Three more file for Havre City Council

Three more people have filed to run for Havre City Council in the fall elections.

Candidates who filed with the Hill County Clerk & Recorder's office include:

• Caleb Hutchins, an instructional designer at Montana State University-Northern's Extended University, who is running in Ward 3.

Hutchins, a former Havre Daily News page designer, said he had considered running in the past, but didn't feel he had time with his other responsibilities.

This time, Council Member Allen "Woody" Woodwick decided not to run for re-election. He approached Hutchins, saying he thought he would be an ideal candidate. Co-workers consented to his candidacy.

Hutchins said he had no particular plan but would be attending a training session so he could become acquainted with the specifics of the job.

As of now, Hutchins has no opposition. The deadline for filing is Thursday.

• Ed Matter, the retired general manager of KXEI, is running in Ward 1, where incumbent Pam Hillery has said she won't seek re-election.

Matter said he is concerned about the city's infrastructure, especially streets. He would like to ensure that there is a maintenance plan. He said he would like to find out how the streets got in such poor condition.

He is a founding member of the Montana Family Foundation and has been active in Republican politics but has never run for office.

• Brian Barrows has said he will seek a second term on council. He was elected four years ago in Ward 2.

He is a retired principal with Havre Public Schools.and is pastor of Abundant Life Ministries. He is a past-president of the Montana rural Education Association.

"I just felt this is another opportunity to serve the community and help the community grow," he said of his candidacy.

He said he was interested in attracting more businesses and more jobs to Havre.

• Andrew Brekke, currently council president, filed last week for re-election in Ward 4. He has represented the ward for eight years.

As of Monday night, there was one candidate for each council seat, and all four were unopposed.Havreites traditionally file for office on the last couple of days.

In other races, two people have filed for seats on the Hingham City Council.

David George and Dan Horinek are thus far unopposed for two seats on the council.