Two debates scheduled for Libby City Council candidates

Two debates are scheduled next week at the Maki Theater in Libby for candidates running for a seat on the city council.

The respective debates will begin each night at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3 and Thursday, Oct. 5. The theater is located at 724 Louisiana Avenue.

Debate moderator Carla Darrar of the Libby Vendors Market, said she is looking forward to the debates.

"Many people I have spoken to are happy we are doing it and also looking forward to them," Darrar said. "We're trying to make the community come together and we think it'll be helpful for citizens to hear what the candidates have to say."

Darrar said two nights are scheduled because they didn't want to have one debate that could stretch on for several hours.

"We're planning on each night running from 6:30 to 8 p.m.," she said. "The first night will be learning what each candidate brings to the table and a few questions, including from the public. The second night, the candidates will debate each other."

Darrar said that all six candidates have committed to at least one night. She also said fellow Councilor Brian Zimmerman will be at Tuesday's debate, but not Thursday because of a prior commitment.

The election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 7.

In Libby, there are six candidates for three, four-year seats.

They include incumbents Zimmerman, Zach McNew and Hugh Taylor, as well as a former councilor, Darrel “DC” Orr and newcomers Brad Nelson and Ian Smith.

McNew was appointed in September 2021 to fill a vacant seat on the council before being elected in November 2021.

Taylor was appointed to the council in March 2018. Zimmerman was first elected in 2015. Orr lost in a 2021 bid for a city council seat. He did win a city council seat in 2009 before losing in 2015.

Nelson has been outspoken at city council meetings following the departure of three city police officers in November 2022.

One of those former police officers, Ian Smith, is also running for one of the open seats.

Darrar shared that she moved to Libby in 2020 after living in Coeur d'Alene for many years. She lived in Troy and attended school there from fourth to 10th grade.

"The use of Maki Theater was donated and people are very receptive to the debates, so we're excited," Darrar said.

For those who need to register to vote, the deadline for regular registration is Tuesday, Oct. 10. For those mailing, the application must be postmarked by Oct. 10 and received in the Election Office by 5 p.m. on Oct. 13, 2023.

Those registering to vote after Oct. 10, they must register at the Election Office at 418 Mineral Ave. Floor B. Late registration must be done by noon on Monday, Nov. 6.

Public testing of the election equipment will be done at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 20 at the Election Center at 418 Mineral Ave. Floor B.