Candidates discuss presidents, history and future
This is the final installment of The Western News’ report from the questionnaire sent to the 10 candidates for Libby City Council in this year’s election. The final questions did not deal with any specific issue, but were intended to provide voters with a glimpse into the personalities and thought processes of the candidates. Candidates Doug Roll and D.C. Orr did not respond to the questionnaire.
Who is your favorite President of the United States? Why?
Joe Miller:
I don’t have a favorite, but I admire all of them for their willingness to serve the public at the highest level.
Gary Beach:
Abraham Lincoln. He had many great attributes for a leader, he had the capacity to listen to different points of view, willingness to share credit for success and the strength to adhere to fundamental goals.
Arlen Magill:
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, without question. He was able to lead our country through war and the Great Depression. Libby needs that kind of leadership. He was the longest serving president because he never felt sorry for himself and he was able to organize many public works projects that helped America overcome many challenges.
Joseph Johnston:
After much thought, it is difficult to pick just one president. I have been a student of history since I was 13 years old. Our country has been blessed with a number of remarkable presidents, all achieving some great things and all of which had their failures. If I was truly pressured, I would probably choose Franklin Delano Roosevelt; his plate was always full. He suffered through his disabilities, endeavored to persevere (a phrase I borrowed from Chief Dan George) and saved our country.
Brian Zimmerman:
George Washington, and many others who were involved in the start of our great country and government. We definitely need to get back to the basics.
Peggy Williams did not answer this question.
Allen Olsen did not answer this question.
Dejon Raines:
To be completely honest, I don’t have a favorite president. I admire any individual that is willing to take on the responsibility and stress of representing a body of people. Many presidents have shown great character and have accomplished amazing things, leaving it difficult for me to choose one individual.
If you could ask one question of any historical figure, who would that person be and what would you ask?
Joe Miller:
This question does not seem relevant to a municipal election questionnaire.
Gary Beach did not answer this question.
Arlen Magill:
Jesus. I would ask him why he would save someone like me and bless me with so much.
Joseph Johnston did not answer this question.
Brian Zimmerman:
I would ask George Washington and our other founding fathers what they think of this country in the present day.
Peggy Williams did not answer this question.
Allen Olsen did not answer this question.
Dejon Raines did not answer this question.
What final message would you like to convey to the voters of Libby?
Joe Miller:
As a member of the City Council I will work hard to balance the need for fiscal restraint while continuing to expand on the improvements in infrastructure that have already been made. When you look around town it’s impossible not to notice all of the good things that are happening.
Economic development in Libby is one of the most important issues that the City Council is facing. Our elected officials must coordinate with other government agencies and private entities to capitalize on the unique opportunities our area has to offer, both in terms of recreation and manufacturing.
My goal is that Libby will be a place outsiders want to come to visit and enjoy the recreational opportunities and, ultimately, invest in. Whether or not I’m elected to the City Council, I want to be a part of making that happen. I would appreciate your vote in November.
Gary Beach:
Being a resident of Libby for most of my life I have seen good times and bad. I have no personal agenda, only a desire to help the community get back on track. There are many choices for the positions available for City Council. Through this process we will see many facets of the candidates, some good and some bad; but you should ask the candidates questions and form your own opinions. Let’s break the repeat cycle and revitalize our community.
Arlen Magill:
Libby leadership should be held accountable to the residents. Libby leadership needs to be humble, thankful, knowledgeable, faithful and honest. That is what best describes me. Please register to vote if you are not already. Thank you, Libby residents, for your vote.
Joseph Johnston:
I would like to be elected to the City Council in an attempt to end the strife that exists there. I believed in the past, and I believe now; we must have a united council to solve existing issues and all future ones.
Our community faces serious economic issues, infrastructure problems and a waning positive attitude for its leaders. I think I can help turn that perception around. Only then can the council move forward to do the city’s business. Rebuilding trust, integrity and honesty are vital. I believe the years I spent before on the council can be of great value in accomplishing these tasks. I ask for your support and your vote.
Brian Zimmerman:
I would like the opportunity to work for “You The People,” of this community and help bring this community back together as a whole to work and strive for a better town with more to offer.
If given this opportunity, I will do my best to listen to “You The People,” and make decisions that benefit this town of ours. I am not running for City Council with a hidden self-agenda, all I want is what’s best for this community of ours.
Peggy Williams:
I have served Libby for eight years, doing my best to make decisions that better the community. I originally sought the office of City Council because I love the community and wanted to work for its improvement. I would like to continue that work for another four years.
Allen Olsen:
Vote your heart. The people of Libby have seen what kind of government we have in Libby, it’s not transparent. Most of the business is done behind closed doors and half of the council knows very little about what’s going on, yet the mayor says we are transparent. Most everything has been rubber-stamped for years. We do need new blood, but not if the new blood is going to rubber stamp everything.
We need self-thinking people that are willing to listen to the public, ask questions, take that advice to heart and make the decision for all of the people of Libby. We have to allow input from the people we work for. No more bully tactics, no more dictatorship.
Dejon Raines:
It has been an honor to serve the community as a council member these past few months. I look forward to the next two years on council. I will do everything I can to keep myself informed on the public concerns and opinions and up-to-date on Libby business so I can make the best decisions for the people of Libby.