Staples declines mayor seat, Alonzo sworn in as mayor

BONNERS FERRY — Former Mayor Dick Staples declined the mayor’s seat Tuesday as the city council met for the first time in 2024, in part to swear in new officials. The move means there will be no changes to the council — and that Staples’ son, Ben, will be able to accept the golf contract position.

To start the meeting, the city council had to swear in newly elected officials. Since Staples resigned in September 2023, but did not pull his candidacy for the uncontested November 2023 election, he was the de facto mayor-elect. Staples resigned after his son applied for, and was recommended as the golf manager contractor at the city’s golf course by the golf steering committee.

After Dick Staples stepped down, former council president Rick Alonzo was appointed by council to take the seat of mayor. Due to a vacancy on council, former councilman Adam Arthur was appointed to city council, to complete Alonzo’s term for the remainder of 2023. 

Alonzo and councilwoman Valerie Thompson were also unopposed at the November 2023 election and, per Idaho Code they retained their seats and were sworn in to serve two-year terms on Tuesday night. 

Since Arthur’s appointment was to a term set to expire Dec. 31, 2023, was then re-appointed to council and sworn in. He was then unanimously appointed as council president, who is tasked with filling in for the mayor when necessary. He will have to run at the next general election in 2026. 

Alonzo was appointed by the council as mayor. Alonzo and Thompson will also have to run for election in two years. 

Councilmen Brion Poston and Ron Smith’s terms are set to expire on Dec. 31, 2025, and will have to run for election at the May primary in 2025. 

Ben Staples and Jennifer Baulne were hired as the golf contractor for the Mirror Lake Golf Course, through their business Doger LLC. 

The next city council meeting is Jan. 16, 2024, at 6 p.m. at the Bonners Ferry City Hall, 7232 Main St.

Special meetings, those which are held not at the regular time, may be scheduled before the next regular meeting.

    Valeria Thompson swears in to Bonners Ferry city council on January 2, 2024.
  

    Adam Arthur is sworn into Bonners Ferry city council on January 2, 2024. Photo from October 2023.