Libby appoints new councilmember

Libby has a new councilwoman. Council chose Janelle Campbell to fill the seat left vacant when Brent Teske was named mayor on Sept. 28.

Campbell has been the owner of the Country Inn for the last 2 1/2 years. Prior to that, she lived in Portland, Ore. almost her entire life. She’s traveled all over the world as a consultant.

“I see the potential of what Libby has to offer,” she said. “Along with being a [business] owner, I see a lot of things that continue to grow and I’m hoping that I can assist.”

Campbell, Gary Neff and Dennis Souther had submitted letters of consideration for the seat. Campbell listed her qualifications for the position, which include being tech-savvy, a promoter and positive thinker. She said she wants Libby’s infrastructure and economy to grow, but not so much that Libby becomes a big city.

“We want hustle and bustle, but we don’t want to lose what Libby is,” Campbell said.

Campbell said she threw her hat into the ring at the last minute after she was approached by three members of council, Brian Zimmerman, Gary Beach and Kristin Smith, along with other community members.

She was nominated by Smith and voted in by 3-1 margin with Allen Olsen voting no and Beach abstaining.

Olsen strongly disagreed with the decision, noting that Campbell didn’t even show up right away and was less qualified than the other candidates.

“I think it was a poor decision tonight,” Olsen said.

Teske and Smith disregarded Olsen’s concerns, saying that Campbell was never told she needed to be there.

On Nov. 7 at 6 p.m., the council will hold a meet and greet for area residents to get to know all of the newly appointed council members.