Staples wins mayoral race by slim margin

by Tonia Brooks Staff Writer
| November 7, 2019 12:00 AM

BONNERS FERRY — Those who say “every vote counts” may have had this year’s Bonners Ferry mayoral race in mind.

Unofficial results from Tuesday’s election show James R. “Dick” Staples defeated incumbent Mayor David Sims by 2 votes, with Staples receiving 222 votes and Sims receiving 220.

Staples, a local business owner for over 40 years, defeated incumbent Sims, who had been Bonners Ferry Mayor for the last four years. Staples owns JRS Surveying, a land surveying business.

Incumbents Valerie Thompson and Rick Alonso, who ran unopposed, will continue as members of the Bonners Ferry City Council for another term.

The Cabinet Mountain Water District revenue bonds issue passed with 230 votes, or 65.16 percent, in favor.

Deborah Rauth and Terry A. Johnson won the Moyie Springs City Council seats, with Rauth receiving 39 votes, or 26.53 percent, and Johnson receiving 58 votes, or 39.46 percent of the total ballots cast.

Results are unofficial until they are canvassed by county election officials.