Former County Legislator Dave Stott has had enough.

After losing two close elections to Republican Judy Tassone, Stott decided against running against her for a third time when she defends her Fourth District seat in November. Instead, he has his eyes on the Salina Town Council where he hopes to take over for incumbent Democrat Jim Magnarelli who has represented the second ward since 2010 but is now considering stepping down.

Stott had served one term on the county legislature after beating incumbent Republican Legislator Jim Farrell in 2007.

Meanwhile a new candidate has emerged to challenge Tassone this year: Democrat Carol Sinesi.

In the 2009 election Tassone toppled then-incumbent Stott by a 138-vote margin. In 2011, the last time Stott and Tassone tangled, Tassone retained her seat by a mere 50 votes.

The 2011 campaign was especially combative, with Stott blaming Tassone and her fellow county Republicans for tax increases suffered by Salina homeowners. Tassone countered by claiming Stott was distorting her record and using “dirty” campaign tactics.

“So this year I chose not to run again against the Tassones,” Stott said, referring to the candidate and her husband, Salina town Republican committee chairman Bill Tassone.

“The Tassones are amoral people who would say or do anything to win a race,” Stott said. “I don’t think that’s what public service is all about. It should be about helping your neighbors.”

When she finally vanquished Stott after absentee ballots were tabulated in 2011, Judy Tassone breathed a sigh of relief. “These have been two nasty campaigns,” she told a reporter. “I hope he’s gone.”

And this year, her hope has become reality as she anticipates a “clean campaign” against Sinesi. The legislator met her new opponent at a public event a few weeks ago. “It was very pleasant to meet her,” Tassone said, “and she agreed with me that we both want to run clean campaigns. We’ll both sick to the issues.”

Stott believes Sinesi is up to the challenge. “She’s an intelligent, well-educated woman who understands the issues,” he said.

Salina Democratic Party Chairwoman Carrie Roseamelia pointed out that neither Stott nor Sinesi have yet been officially nominated. “We’re in process of recruiting candidates for town justice, supervisor, ward councilors, and county legislative Districts 4 and 5,” Roseamelia said. “As for the second ward seat, we’ve been asking around to see who would be interested in the event Jim [Magnarelli] takes some time off. So far, David Stott has shown interest, and there may be others. Carol is very interested in District 4, and David is supporting her.”

The Democrats will meet on May 4 to make nominations.

“My goal as the Democratic chair is to give Salina voters a full slate of candidates,” Roseamelia said.

We all enjoy Ophelia’s Place in its incarnation as Café at 407. It’s easy to dig the scene — couches and recliners complement the usual table-and-chairs — and the menu features gourmet coffees and baked goods, healthy soups, salads and sandwiches spiced by live music three evenings a week.

But let’s not lose sight of the original purpose of Ophelia’s Place.

Established about a decade ago, the non-profit organization aims to empower individuals and families to redefine beauty and health.

Ophelia’s Place Director Jodie Wilson-Dougherty keeps the effort focused on increasing self-esteem, improving body image and exploring alternatives to what she calls “dangerous desires for perfection.”

To that end, Ophelia’s Place is hosting two new programs, one for teens and one for parents.

Teenagers affected by disordered eating and related issues can talk with others in the same situation at 7 p.m. Mondays. The meeting has a hopeful title: “Breaking Free!”

A licensed clinical social worker, Wilson-Dougherty co-facilitates “Breaking Free” with Tyler Sliker, program director of the Q Center, a division of Aids Community Resources.

“The adolescent group will hopefully reach young people who we’ve not reached in the past,” said Wilson-Dougherty. “Teenagers may be struggling with body image, but they don’t necessarily identify with having an eating disorder. Body dissatisfaction is a risk factor for developing an eating disorder.” For info, call Sliker at 475-2430.

On April 10, the new Parent Partner program will help family, friends and caregivers to understand eating disorders. For info, call 451-5544, or visit opheliasplace.org.