Toline fills vacancy on BF City Council

BONNERS FERRY — Kenneth Toline was appointed to Bonners Ferry City Council and sworn in on Jan. 17 for the remainder of the year.

The council voted unanimously to appoint Toline, who immediately took his seat on council.

“I was asked by Mayor Sims if I would consider filling the position and I said I would accept,” Toline said.

Toline will fill the seat vacated by former councilwoman Connie Wells in December.

Wells stepped down during regular session Dec. 20, stating that she did not feel comfortable being filmed during council meetings.

“I appreciate the effort that has been made to keep me on the Council, and I feel like I am letting people down, but with the Council meetings being filmed, I don’t feel comfortable attending meetings, therefore I am resigning my position as of December 31, 2016,” Wells wrote in her formal resignation letter dated Dec. 12. “I’m sure most people think I’m being silly but I have to do what makes me feel comfortable and I think the camera distracts from the workings of the council, at least it does for me. I have enjoyed the past nine years serving the City and working with all of the great City employees. If you are ever in need of someone to serve on a committee or some other capacity for the City, that is not being filmed, please give me a call.”

In November, voters will elect a permanent replacement to a four-year term that will begin in January.

Toline told the Herald that he plans to run for the full term.

Toline, a Vietnam War veteran and recipient of three Purple Hearts and a Silver Star, is a retired U.S. Navy Master Chief Hospital Corpsman, who also serves as the American Legion Commander for Post 55, and chairman on the Boundary County Veterans Relations board.

“Serving my country was the greatest honor of my life besides being married to my wife, Brenda,” Toline said. “And, now to be asked to serve my community — well that’s an honor. This is my home now and it will be my honor and privilege to serve the people of this community.”