Rayome drops out of Libby mayoral race

Resident Kenny Rayome Jr. has withdrawn from the Libby mayoral race, citing his job as the city’s water plant operator as a conflict of interest.

The question of whether a city employee can also head their municipality has come before state courts three times before and the answer is clear.

“There’s no two ways,” said Rayome on Oct. 5. “You can’t be your own boss in a municipality.”

Were he to win the race, Rayome said he could find a different job. But that might mean giving up his elected position as the commander of the Libby Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1548. As a city water plant operator, Rayome said he works four days a week every other week, leaving him with the energy to handle his VFW duties.

“I have been using this time to provide services to fellow veterans and veterans in need as commander in the VFW,” he said. “I know I could find employment to supplement my loss of employment if elected but run the risk of the next job not allowing me the schedule to provide this service, which I hold very near to my heart.”

Rayome cited the potential conflict when Libby City Council moved to fill the vacant mayoral position by appointment over the summer. At the time, Rayome bowed out of consideration saying it was unfair to suddenly depart his job were city councilors to appoint him to the job. Peggy Williams, then serving as mayor pro tempore, was ultimately selected for the position.

Since his withdrawal comes late in the campaign, Rayome’s name will still appear on the November ballot. To avoid splitting the vote with the other two candidates, Rayome said he didn’t want residents to cast their ballots for him.

By stepping aside, Rayome leaves Williams and City Councilor Hugh Taylor in the running for the seat. Rayome is not endorsing either of the remaining candidates.

In addition to running for mayor, Rayome recently threw his hat in the ring for a seat on the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners. The position opened up after former Commissioner Mark Peck (D-1) stepped down to take a job as a shared stewardship coordinator with the county port authority. Commissioners ultimately appointed Brent Teske, former Libby mayor, to fill the vacancy in late July.

Rayome said running for the two local government positions took a lot away from his family this summer. In filing paperwork for the positions, Rayome said he was trying to take advantage of opportunities as they presented themselves.

Rather than continuing to pursue a political career, he plans to focus on his family, job and post at the VFW.

“Basically, I’m going to settle back into my lane,” said Rayome.

Libby residents will decide on the city’s next mayor during the Nov. 2 municipal election. Due to a recent change in state law, residents must register to vote with the county’s election office inside the Lincoln County Courthouse before noon on Nov. 1.