Category Archives: Coconino County

Primary Election results

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FLAGSTAFF—While the RNC was battling over rules 12, 15, candidates were vying for political positions in Coconino County. There are still two precincts to report as of this writing, but the results are not likely to change much.

In Coconino County, Republicans selected Jeff Flake over closest rival Wil Cardon to represent them against the only Democrat challenger Richard Carmona. The votes were 3,937 to 1,118. Choices statewide were pretty much as expected. Jeff Flake is the choice to face Richard Carmona in November.

Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick is favored to face Republican Jonathan Paton for Representative for District 1; both drawing overwhelming support.

Incumbent Chester Crandell will face Democratic challenger Tom Chabin for State Senator for District 6. They were the only candidates for their respective parties.

For District 7, Jack C. Jackson was the only Democrat listed and there were 93 write in votes for a Republican candidate which is not enough to get the name on the ballot in November.

For State Representatives, District 6 selected Democrats Doug Ballard and Angela Lefevre to face Republicans Brenda Barton and Bob Thorpe.

Democrats Albert Hale, Jamescita Peshlakai and Phil Stago were the only candidates running for State Representative for District 7. Phil Stago appears to have been edged out of the running.

The big battle over a choice for Judge for District V court appears to be settled. Justice of the Peace Cathleen Nichols forced out Joe Lodge who gave up his bid to run as a Libertarian and then a write in. Republican Gary Robbins stepped in as a write in candidate. 1,162 votes were cast and if all went for the official write in candidate, Gary Robbins’ name will appear on the November ballot facing Cathleen Nichols.
Sheriff Bill Pribil, the only Democrat, took his primary. Glen Davis filed as the only official write in candidate for Sheriff and there were 371 write in votes. If all were for Davis, his name will appear on the November ballot as he has to receive 361 votes.

Although there were no Republican challengers for the board of supervisor positions, Art Babbot was the Democrat selected in the Board of Supervisors District 1 to face Gail Dent of the Change Status Quo party.

In District 3, Matt Ryan will face Independent candidate Jack Duram of Flagstaff.

Democrat Patty Hansen will face Independent Troy Troutman of Parks for the office of County Recorder.

There were write in votes for Libertarians, Green Party and Americans Elect party, but their names are not known or if they garnered enough votes to appear on the ballot in November.

Statewide, with not all precincts reporting, it appears that only about 23% of voters turned out to vote in the primary. Coconino county is sitting at about 22% of voters.

Official list of write in candidates for Coconino County

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UPDATED: August 8, 2012

FLAGSTAFF—The list of write in candidates is final and following is that list. We tried to find the web sites of the candidates to add. If your web site is not listed, please leave a comment on this article.

At the TEA party meeting on Monday, the campaign manager for Gary Robbins explained the procedure for writing in a candidate is to write in the name of the candidate and darken in the oval.

Patty Hansen of the Coconino County Elections office advised in an email that it does not matter if you write first name last or vice-versa, or even if you misspell the name. If the write in board can determine the intent of the voter, it counts as a vote for that candidate. It is helpful, however, to be as accurate as possible.

She also notes that you can request to have an early ballot be mailed to you by going to www.coconino.az.gov/elections or call 928-679-7860 or toll free 800-793-6181. The deadline to request an early ballot be mailed to you is 5 pm on August 17th.

This applies to writing in all candidates for office. Ensure you write their name in the appropriate slot on the ballot and darken in the oval.

This list applies to current write in candidates for the primary only. Write in candidates must have registered with the Coconino County Elections office by July 18th. A write in vote for a person who has not registered and is not on this list will not be counted. Anyone wishing to vie for an office in the General Election in November may still register as a write in for that election.

