Rockford mayoral candidates boast years of public service

In a small town like Rockford, population 500, public officials frequently hold several jobs over the years.

Gary Wagner, 57, became mayor in 2006 when Ed Baune stepped down. He had been mayor from 2000 to 2002, and served 10 years on the town council as well.

Wagner is running for election to the mayor’s post. He said he wants to continue working on several critical issues, including the need to improve the town’s water system and increase business in the southeast Spokane County community. The mayor said the town with its three employees must constantly watch its budget. “We are just trying to guarantee the quality of water,” he said.

He is facing off against Howard Brutschy, 51, who was the town’s public works director for four years and served on the town council for four years. He currently is on the Planning and Zoning Commission. He said the town needs to do a better job of preparing for growth now that a 40-home preliminary plat has been approved.

“I think we need some change,” Brutschy said.

Wagner, who grew up in Farmington and attended Upper Columbia Academy and Gem State Academy in Caldwell, Idaho, has lived in Rockford for 20 years. He is the service manager for St. John Hardware and Implement in Fairfield. He and his wife, Linda, have two children. Their daughter, Stacy Williams, is on the Rockford Planning Commission.

Brutschy was born in San Diego, where he graduated from high school. He and his wife, Melissa, moved to Rockford 15 years ago and have two children. He has worked in construction trades and also cooks part time at the Harvest Moon restaurant, where he hosts karaoke. He runs a wedding music service under a business called Sotally Tober.

Brutschy volunteers for the Southeast Spokane County Fair, having served as president and vice president. He is also supporting efforts to develop a community center, and he put on movies in the park the past two summers.