The mood was jubilant at the Election night Democratic Headquarters tonight as the Democrat Challenger Tim Solomon beat Incumbent Republican Mayor Bob Rice in a resounding victory marking an end to Rice’s eight-year term as Mayor. Recently there has been much speculation and discussion around town concerning the apparent potential for conflicts of interest should Solomon become Mayor in the often strained relationships between the City and County. Voters didn’t seem to share those concerns however as they gave Solomon the nod with 1,732 votes to Rice’s 1,066 votes in a fairly moderate turnout.
In the Ward one race Democrat incumbent Gerry Veis narrowly retained his council seat over political newcomer Republican Kathy Sangrey. Veis 378 to Sangrey 352. Ward 2 voters sent Republican Terry Schend into retirement from the council replacing him with Democrat challenger Janet Tretewey by 65 votes. Schend 341 – Trethewey 404. Republican Incumbent Robert Kaftan slipped by Democrat challenger Brenda Skornogoski on a vote of 345 to Skornogoski’s 332. Ward four incumbent Allen Woodwick faced no opposition and received 565 votes as the lone candidate.
Retiring City Judge, Joyce Perzayk, will hand over her seat in the non-partisan office to victor David Krezlak who received 1,686 votes to his opponent Margaret Hencz’s 1,085.
We salute all the candidates that threw their hats into the ring for the City election. It is the dedication and willingness to get involved with our local government process that makes this the great country we live in and we at the Havre Daily Corrector thank you. Havre voters now put our confidence in those newly elected to do what is best for all, supporters and opposition alike. We all want the best for our community.
A special thanks to Mayor Bob Rice for all that you have accomplished these last 8 years and we wish you well in the future. We recognize that being the Mayor or a councilman can be a very thankless job and it is because of those of you that are willing to step up to the plate that we have the great community that we live in. Good Luck Mayor elect Tim Solomon in your new office.
Even if I didn't agree with Mayor Bob all the time and in fact even got a little hot under the collar about some of his decisions, he was still a hard working man with the good of Havre his foremost concern. I hope a Mayor Tim will actually spend a little time at City business and not let us down
ReplyDeleteOne could wonder if Solomon working for both the City and County would be a conflict of interest. I think we will now truly have a part time mayor. I cant really say hes made the Great Northern Fair any good, it seemed to be much better when Mike Spencer was running the Fair. I guess the citizens of Havre have had enough improvements in 8 years, improvements that should have been a work in progress over the years of the previous Democratic rule. Kudos to Mayor Bob for all the great he has done for Havre. Job well done!
ReplyDeleteNow that all the bells and whistles of this very lackluster election are ove, I feel very sad at the outcome. The city of Havre Has lost one dedicated man in Mayor Bob. In all years past there has not been a more hands on 24/7/365 mayor in Havre then Mayor Bob Rice. He gave it his all and moved (yes I said) move Havre forward in the right direction. Did Mayor Bob Piss a lot of people off Yes he did, BUT you just can"t please everybody all the time. He made the city worker get off there laurals and work for a living and I know from experiance that a lot of them hated Bob. He got jobs for those in need and they turned on him(YOU All know who you are) Mr E.H. for one, but that is getting off the track of where I am going with this, The voters spoke and said it's time for Mayor Bob to go, well he will begone shortly and the fair haired slender not so work orientated really a not do much man has been elected and now all you great liberal I will vote for Pluto if he is on the ballot are going to get what you pay for. Now you say that the city and county are going to get along, BS as long as you have the 3 mouseketeers are in control of the county and the Mayor elect Things are gonna change alright but it won't be for the betterment of The city of Havre or the people that live in it. So in closing this I should say That Mayor Bob and I didn't always get along but I respected and admired the mna. Have will surely miss you Bob (Live long and Prosper)
ReplyDeleteThanks Mayor Bob for all you have done for Havre. Good luck Mayor Tim with your plans to correct all the mistakes you think have been happening. Kathy Bessette said it all the other night in her quote in the newspaper, "she hopes the city and county can return to
ReplyDeletethe days when they disagreed but remained civil." Guess what Kathy, Timmy boy will do that for sure. Commissioners get ready to have it your way all the time, just as it used to be in the gool ole days! No more Mayor Bob to kick around now, finally Dems can breathe after eight years. Get ready Havre, get your wallets out and heads bowed to the almight Hill County!
Stop all your whining! We won and you lost. The days of Pasma are rising again!
ReplyDeleteDemsrul what kind of craps that. This isn't about a good democrate of a good republican fool. It is about good people running our city. You Demsrul fools should know that by all the good work put forth by non democrates. Its with your mentality that this city would be better off with non partisan elections. If you tell one of you Demsrul fools that you are not a Democrate you will see hatred at its finest. By the way Pasma was no perfect human being either
ReplyDeleteHere we go again!!!! Why not just get it over with and have Non-partisin City and County elections(Havre is one of only a few towns that still have partisin elections).
ReplyDeleteAnd while we are at it, why not seriously consider a consolidated form of Ciy/County government. Duplicity of law enforcement, call centers, street/road maintainance, etc. should save taxpayer $$$$ and maybe solve that constant bitching, bickering,and "gotcha" politics that seems to constantly prevail in Havre and Hill County.
