No matter what happens during next November’s municipal elections, there will be big changes to Clearwater’s town council as a result.
During last Tuesday’s council meeting three of the six incumbent councilors announced or confirmed that they do not plan to seek another term.
Brent Buck, Christy Dobi and Candus Graffunder-Pelton all said they appreciated the time they had spent on council but felt it was time to move on to other endeavors – at least for the time being.
Ken Kjenstad was the only councilor present who said he wanted to seek another term.
Stephanie Teare, who was absent from the meeting, has since confirmed to the Times that she plans to run again.
Councilor Bert Walker earlier announced that he intends to challenge John Harwood for the mayor’s chair. That means at least one of the two won’t be sitting at the council table following next November’s elections.
“I will not be putting my name forward this year,” said Brent Buck, who cited increased responsibilities in his work at Clearwater Secondary School as well as personal reasons for his decision.
“I know we as a council have accomplished many things,” said Buck. “I hope the next council can be as cohesive as we were.”
Buck credited the progress the council has made since incorporating to the leadership of Mayor John Harwood.
“It’s been a great group to work with,” said Christy Dobi. “It’s been such a great thing to be part of. I’ve made a commitment to be an active member of the community.”
“I also am not running for council,” said Candus Graffunder-Pelton. “It’s opening the door for someone else.
Graffunder-Pelton, who was instrumental in getting Clearwater’s junior council off the ground, committed to continue being involved with that project.
“It’s kind of fueled that fire in me to get involved,” she said.
Ken Kjenstad explained his decision to run again by saying, “I enjoy my time here. It’s been a real education.”
Clearwater’s town council consists of six councilors plus the mayor. All but Walker have been on council since incorporation four years ago. Walker, who had unsuccessfully challenged Harwood to be mayor in Clearwater’s first municipal elections, took the councilor’s seat vacated by Jack Braaksma in the District’s second election three years ago.
Nominations for local government and school board elections open on Oct. 4 and close on Oct. 14. General voting day will be Nov. 19.
