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The old mayor of Thompson Falls is now the new mayor of Thompson Falls. The city council appointed Jerry Lacy mayor at a

special meeting Monday.

More than a dozen people attended the meeting and had

the opportunity to ask questions of the two candidates, Lacy and

Gunner Junge. Daniel Moore had also submitted a letter of interest to the council for the mayor position, but was ineligible due to residency requirements.

"I think I can help the community," said Lacy, who previously

served as mayor from November 2018, after Mark Sheets resigned, to April 2020. Sheets was reappointed to that position in 2020 and served until last month, when he announced his resignation. Lacy previously worked for Public Works in Thompson Falls for 27 years. "I felt my experience in public works and as mayor would be an asset to the community, and I feel I have worked successfully with community members, city staff and our constituents," Lacy expressed.

City council members rotated who asked questions as the

candidates answered 13 questions about the position and their

qualifications. The council then gave the public an opportunity to

ask questions. Resident Catherine DeWitt asked the candidates if

they would run for election when the position is up in two years.

Junge said that he would, while Lacy said he probably would not.

Steve Oswald asked the candidates if they have objections to

federal money coming to the city.

"I have a lot of experience with the city getting funds for projects. Without federal funding, a lot of projects wouldn't happen. There's no way local folks could afford it," Lacy answered. "I don't per se have a problem with grant money, but I also know sometimes free money comes with strings attached and we have to look at the consequences," Junge said, adding that the city needs to look if the funding is in the best interest of the community. "Maybe what's free isn't actually free."

Annie Wooden

Jerry Lacy (left) is sworn in as mayor of Thompson Falls by city council president Raoul Ribeiro. Lacy previously served as mayor from 2018 to 2020.

After the candidates answered all of the questions from council members and the community, council members discussed the candidates for about 10 minutes. "I really appreciate the candidates for focusing on service to the community. Your hearts seem to be in the right place for both of you," said council president Raoul Ribeiro. Council member Larry Lack then made a motion to appoint Lacy as the new mayor. Shawni Vaught seconded the motion and the action was passed unanimously.

Lacy was then sworn in by council president Raoul Ribeiro. The new mayor, after the meeting, talked about the ongoing city sewer projects. "The current phases are nearing completion," he explained. "The bid documents and requirements need to be clarified better to help the other phases." He said he feels the city needs to have a little more input in the project. He also said the city has a lot of challenges coming up. He addressed the housing issues in the city. "The city is going to have to look at what they can do and if there are things they can do to help other organizations," he noted.

Lacy's term will run through 2024. "I'd like to thank the council for their vote of confidence," he said.