Although the final filing date of March 12 is more than a month away, the candidate list for public office in Mariposa County is growing.

There are a number of incumbents that are running unopposed, but there are also a pair of high profile races.

For the position of Mariposa County Sheriff, two members of the sheriff’s office and a retiring commander in the LA County Sheriff’s Office have taken out “signature in lieu” forms, and have filed their Candidate Intention Statement with the Fair Political Practice Commission (FPPC).

Undersheriff Doug Binnewies, and Sergeant Mark Jones are the apparent front runners in the race for sheriff. Bobby Lindsey, who established residency in Mariposa County last November from Los Angeles has filed his intent statement, but hasn’t made a public annoucement other than on his Web site.

There are four candidates for the District 3 Board of Supervisors’ position held by popular incumbent Janet Mankins-Bibby.

Local engineer, Floyd Davis, along with real estate broker and rental property manager, Tolley Gorham, have both filed for the District 3 post but haven’t made a public announcement. Embattled Coyote Springs Ranch developer, Theresa Castaldi, has also joined the fray. In a bizarre twist, last Monday Castaldi filed a law suit against the members of the board of supervisors, Mariposa County, and Planning Director Kris Schenk over issues with the development of her ranch facilitiy.

In the only other contested County position, former supervisor Lee Stetson is running against District 1 incumbent Brad Aborn. Stetson was unseated by Aborn in a very close race just four years ago.

Incumbents running unopposed are District Attorney Bob Brown, County Auditor Chris Ebie, County Assessor/Recorder Becky Crafts, and Treasurer/Tax Collector/ County Clerk Keith Williams.

The primary election will be held on Tuesday, June 8. The GAZETTE will hold a Candidates’ Forum in early May. The date has yet to be established.