Candidates continue to file in Missoula city elections
May 1, 2017 By cmsadmin
By Martin Kidston/Missoula Current
As of Monday morning, 11 individuals had filed to run for a municipal office in Missoula, including five incumbents, five newcomers and one candidate who has run without success in several past elections.
Among the familiar names, Bryan von Lossberg has filed to run as the incumbent representing Ward 1 on the Missoula City Council, while Jordan Hess is looking for another term in Ward 2.
Ward 4 council member Jon Wilkins also has filed. He's currently facing two candidates, including perennial challenger Greg Strandberg and newcomer Chris Badgley.
Missoula Mayor John Engen filed for reelection on opening day, saying housing, development and transportation issues need experienced oversight, and Missoula Water needs to be brought on line.
"We've done so much together, and there's so much more to do," he said.
Engen is currently facing one challenger in Lisa Triepke, who's running on a platform of increased transparency and cutting taxes. Triepke will formally launch her campaign on Tuesday.
"I'm on a budget and every penny counts, and there is no option but to live within my means," Triepke said in a statement announcing her intention to run. "The city should be the same way. Maybe we can't, or shouldn't do every project all at once."
Newcomer Heather Harp has filed to fun for City Council in Ward 3. Emily Bentley's term has expired and she has not yet filed to seek reelection.
Jamelet Laursen has filed to challenge von Lossberg in Ward 1, while Julie Merritt has filed to run in Ward 6.
Current Ward 6 council member Marilyn Marler will not seek reelection. Rather, she has announced her intention to run for House District 90, representing Missoula in the Montana Legislature.
Municipal Court Judge Kathleen Jenks has also paid the $918 filing fee to seek another four-year term. The closing date to file in the municipal election is June 19.