Rathdrum mayor decides he won’t run again

Thu., Sept. 6, 2007

By Paula Davenport paulad@spokesman.com

RATHDRUM – There will be a changing of the guard in Rathdrum next year because Mayor Brian Steele has decided not to run for re-election.

Last week, Steele announced his intent to step down from the post he has held since 2004.

“My heart just wasn’t in another four years of this,” Steele said Friday.

His decision will end 12 years of service to the city, which is experiencing rapid growth. Steele served two consecutive terms on the City Council before being elected mayor four years ago.

“I feel we have a great city staff with Brett Boyer, the city administrator, and Kevin Fuhr, the police chief. I just feel I’m leaving it in good hands,” Steele said Friday.

He decided earlier in the week not to run, reversing his earlier plans. Work obligations and the demanding schedule required of the mayor persuaded him to step down, he said.

As mayor, Steele said, he’s proudest of the work he and the council did in selecting Boyer as the first city administrator and of the city budget, the most sophisticated yet, adopted in mid-August.

Steele manages marketing and sales for Ponsness-Warren, a Rathdrum company that designs, builds and distributes supplies for recreational shooters.

Candidates have until Friday to announce their intent to run for Steele’s seat and two council seats that will be open.

Only Vic Holmes, a councilman, has formally announced he’ll run for mayor.

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