Its sure funny how immature Ms. Friede is in her response. Typical of the Democrats. You would think someone that holds the Chairwoman status would have a more mature adult like attitude. And come on, the days of Pasma are rising again. Well citizens, beware. If your ready for the days of no progress, support Solomon and the do nothing jack ass Hill Co. Comm. Look at the mess they have created at the Court House.
ReplyDeleteI fully agree with anonymous, Ms. Friede has always been openly immature. One can remember when she stood up infront of the Mayor after being elected for the second time and telling him the he was being given notice that the Democrates where watching him and he better tow the line or else. So that everyone knows she is no longer the chairperson of the HIll County Democratic Central Committee, the most gracious, J Musgrove is the new chair, need I say more.There was only one Jim Pasma and thank the Lord there will never be another, Not that there hasn't been some wannabs like Ms Friede and some others. Well as far as being put on notice I will say that 1700 people who voted for Havre's favorite son Mr. Mayor elect TIM, and the 1066 that didn't vote for him just stand by and you will see the things that have been accomplished in Havre over the last 8 years come tumbling down. There is still 2 years before 911 at the city is to be reviewed, I would bet it is sooner and it will be move to the county. But lets just watch and see where things go when our mayor only puts in a part time performance!
ReplyDeleteI fully agree with anonymous, Ms. Friede has always been openly immature. One can remember when she stood up infront of the Mayor after being elected for the second time and telling him the he was being given notice that the Democrates where watching him and he better tow the line or else. So that everyone knows she is no longer the chairperson of the HIll County Democratic Central Committee, the most gracious, J Musgrove is the new chair, need I say more.There was only one Jim Pasma and thank the Lord there will never be another, Not that there hasn't been some wannabs like Ms Friede and some others. Well as far as being put on notice I will say that 1700 people who voted for Havre's favorite son Mr. Mayor elect TIM, and the 1066 that didn't vote for him just stand by and you will see the things that have been accomplished in Havre over the last 8 years come tumbling down. There is still 2 years before 911 at the city is to be reviewed, I would bet it is sooner and it will be move to the county. But lets just watch and see where things go when our mayor only puts in a part time performance!
ReplyDeleteFirst, I thought this blog was for everybody not just Republicans and Mayor Boob lovers? Secondly I'm glad someone pointed out that John Musgrove is the Dem chair now. I know most people didn't know that outside the local Dem central committee, but most don't know who the Republicans have either. In fact I was surprised to read in last week's paper that Annexation King Brekke is the chair over there--I mean what's the deal with that? He move's to Havre and next thing you know he's running for everything and trashing peoples names like Tara Brandon to climb to the top! Come on people. Finally what makes all you anonymouses and Cruzerc90 think I'm Debi Friede????? Oh the license plates--well I did get the idea from her cool plates, but no she can't take the credit for my thoughts, sorry Debi. Not that she'd probably disagree with anything I've said here, but there! Jim Pasma once said that "when Republicans rule Hill County, Pigs would fly over the Bear Paws." He is so right and Tim's election proves it. As for Bob good riddance. He kept saying I'm not gonna run, I'm not gonna run, lies, all lies. Did he do some good things, yes, but he is not an idol I rub each night before bed. Get a life people!
ReplyDeleteOkay everyone - ENOUGH!
ReplyDeleteThe election is over and for the 1700 that said Tim and the 1066 that said Bob, it's a poor percentage for the City as a whole. Demc or Repub, personally I felt the Havre City elections for Mayor were both poor choices but those were the people that stepped up to the plate. We need to make this City prosper and if combining the county and city governments will work do it. If not then try something else. The key thing to remember is we the residents must take back control of this City and County and the people who we pay to work for us. The commissioners here in Hill County are nothing to special either. More than one decision has based on their popularity ahead of progress for the people.
There truly are talented people who wear the Demc banner as well as talented people who wear the Repb banner. AND believe me there is also an equal amount of Demc and Repb people who are not worth a %&^*, they have been feeding off the taxpayers for years. It's time to put the word servant back into public service. They have good jobs, with good benefits and retirements - that's more than many City and County taxpayers have. LET"S MAKE THEM START EARNING IT whether they are Demc or Repb.
Okay everyone - ENOUGH!
ReplyDeleteThe election is over and for the 1700 that said Tim and the 1066 that said Bob, it's a poor percentage for the City as a whole. Demc or Repub, personally I felt the Havre City elections for Mayor were both poor choices but those were the people that stepped up to the plate. We need to make this City prosper and if combining the county and city governments will work do it. If not then try something else. The key thing to remember is we the residents must take back control of this City and County and the people who we pay to work for us. The commissioners here in Hill County are nothing to special either. More than one decision has based on their popularity ahead of progress for the people.
There truly are talented people who wear the Demc banner as well as talented people who wear the Repb banner. AND believe me there is also an equal amount of Demc and Repb people who are not worth a %&^*, they have been feeding off the taxpayers for years. It's time to put the word servant back into public service. They have good jobs, with good benefits and retirements - that's more than many City and County taxpayers have. LET"S MAKE THEM START EARNING IT whether they are Demc or Repb.
