Libby City Council elects Gary Armstrong to fill vacant seat

With a 3-1 vote, the Libby City Council on Tuesday elected Libby resident Gary Armstrong to fill the seat that was vacated by Janelle Campbell in March.

Armstrong, who recently relocated from Bellingham, Washington, and a second applicant, Arlin Magill, were interviewed separately by council members during the special council meeting.

Council members Peggy Williams, Gary Beach and Kristin Smith, who nominated Armstrong, voted in favor of him, while Allen Olsen, who nominated Magill, voted against him. Councilperson Brian Zimmerman was not present.

Armstrong told the council he is interested in local politics and that his being retired would allow him to “spend time on something important.”

Armstrong said his last job before retiring was in metal fabrication and welding.