HAYDEN — Matt Roetter, a longtime small business owner and Hayden resident who challenged incumbent City Councilman Tim Timmins, won the seat with nearly 61 percent of the vote Tuesday night.

“This is my first run at public office,” Roetter said. “I look forward to being a good representative for the people of Hayden.”

Roetter, who garnered 540 votes to Timmins’ 350, said he has a lot to learn about the job but he’s excited to learn and he already knows most of the council he will be working with.

“I really want to thank the voters for their support,” he said. “I think it will be a great experience for me and the citizens of Hayden.”

One of the reasons Roetter said he ran for council was he felt Timmins had a conflict of interest over a lawsuit that the North Idaho Building Contractors Association brought against the city. Timmins, who has denied any involvement in the suit, is a member of that organization and has led it in the past. Timmins owns Eagle Ridge Builders, Inc. He served as the local president of the North Idaho Building Contractors Association in 2003 and was the state president in 2006 and 2007.

During his campaign, Roetter said his goal is to make sure new growth pays for itself. Another objective is to help Hayden's businesses and senior population. Roetter said he wants to find a bigger Hayden Senior Center with a large kitchen to serve the elderly.

He also said he intends to have informal sessions at local Hayden coffee shops on a rotating schedule.

"My aim is to be accessible to the public to hear their concerns," he said.