Contested races emerge in municipal elections
A roll of "I Voted" stickers at the Trade Center at the Flathead County Fairgrounds on Tuesday, Nov. 8. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Incumbent city councilors in all three of Flathead County’s incorporated cities have filed to retain seats on their respective municipal boards.
The filing deadline for candidates was Monday. Municipal elections will be held Nov. 7.
In Kalispell, Kari Gabriel in Ward 1, Sam Nunnally in Ward 2, Ryan Hunter in Ward 3 and Sid Daoud in Ward 4 have all filed for reelection.
Challengers are also on the ballot for three of the four wards. Wes Walker has filed in Ward 1, Gabriel Dillon has filed in Ward 2 and Kevin Aurich has filed in Ward 3.
Lukas Schubert had filed for Ward 2, but withdrew from the race.
City councilors in Kalispell receive an annual salary of $5,000 plus a $900 stipend.
Municipal Judge Alison Howard is also running unopposed seeking to retain her seat on the bench.
In Whitefish, incumbents Frank Sweeney, Steve Qunell and Rebecca Norton are on the ballot. Challengers Nathan Dugan, James Ramlow, Nancy Schuber and Kent Taylor have also filed for the election.
Mayor John Muhlfeld is running unopposed, seeking his fourth term.
Whitefish city councilors and the mayor do not receive a salary.
Municipal Judge Caitlin Overland has filed for reelection. She is running unopposed.
In Columbia Falls, incumbents Darin Fisher, John Piper and Kelly Hamilton have all filed. Challenger Kathryn Price is also running.
City councilors in Columbia Falls receive a salary of $200 per month.
Features Editor Heidi Desch may be reached at 758-4421 or hdesch@dailyinterlake.com.
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