Ruggless appointed to Polson's Ward 1 seat

The Polson City Commission on Monday voted to appoint Jen Ruggless as Ward 1 commissioner.

Ruggless campaigned for a Ward 1 seat last year, but was narrowly defeated by Jake Holley. She fills a seat left vacant by Jan Howlett.

On Monday, Commissioners Holley, Brodie Moll and Laura Dever voted in support of Ruggless.

Applicant Scott Biggs garnered two votes from Commissioners Tony Isbell and Mayor Eric Huffine, while applicant Jennifer Bagley was supported by Commissioner Carolyn Pardini.

Ruggless was sworn in following the meeting. Her term runs through Dec. 31, 2023.

“We are grateful to get the opportunity to work with you,” said Huffine after the vote. “I value your dedication and the investment you’re about to make.”

Ruggless is store manager at Walgreens in Polson and has lived in the city for five years.

She told the commission that being a business manager gives her insight into the city that will be helpful as a commissioner.

Ruggless said Polson is at an inflection point, where it needs to decide if it’s a tourist town.

“I’m of the opinion that we can grow,” she said of her pro-business positions.

She also said she’s seen conflict between residents and the city.

“The city wants to do something, but sometimes the constituents of the city want to do something else,” she said. “And I think that’s something that could be brought together.”

In a previous interview with the Lake County Leader, Ruggless noted that she volunteers at local oncology clinics with Cheerful Heart, a cancer support group, and runs a Red Nose Day campaign in her store every year.

“Most people will recognize me as the ‘Red Nose Day’ lady,” she said.

Applicant Biggs garnered the most support during public comment. Biggs is the owner of The Shoe Lakeview Bar and Grill.

Resident Larry Ashcraft was among the commenters to endorse Biggs based on his business and city development experience.

“Polson is a big business and we need a business person that can carry on what needs to be done in Polson,” Ashcraft said. “We also need a person that can think for themselves and think outside the box.”