The Billings Free Press

The Billings Gazette is reporting that Mayor Tussing will select Angela Cimmino to replace outgoing Joy Stevens on the council.

There is already grumbling from at least one sitting councilperson about the mayor’s selection. The concerns of Mr. Astle about Mrs. Cimmino are similar to what I have heard other people express. If the council decides to reject the mayor’s selection I am curious to see how they plan to resolve the impass.

Folks who want to replace Joy Stevens on the city council have submitted their letters of interest and there are a few familiar names and some who are new to me.

Larry Brewster is looking to be reappointed to the council after being defeated by Denis Pitman. Angela Cimmino is looking to become the Bob Kelleher of city council elections. I don’t have the exact number but I think this may be her third or fourth try to get on the council. I have met Ray Tracy once and he seemed to be a reasonable man and even though he is in charge of the Yellowstone County Democratic Party he didn’t strike me as stridently partisan. Mr. Tracy may turn out to be a good councilman if selected. I don’t know anything about Todd Morgan or Ann M. Salisbury so I can’t offer an opinion about them.

The next step is:

Outgoing Ward 2 Councilwoman Joy Stevens’ last meeting will be Oct. 14, and a council subcommittee plans to interview the five candidates before that meeting. The subcommittee will then send a recommendation to Mayor Ron Tussing. The council is likely to confirm the new member by Oct. 27.

I want to thank all of the applicants for stepping forward to serve their city and hope whomever is selected receives the support of their new constituents. Good luck to everyone involved.