Polson Commission appoints new member for Ward 2

Polson’s Ward 2 has a new representative on the City Commission.

During their July 7 meeting, commissioners appointed Bayshore Drive resident Laura Dever to serve out the Ward 2 term that ends Dec. 31.

The seat previously was held by Bob Martin, who resigned last fall as he was moving out of his district to Swan Lake. The Commission appointed Patricia Corrigan-Ekness in October to replace Martin, and she resigned in June.

Devers is a licensed massage therapist who has been a member of the Montana Board of Behavioral Health since 2019. She earned a bachelor of arts in English and political science from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, in 1990, according to a resume she submitted with her application.

Devers was one of three candidates. Also applying were David Coffman and Tim Delaney. Commissioners held a ballot vote, with Devers receiving votes from Commissioners Jan Howlett, Lou Marchello, Brodie Moll and Carolyn Pardini. Ward 2 Commissioner Tony Isbell voted for Coffman, and Mayor Paul Briney supported Delaney for the seat.

Devers was sworn in at City Hall on Monday.

In other business, the Commission approved the hiring of Michael Larson as city judge and a conversion of the position from contract to employee status. Larson replaces Judge Dennis DeVries, who announced his retirement in the spring.

“This position doesn’t fit any of the statutory criteria for a contract position,” City Manager Ed Meece told commissioners. He said he will work with staff to draft an ordinance that clarifies the employee status and new hiring process of a city judge.

“I’ve known Mike for 30 years,” Commissioner Moll said. “We’ve done business over the years. I respect him a lot and think he’ll do a great job for us.”