When the Kootenai City Council asked David Sundquist if he would serve as the city’s interim mayor, he was excited about taking on the new role.  

If anyone knew about the ins and outs of Kootenai’s city council, it would be Sundquist. He served on the council for 22 years before his recent retirement in 2025 and says he remains up to date on all the city’s projects and conversations. 

Sundquist was recently sworn in as the interim mayor of Kootenai earlier this month, taking the previous mayor Nancy Lewis’ place as she transitions to her new residence in Sandpoint. 

“I’m enthusiastic about starting this job, it’s a different position than a council person. It was something I had thought about over the years, but never really pulled the trigger on,” Sundquist said.  

Lewis retired after 11 years as the city’s mayor, serving as a council member for five years before her mayoral tenure. She leaves the city in good standing, as her retirement stems from a housing transition into Sandpoint from Kootenai.  

Sundquist will remain interim mayor until the next city election in November 2027.