County races up for grabs

COEUR d'ALENE — Bob Bingham and Ben Wolfinger had large early leads in Kootenai County races, while Todd Banducci jumped out on top to retain his North Idaho College board seat and Judge Clark Peterson had strong support during Tuesday night's general election.

With just the early in-person voting results and three of 73 precincts counted as of midnight - 21,312 ballots in all - Peterson had 12,370 "yes" votes (77.5 percent). He needs a simple majority of "yes" votes — 50 percent, plus one — to retain his seat.

However, most of the votes posted were from the voting period before last week's campaign by the Citizens for the Removal of Judge Clark Peterson, who urged voters to not retain the state magistrate.

The campaign claimed Peterson's gaming activities have been a factor in some of the decisions he's made from the bench. They raised additional concerns about his personal life, including bankruptcy, divorce and foreclosure proceedings on his home.

But Peterson said those are old issues that have been long resolved.

Peterson, 49, has been a magistrate for more than six years. He is one of six magistrates in Kootenai County.

Those who attended last week's picket in front of the Kootenai County Courthouse in support of Peterson called the campaign a "character assassination" of the judge, saying he was under attack for his personal life and hobbies.

If voters choose to not retain him, Peterson’s seat will become vacant and the Magistrate Commission, which includes judges, community leaders and attorneys, will appoint someone to fill the position.

Peterson in 2000 co-founded Necromancer Games, a publisher of role-playing game materials. After being appointed judge, he transferred his interest in that company to my business partner.

"I maintained an interest in my old hobby and, while on breaks, did on occasion post on related message boards," he wrote in a statement to The Press. "I did not ever, as has been suggested, participate in online gaming during work hours."

"As I expressed some years ago, I regret if anyone viewed my postings regarding one of my hobbies as not being up to the standards of the Idaho Judiciary. I changed my practices immediately. I have already addressed these matters."

Peterson co-created Legendary Games a year after he took the oath of office as magistrate in March 2010. Peterson later gave his interest in Legendary Games away to the other partners.

Peterson and his former wife, Donna, filed for Chapter 13 relief in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in 2012.

KOOTENAI COUNTY

COMMISSIONERS

Bingham, a Republican, had 12,796 (70.5 percent) to 5,350 for Russell McLain, an independent, in the race for the District 3 seat currently held by Dan Green.

Green did not seek re-election.

Bingham chose not to attend candidate forums during the general election season.

"I didn't believe that the first forum (in Athol) presented itself in a manner that was balanced," he said. "There's no need to go to a party if I know that I'm not welcome."

He said he wanted to get the word out about his qualifications and stands on issues through his website instead.

"I put everything out there for people to see," he said. "I put out so much that some people said, 'Bob, it's overwhelming.'"

Bingham said he ran on this track record, referring to PACT (political philosophy as a conservative Republican; accountability; citizen/county focus; and transparency.)

"These are the things I plan to do and, if you agree, great," he said. "I'd love to have your vote."

Bingham, who founded the North West Property Owners Alliance, said he attended forums during the primary season, however.

McLain said he believes Bingham counted on the "R" by his name to pull him through.

"He wouldn't come out and play (by debating at the forums)," McLain said.

McLain said he believes he caught a lot of momentum during recent months by speaking with local officials, county staff and at senior centers.

"I wanted to get ideas and catch the flow of what's going on," he said. "Everybody has treated me great. It's been the adventure of a lifetime."

McLain said he had hoped to get more support from Republicans despite running against a Republican candidate.

McLain is a former bus driver for the Coeur d'Alene School District.

McLain said he hopes his curiosity of asking a lot of questions on broad topics and meeting with county staff and local officials and at senior centers during his campaign showed that he was sincere about his run.

"I'm interested in creating jobs, public safety — the full gamut — not just the land-use code," he said.

For the District 2 county commission seat, Republican Chris Fillios, who defeated current Commissioner David Stewart in the primary, ran unopposed in the general election.

SHERIFF

Wolfinger, the Republican incumbent, had 16,168 votes (80 percent) compared to 4,055 for Democrat Tina Kinishige.

Wolfinger said he hopes his 33 years of law enforcement experience and what he called a proven track record of providing service to the community resonated with voters.

"I have the experience and record of doing the job well," he said.

Wolfinger was elected sheriff in 2012 and took office in January 2013.

"I believe we've done well with responding to the needs of the community," he said. "We've raised the bar and want to continue to move that way."

Kunishige lacks formal law enforcement experience.

PROSECUTING

ATTORNEY

Republican Barry McHugh, the incumbent, was unopposed.

NORTH IDAHO

COLLEGE BOARD

Todd Banducci, the Zone 3 incumbent, had 8,939 votes (59.8 percent) compared to 6,016 for challenger Greg Gfeller in the non-partisan race.

Banducci, president of Falcon Investments and Insurance, said he has worked hard to be fiscally sound for the college.

"I take tuition and tax rates very seriously," he said during an election gathering at The Fedora Pub and Grille.

Banducci said he's also pushed for increased transparency such as listing professional services contracts to enhance the competitive bid process, but has gotten some pushback for that.

"I'm a true servant for the people, and I'm not a hand puppet for anybody," he said.

Gfeller, director of operations in North Idaho for Avista Utilities, touted his business background and education in organizational leadership during his campaign.

"I ran with the position that I'll treat people with respect regardless if there's differences," Gfeller said. "I want to work together with the board, staff, students, citizens and faculty for the future."

Gfeller said he believes there's tension between board members and between the board and faculty. He believes he's the best candidate to smooth out that tension for the good of the future for NIC.

Judy Meyer, the Zone 4 seat holder and incumbent, was unopposed.

For the Zone 5 seat, Brad Murray ran unopposed after being appointed to fill the seat formerly held by Ron Nilson. Geri Wile was originally slated to run against Murray. While her name was on the ballot, she withdrew from the race for health reasons.

Murray had 9,909 votes (72.3 percent) compared to 3,795 for Wile.