OFFICIAL WRITE-IN CANDIDATES FOR FEDERAL, STATE & COUNTY OFFICES

AUGUST 28, 2012 PRIMARY ELECTION

U.S. Senate

Libertarian
VICTOR, MARC

Republican
ACLE, LUIS
LYON, JOHN

U.S. Representative in Congress – District No. 1

Libertarian
ALLEN, KIM

Corporation Commissioner

Green
MEADOWS, THOMAS
POUT, DANIEL

Libertarian
GOHL, CHRISTOPHER

Sheriff

Republican
DAVIS, GLEN

Judge of the Superior Court – Division V

Libertarian
HAUSER, STEVE
LODGE, JOE

Republican
ROBBINS, GARY

More write in candidates for August 28th

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FLAGSTAFF—Flagstaff Attorney Gary Robbins announces his write-in candidacy for Division 5 of the Coconino County Superior Court as a Republican. Republican write in candidates need at least 361 voters to write in their names on the ballot to be listed on the November election ballot.

Mr. Robbins joined the race because he is outraged that Cathleen Nichols would use a technicality to have incumbent Judge Joe Lodge removed from the primary ballot, leaving herself as the only person on the General Election ballot. Mr. Robbins states that the voters of Coconino County deserve a choice, and right now, the voters don’t have a choice.

“Although the Governor, Coconino County voters and Coconino County Superior Court judges have rejected Cathleen Nichols’ quest for Coconino County Superior Court judge on four prior occasions in 2010, Ms. Nichols is again attempting to become a Superior Court Judge. However, this time, to ensure her success, she has successfully knocked the incumbent opponent off of the primary ballot on a technicality,” his press release stated.

A July 13 article in the Arizona Daily Sun, indicates that Joe Lodge, a Democrat, may be running as a write in candidate on the Libertarian ticket.

Lodge would need only 15 write in votes, but unlike the Republican primary only Libertarians can vote in the Libertarian primary. An independent or non-partisan voter may go into the polls August 28th and ask for the ballot of any of the other major parties and vote in that primary. Thus, independents can write in Gary Robbins on the Republican ballot.

“A candidate for judicial office should not take the position to take away the voter’s choice,” Lodge said of Nichols. Cathleen Nichols is currently serving as Justice of the Peace in Flagstaff.

Mr. Robbins, a resident of Coconino County for almost 20 years, has been practicing law for 35 years. Instead of hearing traffic tickets in the Flagstaff Justice of the Peace Court for the last seven years, Mr. Robbins has practiced law in the Arizona Superior Court as a trial attorney for the last 31 years, appearing in thousands of hearings, after serving for nearly two years as a Staff Attorney for the Arizona Court of Appeals where he wrote draft opinions for the Court to issue.

The only other Republican candidate in the county is Glen Davis who is running for the office of Sheriff of Coconino County as a write in candidate.

Tampering with political signs illegal

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WILLIAMS—Election time seems to bring out the prankster or just plain viciousness of people. That can probably be traced in part to the campaign ads that declare a candidates qualification for office is that they are not as bad as the other guy and not what they intend to do for the country or their knowledge of the Constitution.

During the campaign for Justice of the Peace in Williams some years ago, someone drew lewd objects on the signs of one of the candidates. In Williams recently two signs of Will Cardon were discovered in a trash can.

Arizona Revised Statute makes it illegal to remove or tamper with political signs for candidates and propositions except in certain instances. If a sign is placed on your private property without your permission, for example, you can remove the signs.

The period of effect for this law is from 45 days before a primary to 7 days after the general election.

The Law does not specify, but as a courtesy you could call the number on the sign and ask to have them picked up. In addition, a candidate, or organization supporting or opposing a proposition, should make every effort to ensure their signs are retrieved and properly disposed of after the general election. Signs can sometimes be found months after a general election cluttering up our land and forests.
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Coconino County Health ask help with their health assessment

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WILLIAMS—The Coconino County Health department is holding an assessment of health services and asks the help of the public. The last session is to be held in Williams on Tuesday, July 17th from 10:30 to 11:30.

People are welcome to go to the event and participate.

As an enticement they offer refreshments and snacks at the event. However it is the Health department so don’t expect donuts and pastries.

