Shock files to run for Libby City Council

City Counil hopeful Mike Shock has decided to make another run at office, and he filed Monday to challenge three incumbents as the application deadline of June 27 looms.

Shock, 63, has taken interest in the race for Libby City Council member, challenging incumbents Robin A. Benson, Barbara J. Desch and Vicky Lawrence. Mayor Doug Roll also is seeking re-election.

For Shock, the reason is clear.

“What we need is a transparent government,” said Shock, who lives at 1321 Louisiana Ave. “We need to watch our funding and need to know what our priorities are.”

Shock, who ran four years ago, believes infrastructure problems like roads, sidewalks and street lighting should be immediately addressed by the city.

“Nothing has changed,” Shock said of his previous platform. “I just want to run a pure and simple grassroots campaign.”

The race for mayor is a quiet one, as Roll has filed to run for another four-year term. So far, Roll is unchallenged. He was elected to City Council in 2003 and re-elected in 2007. In 2008, Roll was elected mayor.

Sitting Councilman Allen Olsen has indicated he may run for mayor, but he has yet to file.

A single father, Olsen has been busy with his one-year-old son. Olsen said he must weigh his choices carefully before stepping into a political race for the seat of mayor. 

“Raising my son during the next four years may be as important as anything on Libby’s future agenda,” Olsen said.

Olsen is urging others to run, so residents will have a choice between candidates. He also was critical of the mayor doing work on city vehicles. 

“We need transparency,” Olsen said. “I want people in our community to not be afraid to say something. And that’s why I plan on stepping up.”

Olsen mentioned Dakota Avenue resident Bill Dirkes, who questioned the city noise ordinance at his home near the hospital. The day after his inquiry, Dirke’ vehicle was towed.

“He stood up,” Olsen said, “the next day he was towed for $85.

Olsen said if he decides to run, he wants to be committed to the duty.

“If I do it, it’s all or nothing,” Olsen said.

Olsen said he would wait until June 27 to make his decision.

In Troy, the City Council seats of Phil Fisher and Fran McCully will expire this year, where only Donna L. Rugani has filed to run. 

No names have officially been filed in the running for mayor, although former Mayor Don Banning has indicated he would.

A recall vote last year ousted Banning. Mayor Tony Brown assumed the mayoral position.