Three School Board candidates file; write-in petition is taken

Three candidates — two of them incumbents — have filed for the Libby School District 4 Board election and a fourth candidate has taken a petition for a write-in campaign, which had to be returned to the Lincoln County Clerk’s Office by 5 p.m. Thursday.

Board incumbents Bruce Sickler and Ellen Johnston and hopeful Melissa LaGoy have indicated a desire to seek the three board seats. A fourth candidate has taken a petition for a write-in campaign, but as of The Western News’ press deadline Wednesday night for the Friday edition, that write-in hopeful has yet to return that petition to Lincoln County Clerk Tammy Lauer’s office.

The significance of whether the write-in candidate decides to enter the race will decide whether an election must take place. 

Essentially, with four candidates seeking three seats, there will be a need for an election. Should that candidate decide against filing their petition, balloting would not be necessary, and the two incumbents — Sickler and Johnston — and LaGoy would assume office positions.

“The election will cost the school district about $4,000,” said Leigh Riggleman, Lincoln County Assistant Election Adminstrator.

Board member Lee Disney, who served five, three-year terms, indicated more than a month ago he would not seek re-election.

The Western News has learned the identity of that write-in candidate who said they still are “weighing their options,” clearly indicating they are undecided.

Should an election be necessary, it would be May 8 with the polling place being the Central School Administration Building.