I agree with the last anonymous (by the way folks set up a name for yourself so we can keep all you anonymous posters separate) comment that we need to move on. Mayor Bob has done a lot of good things for Havre, things lots of people didn't even think could be done, but they are. He should be happy with what he's been able to accomplish in 8 years. Was he perfect, no. He is not an idol DemsRul, that is true, but the Boob comment is uncalled for. Good luck Mayor Elect Solomon is all I can say. He has a tough road ahead of him as the Council and the Commissioners are all not going to be able to play nice from day one, the wounds appear far too deep. But they can be resolved. I also agree with consolidation. You might not be able to remove all the personality issues, but it would certainly save money, right? As for whether DemsRul is Debi Friede or not doesn't matter to me the comments there are childish. The Annexation King comment isn't necessary either. I went to a few of those meetings and in my mind Mr. Brekke was very cordial and had to make the best of a very difficult situation. Bob Rice and Terry Schend wanted annexation to go through and they made the new kid on the block run defense for them. To my amazement and I think everyone else's too, Mr. Brekke put his shoulder into it and got it done, good or bad. I for one thought it would happen eventually, but never thought it would happen this soon. Who knows what is right or wrong anymore in this screwed up world. All I know is we have to try to get along with eachother and at least attempt to be civil. Let's consolidate at least for Havre's sake. Folks, if we keep fighting like this, there won't be a Havre left to fight for as everyone will either leave or die. Thanks Bob and good luck Tim.
ReplyDeleteInstead of looking at each other from party lines, we should be looking to each other as neighbors. We are all in this prairie - high plains desert life together, we need to come together as a community and work towards making a positive difference, if not for ourselves; for our children and the youth. We are very fortunate to have those candidates step forward especially thru all the muck the negative people create. (Name calling, ect....) It takes an incredible amount of courage to put ones name out there. Regardless of what views each person brings to the table - they each truly care about Havre and the Hi-Line. Some views may not be what I agree with, but I try to respect them - agree to disagree. If you can't agree, go to the City Council Meetings or the County Commissioners - use your voice; but do so in a respectful & constructive manner -- allow for growth - not this immaturity that breeds contempt and disgust from both sides of the party.
ReplyDeleteAAAH, The good ole days, you remember, when things ran smoothly, when people wondered but never asked about the way things were run, when people wondered but never asked how certain people always came out on top, when people wondered, but never asked how monies were spent, you remember, all these wonderings but never any real questioning because that’s just the way it was. Well after a eight year hiatus, things can finally begin to return to normal. That sour puss holder of the mayors office is now gone as is his cohort; that guy from Ward 2, what relief, no more hard questions to answer to, no more having to give the appearances of getting along nor faking a smile, it can all relax and be normal. So what is this sideline sitter saying by these characteristic, assumptions? FACT the republican mayor has been removed, let’s put the picture together so you can all see how the “good-ole-boys family” system can once again become practice. New judge; new mayor; new council - all the same faith, a lot more comfortable for all -right? Well now we have a part time mayor, the department heads can once again run the public works as they see fit; the city clerk can run city finances and direct operations from his office chair, no accountability, just show-up, do the minimum, get your check.
ReplyDeleteSo lets start putting together another "good ole boy" picture! The new mayor stated he will be part time,(although Mayor Leonard & Mayor Rice worked full time). He works for the county at 1 1/2 time, (runs the fair grounds and City-County Airport), both checks are signed by the commissioners. Once again, another really happy good ole family - as they now have someone who will cooperate with their wishes.
We also have more brush strokes to their picture. This elected judge who has rejected the voter’s wishes and is stepping aside from taking office. Reasons: personal of course, what other reason can there be, right? What if the fire chief is ready to retire? This means the new mayor would fill this spot! Since this election cycle has completed, the fireman elected as potential judge declines the voter’s wishes, and will not assume the position, therefore he now is a potential candidate for fire-chief. Suddenly the election is over and the new/old regime is back, suddenly another senior member of the fire department is resigning and going into retirement so he can assume the position as the Hill CO Emergency Preparedness Director. This office, created by a federal grant; pd for by local tax $, was vacated over three months ago! Never filled or even advertised! Are you getting the picture here? The newly retired fire department employee will now be working for his former co-worker - who just happens to be a member of the good ole family network. So, this offers a chance for the elected and rejecting judge candidate to fill the possibly vacating chiefs position, what could make the good ole family happier & cozier? The judge position; it’ll be a city councils duty to fill this spot and one can see the writing on the wall for this vetting process. It all seems a little too coincidental for these events to all begin so soon after the electorate made their choices, favoring one brand of politics over another. Remember now another fire department personnel’s wife now sits on the city council, it’s beginning to have appearance that the fire department and county all look alike; One big happy family. I’m beginning to think firemen have way too much time on their hands in their 3 days-a-week positions.
Amen Sagitari you get the pulitzer for that letter.
ReplyDelete