By Jessica Keller, The Courier-Herald

Both Buck McBride and James Young, candidates for Position No. 5 on the Carbonado Town Council, have lived in the town for awhile and profess a love for their community. Additionally, neither believe too many changes need to be made in their town.

Two other town council positions will be on the Nov. 4 ballot, but both incumbents, Don Streepy and Jay Argo, are unopposed in their bid for re-election.

Buck McBride

The incumbent, McBride has been on the council since 1996 and the planning commission since 1994. He's lived in the community for more than 20 years.

As councilman, McBride initiated and successfully wrote the grant for the 8th Avenue Park. He also has volunteered time and services for the park and coached youth baseball, T-ball, football and basketball.

McBride is a supporter of the school district, town fire and aid services, and feels positive about the Carbonado Comprehensive Plan and the direction the town is heading. He values the small town atmosphere and hopes to see it stay that way.

McBride thinks everyone should be treated equally and have their opinions heard. He said it is important for him to bring citizens' interests to council meetings and make decisions with their interests ahead of his own.

Upcoming issues in Carbonado, as he sees them, are getting the town another water source and updating the treatment plant.

Unlike his opponent, he does not believe the Foothills Trail needs to run through town, and until he hears otherwise from the townspeople, he will not pursue the issue.

"I'm for the people and that's all there is to it, no ifs ands or buts."

James Young

A transplant into town who has lived there with his family for nine years, Young said he is running for office so he might do his part to help Carbonado remain a great place to raise a family.

Growing up, his family was always politically active, and Young learned it was his civic duty to vote and get involved in the community. He has decided to run for office to fulfill that duty and because he likes the town.

Young said Carbonado is a great place to live and doesn't think it needs a lot of change.

"I like it the way it is, and I think most people do, too."

Unlike McBride, Young thinks having the Foothills Trail run up to Carbonado would be a good idea and would greatly benefit the community.

He said other than the woods and the park, kids don't have too many places to play, and he said it would be nice for families to be able to use the trail. He doesn't think the trail would present a safety issue, and he also would like to see more parks, and possibly a ballfield get built.

Young said if elected he would make it a point to listen to people and try to push for more community involvement and a community attitude.

"I just want to help," he said.