Zimmerman back as city council president

City councilors in Libby reaffirmed Brian Zimmerman as the panel’s president and reshuffled seats during their first meeting of the year on Monday.

Zimmerman, who was first elected to city council in 2015, was tapped by his colleagues for the position in late September. At the time, he was selected to succeed Peggy Williams following her appointment to the position of mayor.

Traditionally, the title of council president goes to the longest serving member of the panel.

Zimmerman faced no challengers when his name came up for the job again on Jan. 3. City Councilor Zach McNew nominated him for the position and the ensuing vote was unanimous.

Zimmerman, McNew et al played a round of musical chairs to mark the start of the New Year, swapping seats as they welcomed newcomer Melissa Berke to their ranks. By the beginning of the gathering, Zimmerman and Beach had moved from the right wing of the dais (from the audience’s perspective) to the left, with Berke sitting between them.

City councilors Hugh Taylor and Zach McNew moved to the right wing, flanking City Councilor Kristin Smith.