The search to find a replacement for outgoing Blaine County Commissioner Sarah Michael has already turned up a few possibilities, said Betty Murphy, chairwoman of the Blaine County Democrats.
Although she declined to name which local residents called her in response to the opening on the County Commission, she said, "they're four very qualified people."
In an interview with the Idaho Mountain Express last week, Michael, a longtime resident of Hulen Meadows, made the surprising announcement that she will officially step down from her position on the County Commission effective July 1. Her decision set off the immediate process to fill her seat by Aug. 1.
Michael said she and her husband, Bob Jonas, want to travel more, hence the surprising decision.
On Monday, Murphy said she has already fielded four calls from people expressing interest in the position.
People interested in applying for the District 3 seat have until July 7 to submit a letter of interest to Murphy.
Once all the letters are in, Murphy and the nine precinct committee people for the Blaine County Democratic Party will chose three names from the applications to send to Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter for a final decision.
Letters should be sent to Murphy at bmurphysv@aol.com or to P.O. Box 3557, Ketchum, ID 83340.
People sending a letter of interest should state why they're interested, their education and experience, ideas about the future of the county, participation in the Democratic party and county issues, and location of residence. Candidates should be available for meet with Murphy and the nine precinct committee people between July 9-13.
"We're going to interview them," Murphy said.
The County Commission is a full-time position with meetings each Tuesday except for the fifth Tuesday of each month. It pays about $51,000 per year plus benefits.
For questions about the position, contact Tom Bowman or Larry Schoen at 788-5500 or call Sarah Michael at 720-1588. Other questions should be directed to Betty Murphy at 726-6423.
Sarah Michael
