumbents have announced they’ll be running for reelection, but no one has yet challenged them for a seat.

Clark Fork will have two council seats and the mayoral office up for election. Mayor Jeff Jeffers said he would not be seeking another term, leaving the office open for newcomers.

Finally, Sandpoint has three council seats open. City Council members confirmed that members Jamie Brunner and Justin Schuck will not be seeking reelection, while Councilman Shelby Rognstad intends to file a declaration of candidacy. City Clerk Maree Peck said that as of Wednesday afternoon, no one had filed candidacy papers except for resident Bryan Dillon.

As the only city in Bonner County with a population of more than 5,000, Sandpoint candidates will also have to declare a campaign treasurer. They can either appoint themselves to this position or select a qualified elector registered to vote.