Thompson Falls residents push effort to recall mayor, councilors

An overcast sky and light rain set the mood at Thompson Falls Power Park last week, where members of the community gathered to discuss an effort to recall of Mayor Gussie O’Connor, Ward 1 Council Member Raoul Ribeiro, Ward 2 Council Member Katherine Maudrone and Ward 3 Council Member Rusti Leivestad.

One of the primary topics raised by Kristen Cosper-Wing centered on a recreation district recently proposed by O’Connor to help fund local projects. Creating a recreation district in Montana involves establishing a resort area or resort community under Title 7, Chapter 6, Part 15 of the Montana Code Annotated, which allows for the imposition of a resort tax. The process begins with the Department of Commerce designating the area as a resort community if the incorporated population is fewer than 5,000 residents. Once designated, the district must be formally established through a voter-approved referendum, requiring approval from 15% of the electors in the area.

To recall the mayor would require 171 signatures that must be verified. Recalling Ward 1 Council Member Ribeiro would require 58 signatures. Fifty-one signatures would be needed to recall Ward 2 Council Member Maudrone and 61 signatures would be required for Ward 3 Council Member Leivestad. 

Petitioners said they have collected approximately 50% of the required signatures to force a recall. Estimates to hold a recall election could reach as high as $8,000.

“I’m here as a petition signer and community member, and I personally believe that the recall petition is well warranted based on the simple fact that we the people are the stockholders of the corporation called the city of Thompson Falls,” Melinda Thompson said. “If we find that they are not doing their jobs, it is our right to hold them accountable. It really has nothing to do with personality. It has everything to do with not doing the will, wants and needs of the people.”

“I want the city to get rid of these outlaws we have. I had a personal battle with the last mayor,” commented longtime Thompson Falls resident Sandy Johnston. He continued, “Get people in there that will listen to people.”

Additional issues were raised during the recall meeting held at the Power Park. 

Thompson also spoke about concerns involving disciplinary action taken against Court Clerk/Fill-in Assistant Clerk Kristina Quickenden. According to city documentation, Quickenden was cited for failing to meet the performance requirements of her position and for violating city policy. The disciplinary action included a demotion, reducing her full-time position to six days per month and eliminating her health benefits.

A grievance was filed by Quickenden on March 15, 2025, which the city agreed to review. The grievance was later rejected based on firsthand observations by supervisory staff dated March 13. Quickenden filed an appeal on April 1 with Council Member Raoul Ribeiro.

During the evening, former mayoral candidate Tamra Raiche also spoke about the new sewer system currently being installed in Thompson Falls. Questions were raised about why residents with DEQ-approved septic systems are being required to replace their systems during phases three and four of the construction project. Thompson Falls HOA member Gene Arnold commented on issues he has encountered with the city’s request for sewer line easements across HOA property, which has been denied.

In an email sent by Thompson, she commented on the tone of the evenings recall meeting.

“I was inspired by the courage of my fellow friends and neighbors who came forth to tell their stories and experiences. Sharing their struggles and concerns inspired us all to call for change in our current government and the policies they have implemented without the vote or consent of the people.” 

Thompson continued, “The willingness to ask questions, seek answers and clarification in order to find solutions to what plagues them in their current situations was the theme. There was a sense of heartfelt, true compassion for one another when they spoke of their problems and concerns.” 

Around 30 individuals attended the recall meeting last Wednesday evening.

O’Connor commented that she was advised to not respond to any recall allegations.

    Longtime resident Sandy Johnston comments during a meeting about recalling members of the Thompson Falls City Council. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Kristen Cosper-Wing speaks about the negative aspects of the city creating a recreation district. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)