Two have filed for Havre offices, Hencz announces retirement

Two weeks into the filing process for candidates in city elections, only two candidates had filed as of this morning, with one aiming for a spot where the incumbent has announced she will not run for re-election.

Havre City Judge Margaret Hencz said Wednesday she has decided she will not run again.

She added that she has been honored by being able to serve in the position.

“It was the most incredible privilege, and the most incredible responsibility, that I ever have had … ,” Hencz said. “It’s just been a real privilege to serve the city of Havre.”

Later Wednesday, the first candidate for that position filed in the nonpartisan race.

Virginia Seigel, who has worked as clerk for the Hill County Justice Court since 2010 and also serves as judge pro tempore as needed, filed as a candidate for city judge.

The only other candidate who has filed so far is running for a seat on the Havre City Council.

John R. Waldron has filed as a Republican candidate in Ward 4.

The incumbent, Democrat Allen “Woody” Woodwick, cannot run again in that ward because of district changes.

Woodwick now lives in Ward 3, which has two seats open.

One seat is open because Republican Rick Dow resigned his position on the council. The Havre City Council appointed Democrat Jay Pyette to the seat through the end of the year, but it is up for election in this cycle.

The seat held by Republican Bob Kaftan in that ward also is up for election this year, as are the seats held by Democrat Gerry Veis in Ward 1 and by Democrat Janet Trethewey in Ward 2. The mayor position, now held by Democrat Tim Solomon, also is up for election.

The deadline to file is 5 p.m. Thursday, June 27, with the primary election scheduled for Sept. 10 and the general election for Nov. 5.