Two openings on conservation board

Whitman Conservation District will conduct an election in February to fill a seat on its board. District manager Nancy Hoobler said the position open is one that comes up for election every three years.

“Our supervisors come up for election on a three-year rotating basis,” said Hoobler.

Hoobler said the cost to participate in the November general election is high, so they wait to hold their election in February.

“We can have it at different times,” she said.

Cory Aeschliman currently holds the seat and will run for another term. As of yet, no one has filed to oppose Aeschliman.

Completed candidate applications must be submitted to the Whitman Conservation District office by 4:30 p.m. Jan. 8. Interested candidates must obtain at least 25 signatures in order to be included on the ballot, Hoobler said.

Those interested in running must reside within the Whitman Conservation District, which is the southwest area of Whitman County, Hoobler said.

The election will take place on Feb. 9 at the United Methodist Church located at 109 S. Mill Street. Polls will open at 4 p.m. and close at 8 p.m.

The board has five supervisors, three elected and two appointed. An appointed position is also open, and applicants interested in that position do not have to reside within the district, must be a registered voter and also are required to own land or operate a farm.

“Because we work with farmers and ranchers, whoever is in this position needs to be educated on farming and ranching because of the decisions that need to be made,” Hoobler said.

The appointed position which is open is currently held by Rhod McIntosh who will step aside at the end of his term in May.

Those applications are due to the conservation office by March 31.

More information can be found at http://www.scc.wa.gov/ or at the conservation office, located at 601 N Main St. #A. 509-288-4644.