Candidates seek council seats

Political newcomers are challenging some veteran politicians in area cities’ Nov. 6 elections.

City Council seats are open in Post Falls, Rathdrum, Spirit Lake and Hauser.

Here’s a run-down of contender seeking open seats in area communities:

“ In Post Falls, three people are vie for the council seat being vacated by ex-schools superintendent Dick Harris.

Former mayoral candidate Kerri Thoreson; Kristy Johnson, who’s run for the Idaho Legislature numerous times; and political newcomer Jack Evans, are running for one of the four-year seats.

City Council President Scott Grant is unopposed.

Meanwhile, voters last spring approved expanding the council by adding two new seats. Skip Hissong is running against Angela Alexander for the four-year position. And real estate agent Linda Wilhelm, political newcomer Anthony Skarisky and former council candidate Keith Hutchison, are vying for the two-year seat.

“ In Rathdrum, Dan Tesulov, Vic Holmes and Ken Hayes are battling for mayor.

They’re vying to succeed Mayor Brian Steele, who weeks ago reversed his earlier decision to run for a second term. Steele served the city for 12 years, with two stints on the council followed by four years as mayor.

All three hopefuls have council experience. Holmes’ four-year term expires this year. Hayes’ is up in 2010 and Tesulov served in 2005.

Running for the city’s two four-year council seats are Deborah Holmes, Fred Meckel, Richard Moser, Carmon O’Donnell, Destry Randles, Kristen Storey, Chris Weitzel and Dan Vestal.

The top two vote getters will fill four-year open positions being vacated by Holmes and Councilman Bill Swaghoven, who’s stepping down after eight years on the council.

“ In Spirit Lake, three of four council positions are open. Council incumbents Shelley Tschida and Gary Ventress are seeking election to their four-year seats. Challenger Jim Lynn is also in the running. The two with the most votes will get those seats.

And Councilman Todd Clary is running unopposed for the two-year term.

“ In Hauser, four of five City Council positions – including mayor – are up for election.

Mayor Ed Peone, who’s led the city for 15 years, is seeking re-election. Council members Carmen Miller and Olita Johnston are running for re-election and Bill Madigan is seeking the seat from which Donna Ray is stepping down.Staff writers Erica Curless and Meghann M. Cuniff contributed to this story.