Peggy Williams, Libby Mayor

In anticipation of the November municipal election, The Western News sent questionnaires to all Libby and Troy candidates. Each candidate received the same questions and word limits. Libby City council candidate responses previously appeared in alphabetical order. Responses submitted by mayoral candidates are appearing in separate issues. Some answers may be edited for brevity and clarity.

Occupation: Mayor of Libby, chief financial officer of KLCB/KTNY

Time in Libby: 44 years

Community involvement: 14 years of service on the Libby City Council; member of Rotary; Libby Spinning Squares; Past board member and treasurer of Nordicfest, Inc., and Kootenai Heritage Council; STOKR and Habitat for Humanity volunteer.

What aspects of your background and experience would you draw on if elected?

I have served as Libby City Council president since 2016 (city councilor since 2008) overseeing the review and rewrite of latest council policies and procedures. I have a comprehensive understanding of budget and finance, enhanced by attending state sponsored budget training and serving as budget committee chair for six years. As a community member, government official and a small business owner, I have an understanding of the challenges and opportunities before the City of Libby.

What infrastructure projects would you prioritize during your term?

The city is implementing a capital improvement fund to enable us to earmark monies as matching grants to minimize future loans. My priorities include:

Water and sewer: The Cabinet Heights/Cabinet View area undersized main creates pressure issues affecting fire suppression and housing construction; aging sewer infrastructure requires a new influent bar screen; new plant computer controller and replacement of a 40-year-old lift station; dredging of lower reservoir; maintenance and repair of lower reservoir containment dam.

Streets and sidewalks: Continue the city’s repair and replacement plan.

Parks: The Fireman’s Park wooden play structure is in need of replacement.

Improve records accessibility by public and city staff through utilization of character recognition software and database creation.

Urban interface fire protection through collaboration with federal and state entities.

What policies would you pursue to make Libby more attractive to businesses and employers?

At the most basic level, municipalities ensure a secure and stable environment in which economic development takes place. They provide physical infrastructure — streets, water supply, wastewater management — and promote public health and safety. Libby needs to be a welcoming and attractive environment for both existing and potential businesses and employers.