City council candidates cover much ground in final debate

Police officer resignations, rental properties, fence heights and living in campers were the highlights of a second debate on Oct. 5 among candidates running for Libby City Council.

Six men running for three, four-year seats gathered at the Maki Theatre last Thursday, including incumbents Zach McNew, Hugh Taylor and Brian Zimmerman, as well as challengers Darrel “DC” Orr, Ian Smith and Brad Nelson were at the 90-minute affair along with 14 citizens.

Libby Vendors Market Vice President Carla Darrar was the moderator with help from President Robin Tarbert and Secretary/Treasurer Jonette Tubbs.

The format included questions from the moderators as well as members of the public who attended. Candidates also had an opportunity to challenge each other and rebut statements.

When candidates had a chance to challenge each other, Smith, a former Libby City Police Officer who resigned in November 2022 along with two other officers after alleging wrong doing by former Police Chief Scott Kessel, confronted Orr.

“I’d like to debate you that I’m a corrupt police officer,” Smith said.

“You were a poor police officer,” Orr replied. “You shoulda known you go to the (city) Police Commission. Going to the mayor (Peggy Williams) was not a good decision and I think you were harmed going to her. But the three of you quitting did the most harm to the city.”

Smith replied he went to the state Department of Justice and Montana POST (Police Officer Standards and Training) and “nothing was done.”

“I have nothing to hide,” Smith said. “I think the only two people who will be harmed will be the mayor and Scott Kessel.”

Orr’s final retort was questioning Smith about when he went to the state agencies. “I believe you went to them after you quit.”

Fence heights were also discussed. Council members discussed an ordinance earlier this year that would have restricted front-yard fences to four feet.

But criticism of the measure led to it being removed from a draft ordinance in May.

McNew and Smith weighed in on the issue of 6-foot fences.

“When you look around the country, there are cultural norms, but now everyone lives behind a 6- or 8-foot fence,” McNew said. “Six-foot fences are not appealing to prospective new business owners and newcomers.”

Smith drew a laugh when he said, “Large fences make good neighbors.”

He also said, “What’s good for other places is not necessarily good for Libby.”

Incidentally, according to Montana Code, legal fences must be at least 42 inches in height but not more than 48 inches.

Housing and where RVs may be parked was also discussed.

“Housing is tough,” McNew said. “The city should begin a conversation about where RVs could be. Maybe Fireman Park could remain open.”

Nelson asked McNew, “What is wrong with people living in a camper on their property?”

McNew said it’s a good reason to have a conversation, “because there a lot of ways to do it. We approved accessory dwelling units and had someone put a shed up and hooked up to the sewer.”

Resident Jennifer Nelson asked Smith and McNew what, under state law, are the three major purposes of a city council.

Smith said that while he didn’t know the exact purposes, he replied, “What do city residents want done?”

McNew replied, “Pass ordinances, pay the bills and pass a budget.”

Before those engagements, Darrar asked the candidates, “How are landlords held accountable for properties that are not livable? It’s a real problem.”

Councilor Hugh Taylor said such matters are civil in nature.

“I could be wrong, but there are no ordinances to do with the condition of a residence. For things in the yard, yes, but not inside.”

Orr also replied, “It’s a civil matter.”

Transparency was also briefly discussed. There have been complaints by some residents that they are only able to make comments during the meeting, but not have questions answered.

“I’d like to have a question and answer period instead of just taking comment,” Taylor said.

For Orr, he’s often critical of what he perceives as a lack of transparency among city council and officials.

“If I’m sitting on the other side of the table, you’ll know what I’m thinking and I’ll be asking questions,” the former councilor said.

The election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 7.