New prosecutor named

Starting July 1, there will be a new prosecutor for Elmore County. The Board of Elmore County Commissioners has selected Christina Schindele to fill the vacancy left when Aaron Bazzoli moved to accept the magistrate position for the Fourth Judicial District.

Schindele is no stranger to Elmore County or to the office she will now lead. She had served as deputy prosecutor before moving on to work in the state Attorney General's office.

The appointment was not without some controversy as the board reviewed the three candidates put forth by the Republican Central Committee to fill the vacancy. Following the procedure outlined by state statute, the GOP submitted the names of Mark Withers, Brian Taylor and Schindele for the office, noting Withers as the committee's top choice.

But, after polling the community for input, the commissioners did not feel they could in good conscience appoint the recommended candidate. Noting the need to do the best for Elmore County, the commissioners narrowed the choice to two.

While none of the candidates had the experience of running a department or office, dealing with budgeting, etc., it was Schindele's edge on experience with felony cases that finally led to her selection.

Currently residing in Boise, Schindele will be moving back to the Mountain Home area in the near future.