THE LOCAL NEWS OF THE MADISON VALLEY, RUBY VALLEY AND SURROUNDING AREAS

County commissioner candidate profiles

June 7 primaries

The Federal Primary Election being held on June 7 will have a few county offices/issues for our voters to choose. This election will be a poll election with mail ballots being sent to absentee voters. Absentee Ballots for the June 7th Primary Election were mailed on May 13, 2022, according to Paula McKenzie, Madison County Clerk and Recorder.

Only those races with three or more filed candidates will appear on the Primary Ballot (this is to get those races down to two candidates for the General Election), those county offices with two or less filing go directly to the General Ballot in November. Primary races are noted in bold below.

Clerk of District Court – Carmin Hill

Commissioner Dist 2 – Ronald E Nye, Heidi Woods (write in) Commissioner

Dist 3 – Brian S Conklin, Kristy Wright Ranson, and Bill Todd

Clerk and Recorder – Paula Mckenzie

Sheriff – Chris Tenny and Duncan W Hedges

County Attorney – David Buchler

Treasurer – Shelly Burke

Justice of the Peace – Jordan Allhands, Wes W Collette, and Marc Glines

This week The Madisonian profiled the candidates for Districts 2 and 3. Only District 3 candidates will appear on the June 7 primary ballot. Candidates were asked to tell readers a bit about themselves and why they are running for county commissioner in 150 words or less. Read their profiles (in alphabetical order) below and tune in next week for Justice of the Peace candidate profiles.

Bill Todd

I am a husband, an outdoorsman, a Presbyterian and a college athlete. In 2012, I co-founded an accounting software company and serve as Chief Technology Officer and as Secretary of our Board of Directors. I have extensive experience in managing contracts, engaging in difficult negotiations, and overseeing civil litigation. I believe in low taxes and small effective government. I represent four generations of family within the Madison Valley and God willing, I'll be a resident here for 60 years or more.

I was asked by a friend and local business leader to run for County Commissioner and have answered the call of public service. I attend all regular commission meetings and upon assuming office, Commissioner will be my full time occupation to avoid conflicts of interest. I have no agenda other than protecting our County so someday my own children will experience the Madison Valley we know and love.

Brian Conklin

I have 20 years of service as a U.S. diplomat strengthening national security, infrastructure and economic development. This includes a tour with the US Army in Iraq leading counter-insurgency efforts at the height of the Iraq war in 2007. My family loves living where people still know and care about each other. Both my daughters graduated from Ennis High School. My son is a cowboy in the Ruby Valley.

I am the only candidate with the experience and leadership skills to help our county navigate the challenges ahead. I have the experience to manage growth, address housing and labor shortage issues. I recognize the importance of keeping our public lands accessible to everyone. I’m committed to bringing transparent leadership to the county - leadership that supports our dedicated county employees. I will encourage open and respectful conversations with all Madison County residents and ensure your voice will be heard

Kristy Wright Ranson

I’m honored to have this opportunity to introduce myself and why I'm passionate about being your next county commissioner. I am a local business owner, town government leader and mother. Born in Montana, I was raised in a ranching family, with a strong work ethic, and a love of riding horses. Being an owner of multiple businesses in Madison County and having lived in multiple locations throughout the southwest US, it was Ennis where I choose to raise Joey.

I understand first hand the issues facing our citizens; workforce housing, road and bridge maintenance, income inequality, growth and infrastructure demands. I feel the experiences and perspective I have gained will help me work with my fellow commissioners to represent all the citizens of the County.

As your Commissioner, I feel strongly positioned to preserve the core values of the citizens of Madison County as we move forward together into the future

Ron Nye,

Incumbent I am Ron Nye, a lifelong resident of Montana! My parents homesteaded in the Centennial Valley. As my grandfather’s health began to fail, they sold their homestead and moved to the Twin Bridges area. I have been there most of my life. I met my wife Georgia while attending College at the University of Montana Western. We have two children Andy and Jackie. Andy and his wife Susie own the Ice House and the Mini-storage in Twin Bridges. Jackie and her Husband reside in Clarkston, Wash.

I am seeking my 3rd term as a Commissioner. I have enjoyed being a Commissioner. I still have some things that I would like to see happen: The Children's Center reopened for one. With the newly formed Madison County Fairgrounds foundation we have the opportunity to make our Fairgrounds a showplace. The Roads are better. We still have work to do and with your vote, we can get it done!

Heidi Woods

Woods is a write in candidate for the Nov. 22 election. There was no information available at press time.

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The Madisonian

65 N. MT Hwy 287
Ennis, MT 59729
406-682-7755
www.madisoniannews.com

Cori Koenig, editor: editor@madisoniannews.com
Susanne Hill, billing: s.hill@madisoniannews.com 
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