ATHOL - When longtime Athol Mayor Lanny Spurlock died a year ago this month, Council President Darla Kuhman was appointed to fill the post.

"I have always been very interested in community awareness and wanting to be a part of creating a better living environment for where I live," Kuhman said. "The mayor position can provide me that opportunity to make a difference."

There have been some huge changes since she was sworn in as mayor.

"I uncovered a serious situation at the city, which is still under investigation, and we have a new city clerk and soon to have a new attorney," she said.

That's not the only change she's brought.

She started the development of a city website, updated the city's use of social media, and created a small newsletter to mail out with water bills so city residents know what is going on at City Hall.

She asked that a representative from ICRMP, a member-owned local government insurance pool, visit the city council. The representative, Jim McNall, reviewed the city's leaders' roles and responsibilities and basic Idaho statutes for cities.

"The more education and understanding we have, the better protection and assistance we can give to our taxpayers and fellow citizens," Kuhman said.

How long were you on the city council before becoming mayor? What did you specifically work on while on the city council to benefit your city?

I was only on City Council for less than a year, and out of that time, I believe there were only eight meetings. A few meetings were canceled so I was just getting my feet wet before I became mayor. I was appointed to the council and then later ran for the seat in November, where I was voted in by the citizens. With my mediation certification, the council appointed me president of council, and our meetings went very smoothly. I had attempted to initiate some programs, but they were never presented to the public.

What will you be working on in 2015? What are some of your goals for this year for the city?

I am very excited about the new year. It is a chance to initiate programs that I wanted to do last year. On my list of things to do are developing a center for arts and education for youths and seniors that would promote local artists in the area, while providing the exposure to art that we have a need for. I would like to work with the state and with BikeCdA in continuing the bike path up U.S. 95 to Athol, connecting to Highway 54 to Bayview, Spirit Lake, and then circle back to Coeur d'Alene through Rathdrum and Post Falls. This would help assist in promoting the bike community, while at that same time encourage tourism. With Ironman and other major events we have in our county, it would be a wonderful addition to our general locale for all the connecting cities.

Additionally, she plans to earn a certification in grant writing to assist the city in applying for grants to help the city's residents and businesses.

"A new updated community center and city hall would be a major improvement for us," Kuhman said. "Our city has a beautiful little park with a stage, but it is lacking in public restrooms. I would like to have a restroom in place as soon as possible."

Another issue that is paramount is the new highway bypass, which has slowed customer access to local businesses, she said.

"The previous administration did not take into account the lack of visual exposure and access that the bypass has created," she said. "I will be working on programs and solutions for better signage, town access, and getting the assistance for the affected businesses so that they can continue to stay open."

Would you like to continue being mayor of the city? Do you plan on running for the office in upcoming elections? Any other political office aspirations?

Being mayor is providing me the opportunity to not only give back to the community, but to actually learn just how hard it is to accomplish goals. While one might have wonderful ideas, it only takes another person or group who have alternate ideas to completely grind things to a halt. Other people's personal feelings and agendas soon get in the way of them doing the right thing. I have struggled with my decisions and have used my mediation skills to come to the correct conclusions, only to have obstructions by others. It is all been very interesting and very difficult. I will say that with all the struggles and roadblocks, it makes me that much more determined to do a better job and to make more people aware of their government. I would love to see more people take an interest and fill the council meetings every month. Running for mayor again might be in my future and might not. I do know that major changes will need to continue to be made in our city if we want to keep moving forward and not go back to the way things were.

How long have you lived in Athol? What do you like about living there and in North Idaho?

I have lived in Athol since 2000, and I love the area. It has access to everything just short distances away and the people are wonderful. We could use a few more amenities though, as I have been told by numerous people who live here. I was born in Sandpoint, and moved to Priest Lake when I was 2 years old. We moved back to Sandpoint when I was 10 years old. My dad, Arthur Miller, worked for Northern Lights, and my mother was a stay-at-home mom. I graduated from Sandpoint Senior High School and attended International Air Academy in Vancouver, Wash. After graduation, I was hired by Cascade Airways and worked at the Spokane Airport. I love being an Idaho native, and the whole area is my playground. There are so many things to do here. We have the perfect blend of outdoors and class all within driving distance in any direction.

Could you share a couple of things about your city that some people might be surprised to know? Like how did it get its name?

Apart from the town's name being previously Colton, for why they changed it there are conflicting stories about a Scottish Duke named Atholl and a Native American chief. Most people do not know that we have a library in town, nor do they realize we have a wonderful little park with an area for skateboarders, as well as a stage for anyone who desires to serenade us. I would love to have comedy events and music festivals in the park in the summer. We are a diamond in the rough, just waiting for the moment to be seen.

What do you do for a living? How did you get into that field/profession? What do you like about it?

I am currently working at The Art Spirit Gallery in Coeur d'Alene. This I call my less-stress job. It is a wonderful environment to work in, with all the marvelous artists. I have met the nicest people, and really enjoy the work of and visiting with Mel McCuddin, Allen and Mary Dee Dodge, Harold Balazs, George Carlson, Robert Grimes, and Michael Horswill, just to name a few, there truly are so many. I previously worked as a paralegal/legal assistant for Elsaesser Jarzabek Anderson and Elliott up in Sandpoint. It was wonderful working there and I miss everyone terribly. I got into the legal field from high school, when I worked for Bill McAdam, who moved and is now a superior court judge in California. I am currently a certified mediator in the states of Washington and Idaho and do mediation on the side.

When not at work or handling the city's business, what might people find you doing?

I love to garden, build and create things, I also write, but have not submitted to be published yet.

Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?

In 10 years, I would like to stay in administration. With my skill sets and drive I believe I would be happiest making accomplishments and being an important member to any team that I would be working with. I do have a few thoughts on correction reform in the state of Idaho, as well as foundation work. The future is hopeful and I am looking forward to what is around the corner.