Contested races emerge in municipal elections
HEIDI DESCH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years AGO
A roll of "I Voted" stickers at the Trade Center at the Flathead County Fairgrounds on Tuesday, Nov. 8. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
DEPUTY EDITOR, FEATURES Heidi Desch is the Deputy Editor at the Daily Inter Lake, overseeing coverage of arts, culture, lifestyle, community, and business. Desch leads reporters in developing stories that highlight the people, traditions, and events shaping Northwest Montana, guiding content across print and digital platforms. With more than 20 years of journalism experience, including serving as managing editor of the Whitefish Pilot, Desch is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism. She has received multiple Montana Newspaper Association awards, including part of the team leading the Daily Inter Lake to Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. IMPACT: Heidi’s work connects readers with stories that deepen the understanding of the community beyond daily news. | June 21, 2023 12:00 AM
Incumbent city councilors in all three of Flathead County’s incorporated cities have filed to retain seats on their respective municipal boards.
The filing deadline for candidates was Monday. Municipal elections will be held Nov. 7.
In Kalispell, Kari Gabriel in Ward 1, Sam Nunnally in Ward 2, Ryan Hunter in Ward 3 and Sid Daoud in Ward 4 have all filed for reelection.
Challengers are also on the ballot for three of the four wards. Wes Walker has filed in Ward 1, Gabriel Dillon has filed in Ward 2 and Kevin Aurich has filed in Ward 3.
Lukas Schubert had filed for Ward 2, but withdrew from the race.
City councilors in Kalispell receive an annual salary of $5,000 plus a $900 stipend.
Municipal Judge Alison Howard is also running unopposed seeking to retain her seat on the bench.
In Whitefish, incumbents Frank Sweeney, Steve Qunell and Rebecca Norton are on the ballot. Challengers Nathan Dugan, James Ramlow, Nancy Schuber and Kent Taylor have also filed for the election.
Mayor John Muhlfeld is running unopposed, seeking his fourth term.
Whitefish city councilors and the mayor do not receive a salary.
Municipal Judge Caitlin Overland has filed for reelection. She is running unopposed.
In Columbia Falls, incumbents Darin Fisher, John Piper and Kelly Hamilton have all filed. Challenger Kathryn Price is also running.
City councilors in Columbia Falls receive a salary of $200 per month.
Features Editor Heidi Desch may be reached at 758-4421 or [email protected].
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