HAYDEN — Two of Hayden's new public officials are new to public office and city government, but City Council President Roger Saterfiel said he expects them to do well.

The two newcomers are Hayden's mayor-elect, Steve Griffitts, and incoming Seat 1 council member, Matt Roetter.

"Personally, I think it's exciting — I love to see people getting involved in their community," Saterfiel said Wednesday afternoon. "Fresh faces, fresh ideas."

Saterfiel, who is entering his third term on the Hayden City Council, said his first year included a learning curve. He said some things will be easy for the incoming mayor and councilman while others will be more difficult, but it all depends on their attitudes and abilities. He said while Griffitts has Mayor Ron McIntire's big shoes to fill, "he'll do just fine."

"Steve's been here (in Hayden) about as long as I have," Saterfiel said. "He's going to hit the ground running. He's already been talking to Mayor McIntire."

He said he feels Roetter will make a good council member.

"He's been very involved," Saterfiel said. "When a new council member or mayor comes on, it's more about learning what their duties are. The mayor runs the city, the city council does budget and policies."

Griffitts said he hopes to have a chance to lay some groundwork for Hayden's future before the January swearing-in.

“This city has been well-run under Mayor McIntire’s leadership, and I’m honored that he would want me to fill in for him over the next four years,” he said. "There are so many things I want to do."

Griffitts said he wants to "build bridges that need to be established, whether it be with the airport or the commercial and industrial leaders."

"We want to make sure those bridges are firm and solid," he said, adding it is important to him that the needs of the City Council are met.

"I hope that the lines of communication are open and efficient," he said.

On the topic of he and Roetter being "newbies" on the council, he's looking forward to it.

"I think it's great for the city of Hayden because we have a balance," Griffitts said. "The ability to have people to provide new perspective is great."

Roetter said he and Griffitts will be attending City Council meetings to observe and learn in the days leading to January. He said his first objective will be to learn the council position as well as the dynamics of the council, mayor and staff. He foresees positive things happening as newcomers to the scene.

"I see good things happening working with Steve because of his Jobs Plus leadership," Roetter said. "I hope to bring my business perspective and researching background to the working relationship, which should produce some exciting synergy."