MISSOULA – Missoula city and county voters have several issues to decide on Election Day.
Click here to view the latest elections results.
Missoula County Sheriff
Incumbent Missoula County Sheriff TJ McDermott was seeking a second term in office and he got it by defeating challenger Travis Wafstet 60%-to-40% according to the latest numbers.
While as Sheriff, McDermott credited his success to the jail diversion program. The Sheriff’s Office has also added 24/7 medical services, including psychiatric care in the jail.
The Sheriff also created a School Resource Officer for Missoula county schools.
Wafstet is a Missoula native and life-long Missoula resident who’s spent almost 16 years as a firefighter, EMT, and as a deputy sheriff with Missoula County.
Missoula Justice of the Peace
Incumbent Marie Andersen was looking to hold her seat for another four-year term as Missoula County Justice of the Peace but it appears Alex Beal will be taking it.
Beal, who’s been an assistant Municipal Court Judge in Missoula since 2016, was leading 61%-to-29% as of Wednesday morning.
Beal has also served as a substitute judge for Missoula Municipal Court, Hamilton City Court, and Stevensville City Court.
Andersen was elected as Justice of the Peace in 2014. She also co-presides with Standing Master Brenda Desmond over Veterans’ court.
Missoula Open Space Bond
Missoula County voters have approved a $15 million bond to pay for more efforts to save open space by a margin of 59%-41%,
Backers of this latest proposal say the money would help “seed” additional open space preservation above and beyond what was done with the previous program that’s been used for several years.
That includes completing public access around Mount Dean Stone.
The county-wide open space bond will last for 20 years and add an estimated $13.46 per year on a home with an assessed market value of $200,000.
Missoula Stewardship Levy
The Open Space bond is being considered in conjunction with a City-Wide Conservation and Responsible Stewardship Perpetual Mill Levy of 4 mills that would raise $500,000 annually for conservation lands management.
Cit voters approved the measure by a 58%-to-42% margin. It will add $10.80 per year to the taxes on a home with a market value of $200,000.
