POST FALLS — The Post Falls City Council unanimously confirmed Aaron Plew to fill council seat 2 Thursday, following interviews with four candidates conducted by Mayor Ron Jacobson and council members at City Hall.

The packed conference room required additional seating as residents arrived to observe the interviews with Plew, Patrick O'Halloran, Annette Nolting and Julie Hensley.

Plew, who works in the battery industry, moved to the area four years ago from Orange County. He serves as director of the men's ministry at St. John the Baptist in Post Falls and works with a local scouting group.

"I sat on the sidelines and watched politically minded people do their thing," Plew told the council, describing his previous reluctance to enter public service. 

He emphasized that listening is a major part of his professional experience and pledged to "stay in my lane" regarding city staff responsibilities.

Describing his decision to apply, Plew said, "It was almost an epiphany when the seat became available. It was almost like a light coming down from heaven," prompting Jacobson to respond, "I love the optimism."

During the interviews, Councilor Randy Westlund questioned two candidates about their social media presence. O'Halloran, a retired Air Force major who advises veteran and military families at North Idaho College, faced questions about his comments criticizing NIC's financial management.

"I don't usually get that inflamed," O'Halloran responded, defending his criticism of what he viewed as political "sabotage" of NIC. "From my perspective, I see it (NIC) as a key, a gem. I had no explanation for what I see other than sabotage."

Nolting, who works for the Museum of North Idaho, discussed her support for the council's past COVID-19 mask mandate, citing her experience as a mother of a medically vulnerable infant. When questioned about social media posts, including one about people storming the U.S Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, she acknowledged, "At the time, I was just making a joke."

The final candidate, Julie Hensley, drew praise from Councilor Samantha Stiegleder for her familiarity with the Post Falls comprehensive master plan and regular attendance at city hearings. Hensley, who works in health care, has been active in addressing community issues such as railroad crossing safety.

Following the interviews, Jacobson noted that 22 candidates had applied for the position, including two currently serving on city commissions or committees. While expressing a preference for more experienced candidates, he encouraged unsuccessful applicants to remain involved in city government.