Wheeler now heads local Democratic Party effort

The Flathead County Democratic Party this week elected Scott Wheeler chairman and Mona Charles as vice chair in an off-year selection of officers.

Wheeler said the previous chairman, Mark Holston, stepped down because of conflicts involved with work that require him to travel abroad. The previous vice chairwoman, Sandra Schott, stepped down because of travel plans in the near future.

Normally, their two-year terms would have expired by April 2011, Wheeler said.

“He’s a wonderful man and has done a great job,” Wheeler said of Holston. “I’m sorry he left because it’s a lot of work.”

Wheeler is a historian and retired Army officer who is running once again for the House District 6 seat.

Also in the race are incumbent Republican Bill Beck and Constitution Party candidate Keith Sibbert.

As chairman of the county party, Wheeler said his priority will be “to make sure that we get a civil, honest message out to the voters to give them a choice.

He said he is pleased there are Democrats running in all of the county’s legislative races.

“It turned out very well. And we have some contested primaries as well,” Wheeler said.

“Mark did a great job recruiting folks. We really did have good people step forward to run.”