Libby council appoints Brooke Bolin to fill vacant seat after interviews and public endorsements
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Summary
After interviewing three candidates and hearing public endorsements—some urging delay—council nominated and appointed Brooke Bolin by majority vote to the vacant council seat; advisory counsel had advised a delay as a precaution but did not require it.
The Libby City Council interviewed three applicants to fill a forthcoming council vacancy and, after public comment and internal discussion about timing, appointed Brooke Bolin.
Each candidate gave a brief statement and answered council questions about public engagement, time availability and open‑meetings compliance. Bolin, who described prior federal service and volunteer work and said she is pursuing an MBA, told the council she is "passionate about service for community and country" and cited experience with community gardens, a food pantry project and the Libby Housing Committee.
Multiple community members, including residents and committee colleagues, delivered endorsements for another candidate, John Beebe, highlighting his long residency and experience with municipal process. During public comment DC Orr urged the council to delay the vote so newly elected members could participate; the city attorney said waiting was a precaution rather than a legal requirement. The council proceeded with nominations and a majority vote by show of hands appointed Brooke Bolin to the vacant seat.
Bolin will be sworn in at the start of the next council term, per council direction; the appointment does not immediately create a sitting councilor until formal swearing. No formal contestation of the appointment was recorded in the meeting minutes beyond public comment urging delay.