Three candidates so far are vying to become Kalispell's next mayor

Yahoo

26-05-2025

May 25—Candidates are lining up to become Kalispell's first new mayor in over a decade.
City Councilors Sid Daoud and Ryan Hunter have filed for the position and Kalispell Business Improvement District Chair Kisa Davison announced earlier this month her intent to seek the job.
Mayor Mark Johnson has presided over the municipality since he was first elected in 2013. But the three-term mayor announced in January that he would forgo another campaign, leaving the spot open for someone new.
Interested parties have until 5 p.m., June 11 to file for candidacy. Municipal elections are scheduled for Nov. 4.
Four Council seats in Ward 1 through 4 are on the ballot this upcoming election as well. So far, former English teacher and historian Bruce Guthrie has filed to run for the Ward 4 seat currently occupied by Councilor Jed Fisher, who has not refiled yet.
WHILE THE mayor's vote holds the same weight as any other member of Council, Hunter is running in hopes the elevated title will help him push initiatives he has long supported.
The two-term councilor has tried to persuade his colleagues to invest in advisory boards that address homelessness and collaborate with nonprofits on building affordable housing.
"I think in a leadership position ... I'd have more opportunity to kind of further a lot of those ideas," he told the Inter Lake.
Hunter has represented Ward 3 since 2020. He was reelected in 2023 to a term that ends in 2027.
Hunter believes his five years on Council has allowed the public to warm up to him.
"I think I earned the trust of a lot of voters too, because they know that I stand for something and that I'm outspoken," he said. "I don't shy away from the things I believe in."
Hunter emerged as a staunch opponent to Council's revocation of the Flathead Warming Center's conditional use permit, which landed City Hall in a federal court as part of a lawsuit. The eventual settlement saw the permit reinstated and the city fork over $140,000 in attorney's fees for the homeless shelter's legal team.
Outside of City Hall, Hunter works for the Flathead Land Trust as a land protection specialist and holds a master's degree in urban planning.
But that background has informed decisions he's made on Council regarding construction. He has voted against developments he thought contributed to unwanted sprawl, like the two large single-family neighborhoods along Tronstad Road that were approved by Council in the fall.
DAVISON, A local builder herself, said she would embrace growth as mayor.
"Instead of ignoring growth and crossing our arms when we see it, let's accept that it's here and let's figure out how we are going to deal with it," she said.
Owner of Iron Star Construction, Davison is familiar with residential development. She said she would work more closely with city staff in finding ways to improve housing affordability and accessibility.
The emergency responder levy approved by voters last year was proof that residents value public safety, which Davison said she aims to continue supporting. But she also wants to bolster mental health and youth program initiatives.
Davison is the founder of a youth program. The Kalispell-based Growing Gorillas Program teaches children and teens martial arts and life skills.
As both a board member and chair of the city's Business Improvement District, Davison is involved in downtown's revitalization. She has voiced her support for Main Street's redesign at past Council meetings, arguing the project would revive downtown businesses.
When asked why she decided to throw her hat in the ring, Davison said it was time for a different type of leadership.
"At this stage in growth we don't need ideologically driven leadership. We need leadership that incorporates the entire community," she said.
A proponent for government transparency, she hopes to foster better communication with her constituents by opening new avenues for them to be involved in local government beyond offering public comment and letters to the editor, she said.
"I would love to see more of my friends and neighbors and residents empowered to understand what's happening in the city and where their involvement is critical," she told the Inter Lake.
JOHNSON RAN unopposed in his first two elections before Daoud vied for the seat in 2021. While he lost, Daoud is making another run at the position.
The Army veteran from Great Falls has represented Ward 4 since January 2020. He was reelected again in 2023 to a term that ends in 2027.
Daoud's previous election experience also included an ultimately doomed run for U.S. Senate as a Libertarian in 2023. His platform included addressing inflation, the national debt and curtailing military intervention overseas.
Daoud also launched failed bids in 2018 and 2022 for a seat in the Montana House of Representatives. He also served as chair of the Montana Libertarian Party before stepping down last winter.
On Council in recent months, Daoud opposed efforts to hire a dedicated code enforcement officer and a push to crack down on downtown cruising.
Daoud did not respond to multiple messages from the Daily Inter Lake for comment.
Reporter Jack Underhill may be reached at 758-4407 and [e-mail].