Ekstedt narrowly edges out Carr

In a tight race that drew an unusually high number of ballots, Troy residents elected Chuck Ekstedt as mayor over incumbent Dallas Carr.

Carr congratulated Ekstedt following the Nov. 2 tally and wished him well in his first term as mayor. Ekstedt, who is serving on Troy City Council, was not immediately available for comment on Nov. 3.

Unofficial results showed Ekstedt secured 169 votes to Carr’s 146.

With a turnout of 65.04 percent, Troy residents cast around double the number of votes election officials are used to seeing in municipal races, according to Paula Buff, county election administrator.

As of Nov. 3, Carr said he was still processing the results.

After eight years as a city councilor and mayor, he said it might be time for him to take a break from municipal affairs. Still, he said he wasn’t ruling out volunteer involvement through organizations and city boards. “I want the town to do well and hope everyone gets along,” he said. “I’m sorry if I didn’t do what some people wanted. I did what I thought was right.” In a questionnaire submitted to The Western News earlier this year, Ekstedt said if elected he would pay close attention to streets, sidewalks and alleys.

“By pursuing infrastructure grants we can bring a newer look on our side streets and alleys. We need to get our city equipment brought up to the 20th Century,” Ekstedt wrote.

“By pursuing infrastructure grants we can bring a newer look on our side streets and alleys. We need to get our city equipment brought up to the 20th Century,” Ekstedt wrote.

In recent months, Carr, Ekstedt and the rest of city council have secured grants to improve the municipality’s water infrastructure and revamp Troy’s recreational opportunities.

With the municipality opting against holding a poll election this year, Troy voters could cast their ballots by mail. For those who preferred to submit their votes in person, county officials provided the city with a ballot deposit box.

Since some residents were unable to afford a trip to Libby or postage for the ballots, the deposit box proved a blessing, according to City Clerk and Treasurer Tracy Rebo.

Resident Annie Gregory said she appreciated the ease afforded by a mail-in election as she dropped off her ballot. While she deposited her ballot at City Hall to ensure it arrived on time, she noted that mail-in elections are more accommodating to people with disabilities like herself.

Troy officials called off this year’s city council election after only two candidates presented themselves for two open seats. Shawna Kelsey will return to the council accompanied by newcomer JP Downey, who will fill the vacancy left by Ekstedt.