Election year means commission openings, auditor, Register of deeds, sheriff

Posted on Monday, January 11, 2010

By ELISA SAND, Staff Reporter

As the new year rolls forward, Lake County gears up for a new election year that will decide two commissioner seats, the Lake County Auditor, the Register of Deeds and the Sheriff.

The two commission seats currently open are held by Scott Pedersen and Bert Verhey. Verhey has been on the board since 2001. He was first elected to a two-year term, followed by two consecutive four-year terms.

When asked about his intentions, Verhey made no commitment, but did say he's seen a lot of change in personnel in the past nine years.

"Change is constant," he said. "I enjoy people. If I'm not enjoying my job, I enjoy people."

Pedersen was appointed to the board in October 2008 and was also reluctant to commit at this time. He completed the term held by Shirlee Leighton who died unexpectedly in the middle of her term.

Pederson brought experience as a prior county commissioner in Miner County, but he said, there's definitely been more time commitment on the Lake County board.

As for the elected officials, Schmidt has held the position as auditor since 1987; Hartman has been sheriff since 1999 and Boatwright has been register of deeds since 1973.

When asked about their intentions, Boatwright quickly indicated yes, but Schmidt said she hadn't given the idea much thought at this time.

Hartman, however, started the year eyeing retirement, but has since decided to seek another term. When asked what changed his mind, Hartman said his chief deputy wasn't ready to seek the sheriff's spot. As a result he pushed back his retirement.

"I like what I do, and I'll fight again for it," Hartman said.

The sheriff's position has been challenged in the last two elections.

Petitions for all positions are currently available and can be filed until March 30. Petitions can be obtained either at the Lake County Auditor's office or on the secretary of state's web site, but they must be notarized prior to circulation and once again when the petition is filed.

If running as a Republican, 32 valid signatures are required. Twenty-one signatures are required for democrats. Independent candidates must have 53 signatures and have until June 8 to file a petition.

All sheriff candidates must also file a certificate of qualification.

©Madison Daily Leader 2010