Adams County Candidate Information
Each local candidate in a competitive race was invited to submit a picture and up to 500 words stating their case to voters. These candidates participated in a forum that was recorded and can be watched on The Record Reporter’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@therecord_reporter
Adams County Commissioner District 2
I would like to start by saying glory to God! Hello Adams County I am Kyle Johnson, Adams County district 2 commissioner prospect. I love this place, the people, the land and the way of life we choose to live. We have a different environment in our little slice of the most powerful nation on the planet. But most importantly we still have a moral and ethical value by which we stand. Things are always changing and not always in a direction that is conducive to the best interest to the people of Adams County. That is why I am compelled to run for public office. It is our civic duty as American citizens. To defend our constitutional rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I feel obligated to help preserve our way of life for my family, your family and all the generations to come. Just so we are clear, I am not a politician! My wife and I are working class people. We both have full time jobs and a moderately young family. So I get what it is like to juggle all the problems that we as humans deal with on a daily basis. One concern I have heard expressed by our community is where I will find time to serve our county? Rest assured I am willing to do what ever it takes and with the support of my family and employer who is family alike I will get the job done with due diligence and integrity. This is for us Adams County. Thank you. Kyle Guy Johnson
Daren Ward, 56, is a proud Idaho native whose life has been defined by service, leadership, and a deep commitment to his community. Married to his wife Marcella for 37 years, Daren is a devoted family man with three grown children and three grandchildren who inspire his continued dedication to building a strong and vibrant future for the next generation.
Daren’s record of public service spans decades. He served nine years in the United States Navy, followed by a distinguished 24-year career in law enforcement, retiring with the rank of Captain. Throughout his career, he demonstrated integrity, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to protecting and serving others—values he continues to bring to public office today.
Before being elected as an Adams County Commissioner, Daren served eight years on the Middleton City Council, where he worked collaboratively to address local issues and support responsible growth. He is now completing his first term as Adams County Commissioner and currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Board. In this role, Daren has been instrumental in advancing key initiatives that strengthen infrastructure, enhance public services, and ensure responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.
Daren has taken an active role in securing grant funding for Parks and Recreation, helping improve community spaces for families and visitors alike. He has also played a critical role in the completion of the Solid Waste landfill expansion, ensuring long-term sustainability and environmental responsibility for the county. Additionally, he has been involved in the acquisition and remodel of a new County annex building, creating much-needed space to better serve residents and support county operations.
Beyond his local responsibilities, Daren represents Adams County on several important statewide committees. He has been appointed as the Commissioner representative on the Idaho Jail Standards Committee and serves on the Idaho Misdemeanor Probation Training Council. He is also the County’s representative for WICAP, helping advocate for community action programs that support those in need. Furthermore, Daren serves on the Idaho Association of Counties Justice and Public Safety Committee, as well as the Infrastructure, Land Use, and Transportation Committee, where he works alongside other leaders to address critical issues facing communities across the state.
Daren Ward is a strong defender of personal property rights and a steadfast supporter of first responders. He believes in limited government, fiscal responsibility, and protecting the values that make Idaho a great place to live and raise a family.
Active in his church and committed to volunteerism, Daren continues to give back to the community he loves. With a lifetime of service and proven leadership, Daren Ward remains dedicated to serving the people of Adams County with integrity, transparency, and a vision for a strong and sustainable future.
Adams County Clerk
My Name is Tara Dahl and I am running for Adams County Clerk.
I’m fortunate to call Adams County home, and even more so that my children and grandchildren live here as well. My husband and I have been married for 27 years, and we’ve run excavation businesses together for over a decade. I worked as a licensed real estate agent for over 20 years. Being involved in this community is Important to me. For the past five years, I’ve volunteered at the local Thrifty Shoppe. I also joined the Adams County Fair Board in 2024, previously serving as secretary.
