Two candidates running against each other for county commissioner second district in Lemhi County
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SALMON — Two candidates are looking to be the next county commissioner in the 2nd District for Lemhi County.
Jerry D. Anderson, a Democrat, and Kim Caywood-Kesl, a Republican, are running against each other for a four-year term.
EastIdahoNews.com sent the same eight questions to each candidate. Their responses, listed below, were required to be 250 words or less. Minor edits were made to meet the word count.
The general election is on Nov. 8.
Tell us about yourself — include information about your family, career, education, volunteer work and any prior experience in public office.
Anderson: My name is Jerry Anderson. I am a Democrat running for county commissioner for Lemhi County. I have been married to my lovely wife, Karen, for 49 years. I have two grown boys, one in Butte, Montana, and one in Southern California. I have two years of college: one year at the University of Montana and one year at Solano College in Northern California. I was a union official for the Brotherhood of Railway Carman Local 357 also helping to organize railroad-affiliated railroad businesses.
Caywood-Kesl: I was born and raised in Lemhi County. I live at Tendoy with my husband, Scott Kesl. We raise black Angus cattle and quarterhorses.
What are your proudest accomplishments in your personal life or career?
Caywood-Kesl: We have three children that we are very proud of.
Anderson: I am a retired railroader who started my career with the Santa Fe Railway in 1973 and retired from Amtrak in 2010. I am a registered Democrat after being an independent voter for most of my adult life. I believe in helping the people that need help from their government, making sure our tax dollars are spent wisely. I did 22 years in the Air Force Reserves; I am proud to say we did fire fighting missions dropping fire retardant to help the firefighters on the ground. We also did many humanitarian flights to Central and South America when tasked to do so.
Why are you a member of the Republican / Democrat / Independent / Other party? Briefly explain your political platform.
Anderson: I am a registered Democrat after being an independent voter for most of my adult life.
Caywood-Kesl: I am running for Lemhi County Commissioner in District 2. I am a member of the Republican Party. We live in an amazing community.
What are the greatest challenges facing residents in your county?
Caywood-Kesl: Candidate did not answer question.
Anderson: I think that the main challenge to Lemhi County is to make sure that we have controlled growth that looks out for the farmers and ranchers as well as businesses in Lemhi County.
How will you best represent the views of your constituents – even those with differing political views?
Anderson: I will look at all issues coming before the commissioners and hopefully find a solution that all will accept. I want to be a commissioner for all residents of the county to make Lemhi County a fantastic place to live and work.
Caywood-Kesl: Like many of you, I am a wife, mother and business owner. I believe you deserve to have your voice heard. You deserve a community where businesses can thrive, and your elected officials value hard work and integrity. If we all work together, we can always do what is right to keep Lemhi County great for many generations to come.
What are your goals while in office? Are there any specific projects or issues that are important to you?
Caywood-Kesl: Candidate did not answer question.
Anderson: Candidate did not answer question.
Do you have any plans to significantly reduce or expand staffing or make changes to the county budget if elected? Are there areas that need more funding or areas where cutbacks could be made?
Anderson: I am not sure of staffing at this time but will be willing to find ways to reduce cost to the taxpayers of Lemhi County without cutting services.
Caywood-Kesl: Candidate did not answer question.
As an elected official how will you work with the media to disseminate important information to the public?
Caywood-Kesl: Candidate did not answer question.
Anderson: I will be open to all aspects of the media whether print ,video or audio.