Libby City Council turned down three qualified applicants
(Editor’s note: This statement was submitted by one of three applicants to fill a vacant seat on the Libby City Council. The Council at its Feb. 20 meeting chose not to nominate any of the three and will soon solicit a second round of applications.)
To the editor:
The City Council’s failure to appoint a replacement to Angel Ford’s vacated seated raises a few questions.
Did the failure to address legally mandated continuity of government arise from Council dysfunction or a lack of qualified applicants?
Three honest men, having subjected themselves to, and passing background checks demonstrated a willingness to be candidates. They all were involved enough in City matters to be aware of the resignation of Angel Ford and made decisions to undertake the job. They demonstrated care and concern for city residents and offered their help.
The Council, recently ordered by the Commissioner of Political Practices to establish policies for transparency, refused to provide any information for refusing to nominate. It appeared discussion, and decision, had occurred outside of public view. There is definitely dysfunction in the Council.
The applicants all met the legal requirements for service. They were all qualified.
I would argue, with 20 years of faithful meeting attendance, time served under appointment and election to Council, active and robust activity on both sides of the table, that I was qualified. I was not able to watch the other two interviews, but have known both men for many years, they are qualified. The Council had qualified applicants.
Council will be actively recruiting someone who meets their standards for the next round. I publicly challenge Council to be transparent about their reasons for insulting and humiliating three good candidates. I publicly challenge Council to be transparent about the qualities they are looking for in a candidate.
I will be submitting again. I look forward to meeting the person Council has already chosen.
—D.C. Orr
Libby