I know I can bring a fresh perspective to the important role of Adams County Clerk. Elections are the foundation of our Republic and protecting their integrity is a top priority. For me, clear communication, accuracy in record keeping and a constant drive to improve service for everyone in the county are essential. As a fiscally conservative Christian, my faith guides my commitment to providing our county with the highest quality service it deserves. I believe in a government that truly serves the people and is accessible. I understand how vital it is to be well organized and keep accurate records making sure everything runs smoothly and efficiently. I’m capable, committed and genuinely want to use my skills to serve our community with courtesy and efficiency. I am motivated and possess the qualities to truly serve Adams County with professionalism and accountability
A little about me, my name is Tara Horton and I am running for Adams County Clerk. I have proudly called Adams County home for nearly 40 years, living in both Council and New Meadows. This is where my family, my home and heart is and will always be. My faith and my family and friends are very important to me and my faith guides me in my home as well as my work life helping me to lead with honesty, humility and heart. For the past 14 years I have had the privilege of serving our community working in the Clerk’s office. The position I currently hold, an active team member within our office has allowed me to properly educate myself on the variety of roles needed to efficiently run our department. Every day, I am humbled by the opportunity to serve my neighbors and I am proud to work alongside such dedicated team members. I want to continue to achieve both personal and professional goals by becoming the next elected Clerk. I have always been driven to continue to learn and grow, I plan to continue that as I stay up to date with changing laws, Idaho Statutes, Idaho Codes, Court Rules and best practices ensuring that our office runs efficiently and responsibly. My highest priority as Clerk is to be an advocate for the people of Adams County. I am committed to protecting election integrity, so that every process is secure and every voter feels confident that their voice matters. I will work to provide access to public records and maintaining county records. I will strive to manage county finances carefully and responsibly, and work to keep our court processes organized, efficient and running smoothly. Whether you’re stopping in with a question or handling important paperwork, I want everyone who comes into our office to feel comfortable, supported and treated with kindness and respect. Adams County has given so much to my family and I, it would be an honor to continue serving the place we call home. If you believe in honest work, strong values, and putting people first, I humbly ask for your support this May in the primary Election. Check out my Facebook page link https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578543925656 for upcoming events and information.
Adams County Assessor
My name is Farrah Ball, and I am running for Adams County Assessor.
I have proudly called the Council area home for the past 20 years. My husband and I have been together for 24 years, and we have been blessed with 3 children and 5 grandchildren. Family and faith are the foundation of my life, and they guide how I serve others.
A couple of years ago, I felt a strong calling on my heart to do more for our county. Through prayer and reflection, I knew stepping forward to serve as Assessor was the path I was meant to take.
My background is rooted in both public service and leadership. I spent 2½ years as a detention officer for Adams County, helping oversee state hold inmates. I later worked in convenience and grocery store management, building strong leadership and customer service skills. I then owned and operated a contract mail delivery business for 4½ years, where I gained experience in budgeting, hiring, and running a business.
For the past 8 years, I have served as the DMV Supervisor in the Assessor’s Office, and for 5 of those years I have also overseen the Property Tax Reduction Program. This role has allowed me to work closely with the people of our county every day.
The Assessor’s Office is about more than property values. We oversee vehicle titles and registrations, process deeds, manage lot line adjustments, and administer programs that help reduce property taxes for those who qualify. These services directly impact our residents, and I take that responsibility seriously.
I believe in serving others with patience, honesty, and respect—values rooted in my faith. I have trained and led teams, implemented new programs, and handled difficult situations with calm and understanding. I know this role requires not just knowledge, but integrity, transparency, and a servant’s heart.
If elected, I will work to strengthen trust in the Assessor’s Office and continue building positive relationships within our community. I will serve with accuracy, fairness, and compassion, always striving to do what is right.
It would be an honor to serve you, and I humbly ask for your support and your vote.
