Primary narrows choices for assessor, other county offices

A hodgepodge of races for Clark County offices could make for interesting matchups in the general election.

Assessor Mark Schofield's plans to retire at the end of the year attracted a packed field to the open seat.

In the Democratic primary, Michele Shafe, assistant director in the assessor's office, won easily with 50 percent of the vote. Opponents Robert Blakely and Anthony Wernicke got 32 percent and 18 percent, respectively.

Schofield endorsed Shafe who said she would take a 29 percent pay cut if she becomes assessor. Shafe said the pay cut would ensure a qualified person runs an office that affects so many taxpayers.

In the Republican race, Gerritt Hale drew 55 percent of the vote to beat Nick Starling, who received 46 percent.

Shafe and Hale in November will face Brent Howard, independent; Curtis Christianson of the Independent American Party, and Sean Morse, a Libertarian.

In other races, incumbent Recorder Debbie Conway got 64 percent of the vote to handily beat Stephanie Joseph with 36 percent.

Republican candidate Jim Edwards drew 47 percent, sliding past Donald Hotchkiss, who got 29 percent, and Tom Willis who received 24 percent.

The treasurer's primary attracted two Republicans. Mike "Doc" Javornicky got 71 percent of the vote, eclipsing Edwin Canizalez, who garnered 29 percent.

Three Republicans made a bid for public administrator. Jack Clark received 51 percent of the vote for a lopsided victory over opponents Kelsie Graham, who received 29 percent and Steve Sanson who garnered 21 percent.

In the county clerk contest, Democrat Diana Alba got 56 percent of the vote, nudging out Gloria Bonaventura at 44 percent.

Republican candidate Scott Austin drew 68 percent of the vote, outgunning opponent Nicholas Needham's 32 percent.