Article published Oct 18, 2007

Candidate bows out of commission race

By KARL PUCKETT

Tribune Staff Writer

Michael Winters announced Wednesday that he is withdrawing from the race for City Commission, reducing the field of candidates to five less than a month before the election.

In other election news, Deb Mart, the supervisor of the Cascade County Elections Office, said 4,500 absentee ballots were mailed Wednesday, the first day they could be issued.

The election is Nov. 6.

Absentee ballots also are available at the elections office, which is located in the Courthouse Annex, 325 2nd Ave. N.

Winters said an unforeseen health problem cropped up for an immediate family member, which is why he is withdrawing. He declined to be more specific, saying the issue was personal.

"Family is very important and that needs my attention," Winters said.

With the election less than a month away, it's too late to have Winters' name removed from the ballot, Mart said, adding that votes for Winters will be counted.

Ballots went to the printer three weeks ago.

Winter released a statement Wednesday morning stating he's no longer in the race.

"I truly apologize for doing this," he said in an interview.

Winters is the owner and operator of Winters' Stained Glass Studio. He also is the founder of the Montana Veterans Memorial located at 25th Street North and River Drive.

He thanked those who supported his candidacy, adding he regretted any inconvenience the decision might cause.

With Winters' departure, five candidates remain in the running for two seats on the commission. In a separate race, four candidates are vying for mayor.