Residents reminded about County Fire, Fireworks Ban

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FLAGSTAFF—As we head into the Fourth of July holiday, Coconino County reminds residents and visitors that while the sale of consumer fireworks is legal in Arizona, the County’s current fire ban prohibits their use.

On May 16, the County Board of Supervisors imposed a ban on open burning in unincorporated areas of the County – including on private property – until extreme fire conditions improve. Included in that ban is the use of fireworks, other pyrotechnic displays, all open fires and campfires (in both developed and undeveloped campgrounds).

“The continued lack of any measurable rainfall has resulted in extremely dangerous fire conditions throughout our county and the state,” said County Board of Supervisors Chairman Carl Taylor. “It’s prudent for everyone to use the strictest caution when using anything that could spark a fire. A wildfire can burn for weeks, but their impact is felt for decades.”

While the fire ban may not specifically ban every type of fire-causing activity, residents and visitors are asked to use their best judgment when considering whether to engage in any activity that could spark a fire. Residents and visitors are reminded that they can be held legally responsible for causing any wildfire.

County Sheriff’s deputies have been patrolling the region looking for those violating the County and US Forest Service fire bans. Those caught violating the County’s fire ban by using fireworks face up to 30 days in jail, one year probation or a fine of up to $500. Citizens are encouraged to check with other jurisdictions before using any fireworks. State law allows counties to restrict the use of fireworks when there is a risk of wildfire, but counties are unable to restrict the sale of fireworks.

In addition to the countywide fire ban, the following restrictions have been placed at all public County parks:

• Camping is permitted only in designated campgrounds at Fort Tuthill County Park;
• Smoking is strictly prohibited outdoors and only allowed in designated areas and/or in enclosed vehicles;
• Parking is prohibited on grassy forested areas and allowed in designated parking areas;
• Open fires are prohibited. This includes campfires, charcoal grills, torches, fireworks and candles. Only liquid gas stoves are permitted in improved areas (cleared of all vegetation, typically on a cinder or gravel surface).

Residents and visitors countywide are allowed to use (with caution) petroleum-fueled stoves or lanterns, and charcoal barbeque grills (with a lid that covers the entire grilling surface) operated in residential yards. Special events may be allowed, with the approval of the County Board of Supervisors.
Coconino and Kaibab National Forests also remain in Stage 2 fire restrictions. The fire ban in both forests includes:

• Open fires, including all campfires; charcoal, coal or wood stoves, including in developed campgrounds.
• The use of explosives.
• The use of any internal or external combustion engine without a spark-arresting device.
• Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
• The use of chainsaws between 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• The discharge of firearms.

County Attorney Announces Citizen Prosecutor Academy

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Flagstaff—Coconino County Attorney David Rozema is pleased to announce that his office will conduct a Citizen Prosecutor Academy on Friday, July 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The academy will be taught by various experts from the County Attorneys Office as well as other professionals from the criminal justice system. Attendees will learn how criminal cases are handled from intake/grand jury through trial to appeal. They can also expect a lecture presented by the Medical Examiner and a presentation about the Department of Public Safety Crime Lab. Participants will gain a behind-the-scenes understanding of real-world prosecution and law enforcement.

“We’re excited to continue our academy which brings the community into the office to share information, exchange ideas, and facilitate a better understanding of how the County Attorney’s Office serves the public. It’s also a lot of fun”, said County Attorney Rozema.

Class size is limited, so interested persons are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. There is no cost for the academy.

Visit the website at www.coconino.az.gov/CountyAttorney to download an application form. Completed forms can be faxed to (928) 679-8201, or mailed to Coconino County Attorney’s Office, 110 E. Cherry Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 or contact Tami Suchowiejko at (928) 679-8229 or Email.

Candidates Sought for County’s School Boards

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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Up to three seats each on school boards throughout Coconino County will be open for voters to fill on Election Day, Nov. 6.

County Superintendent of Schools Robert Kelty invites residents from throughout the County to consider serving their communities by seeking offices that help shape policies impacting our children’s future. All current terms end Dec. 31 and those elected serve four-year terms.

