This year's primary election, Aug. 19, is just a month away.Six candidates, all Republican, are vying for two open seats on the Park County Commission.Judy Allshouse, Terry Winkle, Hank Whitelock, Margaret Wilde, and Dave Burke, along with incumbent Bucky Hall, are in competition for two commission positions — the seat currently occupied by Hall, and that of Marie Fontaine, who declined to run again.Unlike some election primaries, which don't have a lot of bearing on the end result, this year is different.Because the six Republicans face no opposition from the Democratic party, the two top vote-getters in the primary will be unopposed in the general election. Simply said, unless someone launches a strong write-in candidacy after the primary, the two candidates who survive the primary will fill the Commission vacancies.And, because there is not a single candidate who lives and works Powell, it's especially important that we study our choices.The Tribune will publish profiles based in-depth interviews with the six candidates in coming weeks.The half-dozen, recognizing the importance of the Powell vote, have already started door-to-door campaigns.So learn about the candidates, and when they come knocking, take the time to ask tough questions. Decide for yourself who will best serve the interests of this side of the county.It's only by being well-informed voters — and showing up to vote in the primary — that we can ensure that Powell has the best representation possible on the County Commission.

This year's primary election, Aug. 19, is just a month away.Six candidates, all Republican, are vying for two open seats on the Park County Commission.Judy Allshouse, Terry Winkle, Hank Whitelock, Margaret Wilde, and Dave Burke, along with incumbent Bucky Hall, are in competition for two commission positions — the seat currently occupied by Hall, and that of Marie Fontaine, who declined to run again.Unlike some election primaries, which don't have a lot of bearing on the end result, this year is different.Because the six Republicans face no opposition from the Democratic party, the two top vote-getters in the primary will be unopposed in the general election. Simply said, unless someone launches a strong write-in candidacy after the primary, the two candidates who survive the primary will fill the Commission vacancies.And, because there is not a single candidate who lives and works Powell, it's especially important that we study our choices.The Tribune will publish profiles based in-depth interviews with the six candidates in coming weeks.The half-dozen, recognizing the importance of the Powell vote, have already started door-to-door campaigns.So learn about the candidates, and when they come knocking, take the time to ask tough questions. Decide for yourself who will best serve the interests of this side of the county.It's only by being well-informed voters — and showing up to vote in the primary — that we can ensure that Powell has the best representation possible on the County Commission.