After months of sincere consideration and prayer, I am excited to announce my candidacy for Adams County Assessor. My name is Kala Nichols and as a resident of Adams County for over 40 years, I am devoted to these beautiful mountain communities we call home, and the public I serve. I have been married to my husband Brodie for 30 years and our 3 children (Lance, Braden and Sydney) were born and raised here with the support of family and friends. Now that they are grown and on their own, I am ready to focus on the next chapter in my career. I believe I am qualified for this position, having worked 14 years in the assessor’s office, carefully learning the responsibilities and duties. I also served the public in the private sector as the operations manager of McCall Rv Resort for over 6 years. I gained valuable personnel management experience during that time, supervising a staff of 8-10 employees. In my role as an appraiser, it has always been my highest priority to treat the taxpayer and their property with respect. I take time and make myself available to listen to concerns and answer questions. It is crucial that we demonstrate a fair and equitable placement of value as outlined by state statute. My goal is to break down the assessment process in a way that makes sense and also establishes credibility in our procedures. To help ease the tax burden, we are able to offer various programs designed to benefit property owners. Our office staff are always available to explain the qualifications and provide assistance with applications. Despite a shift by the state to move more transactions online, our DMV counter continues to provide personal service processing titles, registrations and answering questions.
I am grateful for the support of my coworkers, and colleagues throughout the courthouse who believe in me and my commitment to the people. Since my official declaration in early March, I have traveled across the county, knocking on doors and sharing the news of my candidacy. I’ve been overwhelmed and blessed by your support and words of encouragement. The responsibility and demands of this position can be intimidating, but the feedback I have received gives me confidence and confirmation that God has prepared and equipped me to face the challenges ahead. I look forward to meeting with new and familiar faces in the remaining days and weeks until May 19th. I believe transparency, knowledge and integrity will build trust in us and the job we do. My vision for our office moving forward is to continue to develop a stronger relationship with you, the hardworking people of Adams County and I would be honored for the opportunity to earn your vote!
Adams County Coroner
My name is Wendy Mott, and I am a candidate for Adams County Coroner. Raised in a small agricultural town, I learned the importance of service at a young age through 4-H, FFA, and my family’s encouragement. I have a healthcare background and have previously served as a volunteer firefighter and advanced EMT with the Ontario, Oregon fire department for two years. Since moving to Council in 2016, I have worked at Adams County Health Center, where I currently serve as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). For the past two years, I have served as reserve deputy coroner, gaining valuable experience with each call. I have completed two intensive training sessions: Fatal Fire Investigations and Infant and Child Death Investigation, attended the Idaho State Association of County Coroners (ISACC) 2-day Conference and training in Boise, and finished the 42.5-hour Death Investigation Training Course from the University of North Dakota. I am running for Adams County Coroner to serve the community that I am very proud to be part of.
Anastasia Slack: A Compassionate Professional for Adams County Coroner
I am Anastasia Slack, and I am running to serve as your Adams County Coroner.
Most of us don’t think about the Coroner’s office until we are facing one of the most difficult days of our lives. I believe that the loss of a loved one is not a political event; it is a deeply personal and sacred one. When a family loses a loved one, they shouldn’t be met with a bureaucratic process; they should be met by a familiar face, a neighbor, and a professional who will act as an advocate for the person they lost.
My background is rooted in both science and service. I hold a Master’s degree in Anthropology with a focus on forensic study from Boise State University. My experience isn’t just academic; I have worked directly with the Ada County Coroner’s Office as a technician and forensic researcher. During my time there, I specialized in forensic anthropology, helping to identify remains and provide answers in complex cases.
Currently, I work at St. Luke’s Health System in McCall. My daily life is spent navigating the healthcare system, ensuring that patients receive the care they need. I want to bring that same level of professional integrity and technical expertise to Adams County.
If elected, my promise to you is simple:
- Advocacy for the Departed: I will ensure your loved ones are treated with the highest level of respect, combining compassion with the professional integrity our community expects. - A Familiar Face: I will be a steady, compassionate resource for families during their time of grief, providing clear answers and honest communication. - Professional Standards: I will use my background in forensics and healthcare to ensure our county’s records and procedures meet the highest modern standards.
The role of Coroner demands quiet professionalism and unwavering ethics from the person serving our community. I have the training to do the job and the heart to care for our community through it. I would be honored to receive your vote and to serve as an advocate for the people of Adams County.
