Primary election all north county

NEWPORT – Ballots are going out for the Primar Election this week, with 216 going to Metaline Falls voters and 1,901 going to Fire District 2 voters.

There are three candidates for Metaline Falls mayor. The top two will go on to the general election in November. The only measure on the ballot is one in which voters in Fire District 2 are being asked if the number of Fire District commissioners should be increased to five from three.

The incumbent mayor, Tara Leininger first took office in 2008. She says she was happy to learn there were other candidates.

“Imagine my delight when, for the first time in more years than we can count, there is going to be more than one name on the ballot running for mayor!” she says. After learning there were other candidates, she says she had to decide whether to continue her candidacy.

“But a series of events, and the encouragement and support of several people, have me ready to fulfill one more term if elected,” Leininger says.

Leininger is pastor for First Congregational United Church of Christ. She is also involved with The Cutter Theatre.

Sherice McAnerin has lived in Metaline Falls for 21 years. She says she met with many people before making the decision to run. There is plenty for a mayor to do she says, and she is open to hearing people’s concerns.

“From stormwater to skunks, speeding and conscientious planning for town events, such as the growing Bigfoot Festival, no topic is off the table. I am committed to thoughtful listening and delivering real solutions to those concerns,” she says.

This is her first run for public office.

“I have never held an elected position before, but there is no time like the present to start,” she writes.

McAnerin owns her own photography business and is a volunteer for Fire District 2.

In the Voters Guide, Walter Minsal is described as a family man, small business owner and visionary.

“Walter decided to run for Mayor because as a resident and business owner, he has a vested interest in the success of Metaline Falls,” his wife and campaign manager Tonie Minsal wrote in response to The Miner’s question about his reason for running. She says that Walter asked her to relay his answers. “Being a visionary, he immediately recognized the town’s potential. Also, people have been asking him to run for the past few years.”

Minsal owns and operates Northern Auto in Metaline Falls.

Ballots go out Thursday, July 17. They must be returned, postmarked no later than Aug. 5.