Today, I will be writing about county races in the Valley. Though some people don’t find these races very sexy, county government has more of an effect on your life than the “higher” levels of government, especially the national government. I will write more about county government next week but now let’s get to the races.

Ada County Commissioner District 1: Steven Kimball vs. Jay Larsen vs. Sharon Ullman

This race is so screwed up that the Statesman couldn’t even make an endorsement. Not that the Statesman endorsements are that good but is everyone in this race that bad? Maybe so. I decided to watch the videos of these candidates and they were interesting. Kimball sounds very naïve but at least he is straight forward. Kimball says he has common sense; that would be unusual for this position. Larsen seems like the typical businessman who thinks he can run government like a business. So many candidates want government to be run like a business but the business they choose is Enron. Just quoting Jefferson will not help you understand how the government works. If there is an election, Sharon Ullman must be running. She is unproductive in office and may be more effective as the outside gadfly. I think Ullman will win on name recognition. The Democrats will be happy if that is the case.

Canyon County Commissioner District 1: Steve Rule vs. Jim Rice

Rule was elected two years ago and seems to be feeling his way into the job. He has definitely been the second (or I guess third) fiddle to David Ferdinand (his new nickname should be Paladin, the character from “Have Gun Will Travel”) and Matt Beebe. Rule is hard to gauge but his support, especially around Middleton, is strong. Rice is a lawyer who always has something to say even when he isn’t asked. Rice is a lot of smoke but not much fire. Rule is endorsed by the Press Tribune and the Statesman while Rice is endorsed by The Canyon County Alliance for Responsible Growth and is supported by sheriff candidate Nourse. I think Rule will pull this out especially since he has a lot of money to spend but I am sure someone whose name is four letters and begins with “R” will win.

Canyon County Commissioner District 2: Kathy Alder vs. George Combs vs. Norman Hogg vs. Jarom Wagoner

Alder has run for this before, really knows the issues and would not be part of the personal power struggles that are going on at the county court house. That said, how effective will she be inside government as compared to her accustomed place outside (see Ullman above)? Combs is more tied to the Sheriff Smith wing of the county (the mainstream of the county GOP) and seems like a very competent and thoughtful person who would do a fine job on the commission. Hogg (though not Boss Hogg like Hazzard County, that would be George Nourse) is tied to Nourse and the old time power structure of the county. Why don’t these people just retire? Wagoner was the brightest and most thoughtful candidate I saw at the one forum I attended. He might be the best of the lot but he won’t win because he is too young. Too bad. Alder is endorsed by the Press Tribune and the Alliance while Combs is endorsed by the Statesman. Look for Alder to win this one with strong support from pro-ag people and a split opposition, though I would not be surprised if the GOP establishment helps Combs pull this out.

Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney: Dave Young vs. Danny Bower vs. John Bujak

This may be the most screwed up office in the state, if not the country. Young is at best incompetent and might be just downright corrupt. If you look up good old boy in the dictionary, you find his picture. He is a poor prosecutor and needs to be replaced by anyone else. Bower seems like the nicest guy you could ever meet. He stopped by my house campaigning and is sincere and thoughtful, though sort of young. Bower’s comments about Bujak and prior run-in with the law show a tougher side of Danny boy. Bujak (The College of Idaho) has the most experience, support (Everyone has endorsed him), contributions and ideas. Bujak will probably win but as long as it isn’t Young, everyone wins.

Canyon County Sheriff: Chris Smith vs. George Nourse

Smith is the incumbent (despite Nourse’s signs that ask voters to Re-Elect Nourse) and has done a fine job for the last term. I became sold on him based upon a letter to the editor. It was from a woman in the sheriff’s office who now, under Smith, feels she is being treated fairly and will not be discriminated against for promotion as in the past because she is a woman. It seems all of the current employees like Smith and the office is more professional than in the past. And Now for Something Completely Different: George Nourse. The original Boss Hogg, Nourse retired, endorsed Smith and is now discontent because Smith won’t do everything George wants. The days of the good old boys of Young and Nourse are hopefully gone for good in Canyon County. Smith is endorsed by both papers, has the most contributions and contributors, and should win going away.

Next up, national offices and a couple of other races to think about.

Go Yotes.

Dr. Jasper M. LiCalzi
Professor
Department of Political Economy
The College of Idaho