A number of local candidates met last Friday’s deadline for filing final documents that officially enter them into the primary election slated for June 8.

In the race for Mariposa County Sheriff, Doug Binnewies and Mark Jones, both members of the sheriff’s department filed their declarations of candidacy. Robert Lindsey, who sparked a firestorm of controversy with early statements on his campaign Web site (www.bobbylindseyforsheriff.com) did not meet the deadline, but he had until 5 p.m. Wednesday to file because the deadline is automatically extended by five days when the incumbent isn’t seeking reelection. Current Sheriff Brian Muller is retiring. Lindsey’s Web site states that he is entering the primary election, but as of 5 p.m. Tuesday, he had just 24 hours to file his declaration.

The largest number of contenders for any open office is in the District 3 supervisor’s race. Popular incumbent Janet Mankins-Bibby will be challenged by engineer Floyd E. Davis Jr., embattled developer Theresa Castaldi, and real estate broker Tolley Gorham.

In the District 1 supervisor campaign, both incumbent Brad Aborn and challenger and former supervisor Lee Stetson met their document deadlines.

Although the races are heating up, its hard to tell in District 1. As of last weekend, along Highway 140 from Mariposa to Briceburg, not a solitary campaign sign had been erected by either candidate.

In the only other contested local race, William (Bill) Davis is squaring off with Eric Oster for the title of Mariposa County Auditor. Any other candidate had until 5 p.m. Wednesday to file since oneterm auditor Chris Ebie is not seeking reelection.

Running unopposed are Treasurer/Tax Collector/ County Clerk Keith Williams; Assessor/Recorder Becky Crafts; and District Attorney Robert (Bob) H. Brown.

According to Williams, who is also the county’s registrar of voters, the candidates for the Republican and Democratic Central Committees will win by default in the various districts because their weren’t enough contenders to create a race. They will not appear on the June 8 ballot.

Taking posts on the Democratic Central Committee will be Jeryl Lacayo (District 4), Laura Lee (District 4), John Stewart (District 4) and Katherine Lander (District 4). Landing posts on the Republican Central Committe will be Karen Verdugo (District 3), Richard Westfall (District 3), Jane Taylor (District 5), and Mach Myovich (District 5).

The deadline for all state and federal offices was 5 p.m. Wednesday, and those filing their declaration will be announced in the next edition of the MARIPOSA GAZETTE.