4 running for 2 council seats in Moyie Springs

Two seats on the Moyie Springs City Council will be voted on in the upcoming election, with four candidates filed to run for the positions.

Incumbents Terry Johnson and Tim Narvaez have both declared their intent to run for another term. Robert Perreten and Rosanne Smith are seeking their first term on the council. 

Johnson and Perreten were unavailable for comment for this article despite repeated requests.

Councilman Tim Narvaez is running for his second term on the council, having been elected in November of 2014. He regularly attended council meetings before deciding to run.

“I had attended city council meetings regularly for about one year out of interest and the invitation from our ex-city clerk Sandy Tompkins,” Narvaez said. “Upon the resignation mid-term of a councilman I was asked during the replacement process if I would fill the vacancy. I gladly accepted but never prior to this thought that I would ever pursue this position.”

Narvaez said the position has been a learning process, but he’s enjoyed the experience. He’s looking forward to continuing to serve the residents of Moyie Springs.

“I have no regrets,” he said. “It has been very insightful and enjoyable. The learning curve does take time and is an ongoing process. I work with a wonderful group, councilman, Mayor, public works director and city clerk and must admit we don’t always see eye to eye, we have some heated moments and debates, but I believe the best interest of the citizens, in the end, is all we strive for.”

Narvaez was a frequent visitor to the area for years before buying his home and businesses in 2012. He said his years as a businessman give him a unique insight to the issues affecting the community.

“I bring to the table over 35 years in business,” Narvaez explained. “Logging company from 1980 until 1990 when I started pursuing construction work. I am president of Tim Narvaez Excavating Inc. located at the old Joe Messenbrink re-saw mill at the corner of Roosevelt Rd and Highway 2 near the Moyie Store. I bring a business man’s insight, experience and common sense along with good values. I am happy to call this area my home.”

No stranger to campaigning, Rosanne Smith said she is pursuing a seat on the council as a way to give back to her community.

“I have run for office several times but I am not as well known as those who have lived in the area longer,” Smith said. “I enjoy helping others and volunteering.” 

Smith retired from federal service in 2006, giving her plenty of time to devote to the council.

“I bring to the table time,” she said. 

“I have the time to research and help apply for grants and other monies. I have the time to look at other options available for the betterment of residents. I had attended council meetings personally for several years and still follow them via email so I am aware of the issues facing the residents of the city.”

While many issues exist that need to be addressed, Smith said there is one she feels needs to be a priority.

“The sewer price increase,” Smith said. “The increase is huge for just a few residents. They are shouldering the burden for a new sewer system. 

“Where are other monies? Why wasn’t the money collected saved for this eventuality? There is, to the best of my knowledge, no different rate for commercial enterprises. Why is that?”