Here we are about a month out from Election Day 2010. The absentee ballots are in the mail and the airwaves are full of campaign advertisements.

So, it’s time for The Western Word to make some endorsements for the 2010 Election. Today, I take a look at some local races. Here’s the agenda:

Monday: State Legislative Races (Click HERE to read).

Wednesday: Statewide and Public Service Commission.

In making these endorsements, I have trolled the net looking for information. I’ve visited campaign websites. I’ve checked Project Vote Smart for information. I’ve called and visited with people about candidates. I’ve also talked with some of the candidates. Some of them came to my door. Some found it was not a pleasant experience.

In some of these contests, I won’t get to cast a vote in because I live outside the voting area, but the candidate impressed me enough to give them a nod. With my readership increasing by leaps and bounds (September was an all-time high for visits to this website) I felt it was very important to let my faithful followers know which candidates I endorse.

For those candidates not listed as being endorsed, it means you probably did not impress me enough to deserve an endorsement or I just don’t care about you.

So without further delay, here are my recommendations for the 2010 Election Season (local races):

Cascade County Commission:

The Cascade County Commissioner’s race is an interesting one, but the choice is very simple for me. I will be voting for Johnny Walker for County Commissioner.

Frankly, the current commission rubbed me the wrong way me in the way they allowed the Great Falls International Airport Authority Board (the county commission appoints three of the seven members) to run amuck during the recent release of the Director of the Great Falls Airport – spending a lot of money until they got the director’s head on a platter. Then the current commissioner attempted to bring the Chairman of the Airport Authority Board in as a county commissioner to replace an outgoing commissioner. I won’t even get into SME mess.

Good grief – it’s time for a change.

Johnny Walker brings a vast amount of experience to the table. He worked for Homeland Security. His education in business and finance can only help the county in these struggling times. His work in protecting our nation will give the county someone who can promote and lobby for Malmstrom, the Air Guard, and Homeland Security with actual experience. Johnny Walker will make a positive difference as a Cascade County Commissioner and hopefully contain (or get rid of) some of the out-of-control people who serve on the County boards.

Please visit Johnny Walker’s website HERE.

Cascade County Sheriff:

The Cascade County Sheriff’s office has been in disarray for years. For us outsiders, we wonder if anything gets done at all. Some folks say it’s a freaking mess.

With it being a big mess, it’s time to clean house and bring in someone from the outside to run the office instead of electing someone from within and continuing to have turf wars.

That’s why I will be voting for the “outsider” Glen Stinar. He has the experience to right the ship in that office. He will bring a fresh approach that is desperately needed. Plus, he’s a veteran. If elected, his Undersheriff will also add much needed experience and supervision to this office.

If Stinar is not elected, look for this office to continue to underperform and under serve the constituents in the County.

Please visit Glen Stinar’s website HERE.