The following school districts will hold elections Nov. 6 to fill governing board openings:

• The Flagstaff Unified School Board will have three open positions, which are currently held by Chris Bavasi, Sarah Ells and Paul Kulpinski. A minimum of 201 nominating signatures must appear on a potential candidate’s petition forms and a nomination paper must be filed to seek one of these seats.

• The Fredonia Moccasin Unified School Board will have two open positions. Two of the positions are currently held by Jim Goodnow and Lamar Heaton. A minimum of five nominating signatures must appear on a potential candidate’s petition forms and a nomination paper must be filed to seek one of these seats.

• The Grand Canyon Unified School Board will have three open positions, which are currently held by Clarinda Vail, Peter Shearer and Luis Garcia. A minimum of six nominating signatures must appear on a potential candidate’s petition forms and a nomination paper must be filed to seek one of these seats.

• The Page Unified School Board will have three open positions, which are currently held by Sandra Kidman, Martha Natonabah and William Justice. A minimum of 39 nominating signatures must appear on a potential candidate’s petition forms and a nomination paper must be filed to seek one of these seats.

• The Williams Unified School Board will have three open positions, which are currently held by Herman Nixon, Thomas Ross and David Nenne. A minimum of 15 nominating signatures must appear on a potential candidate’s petition forms and a nomination paper must be filed to seek one of these seats.

• The Tuba City Unified School Board will have three open positions, which are currently held by Judy Begay, Linda Honahni and Marie Wheeler. A minimum of 46 nominating signatures must appear on a potential candidate’s petition forms and a nomination paper must be filed to seek one of these seats.

• The Chevelon Butte Elementary School District #5 School Board, will have three open positions, which are currently held by Richard Eng, Linda Blosser, and Trina Cooper. A minimum of three nominating signatures must appear on a potential candidate’s petition forms and a nomination paper must be filed to seek one of these seats.
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August 28th primary as important as the November election

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ARIZONA—The primary elections to select those candidates for the November ballot will be held August 28th. Candidates include federal, State legislative and county offices. Although the primaries are to select individuals from the major parties, Independents and Non-Partisan voters may vote in the primaries on that day. The procedure is simple. Voters registered as Independent and Non-Partisan can go to the polls and request a ballot for either of the established parties. The exception is the Libertarian party which has chosen to hold a closed primary election.

Federal offices

As of this writing the Democrats have one candidate for the office of United States Senator to replace retiring Senator Jon Kyl. Richard Carmona of Tuscon is the Democratic candidate.

The Libertarians have Sheila Bilyeu of Flagstaff running for the vacancy.

The Republicans have five hopefuls. Representative Jeff Flake and Wil Cardon of Mesa received the most petition signatures and the choice of the Republicans will probably be one of those. The other choices include Bryan Hackbarth of Peoria, Clair Ban Steenwyk of Buckeye—both of whom are on the ballot having received requisite petition signatures. John Lyon of Glendale is registered as a write-in candidate so those voting for him can write his name in the appropriate slot on the ballot.

Senator Kyl will narrowly escapes a recall attempt by Leonard Clark of Phoenix who has filed recall petitions against Jan Brewer and Carl Seel.

For Representative for Congressional District 1 the Democrats will select between Wenona Benally Baldenegro of Flagstaff and former Representative Ann Kirkpatrick.

The Libertarians have Anthony Prowell of Tuscon on the ballot.

The Republicans will have a choice of Patrick Gatti of Show Low, Jonathan Paton from Oro Valley and Wade Douglas, a business man from Sedona. Gaither Martin survived a court challenge by Jonathan Paton and is still on the ballot.

State Offices

As of this writing, Arizona Legislative District 6 will choose between Democrat Tom Chabin of Flagstaff and Republican Chester Crandell from Heber, Arizona—the only two candidates for State Senator.

For Representative for District 6 the Democrats will choose Doug Ballard of Parks and Angela Lefevre of Sedona. The Republicans will place Brenda Barton and Bob Thorpe as their candidates.
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