Incumbents swept out
by JENNY HARRIS n Ravalli Republic
The results are in and the incumbents are out.
Voters handily elected challengers in Hamilton’s three wards. Joe Petrusaitis defeated incumbent Robert Sutherland 269-102 in Ward 1; Al Mitchell beat Bob Scott 241-102 in Ward 2; and Jenny West sailed away in the three-way election with 302 votes. Her opponents Bob Frost and DeAnne Harbaugh received 64 and 57 votes, respectively.
“I won and the public has spoken,” Petrusaitis said. “I look forward to the term.”
During his campaign, Petrusaitis said the job of city councilor is to “simply represent the citizens through use of the magic C’s n compassion, communication and compromise.”
His opponent, Sutherland, will be finishing his fourth year on the council and has been most active within researching Rocky Mountain Laboratories’ city utility bill. Sutherland will finish his first city council term this January.
Perhaps the most contentious was between Ward 2 candidates Scott and Mitchell. Scott’s term was riddled with controversy, but he maintained his conviction that the city council participated heartily in the democratic process throughout the campaign.
“I did my best to get the truth to the city of Hamilton with the limited resources I had,” Scott said. “I was unsuccessful in my endeavor and I wish the best to the future council.”In Ward 3, West easily defeated Frost and incumbent Harbaugh, who each tallied votes into the double digits. West, a Hamilton native and fly-fishing guide said she is excited to serve her hometown.
“I’m so excited I won this election,” West said. “I’m very thankful for all of the voter and campaign support, I’m looking forward to serving Hamilton the best way I can.”
The newly elected councilors will take their seats in January.
Reporter Jenny Harris can be reached at 363-3300 or at jharris@ravallirepublic.com
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