IDAHO FALLS — Michelle Mallard emerged victorious Tuesday night in a close, four-way race for Bonneville County Commission District 3. Mallard received 4,114 votes (29.67%) – only 134 ballots more than Alan Steele who came in second place with 3,980 votes (28.
71%). The other two competitors also posted a solid showing with Barrett Hillier receiving 3,020 ballots (21.78%) and Debra Haacke 2,751 ballots (19.
84%). “I think the margin is approximately how many doors I knocked on,” Mallard said Tuesday night. “It’s very exciting that so many people have entrusted me with helping to lead the county, along with Karl Casperson and Jon Walker.
” Mallard said as she spoke with voters on the campaign trail, she was able to identify their top priorities. “People were certainly concerned with the growth in the county, the stress on the infrastructure and with the growing crime rate,” she said. She said she brings decades of experience working in the county to this new role.
“I know who the players are for the most part. As a judge, I spent a lot of time listening to people before I made considered decisions, and I think that as a county commissioner, that will be really valuable to know that you don’t make up your mind first,” Mallard said. “You make it up last after you’ve heard from as many people as you possibly can on any issue.
” When asked about her margin of victory, Mallard said, “I guess a win is a win, and it was it was a really interesting race wit.
