Election heat comes early for Cheney, ML

Four races, including mayoral competition in both cities, to appear on August primary ballot

By JOHN McCALLUM

Editor

The 2009 election season could be a busy one for residents on the West Plains, with many key offices up for grabs.

Thirty-six candidates have filed to run for 18 open positions ranging from state legislator to fire district commissioner, with several positions being contested by three people or more and thus appearing on the Aug. 18 primary ballot.

Both Cheney and Medical Lake will have contested mayoral races this year. In Cheney, incumbent Allan Gainer is seeking re-election,...