Murder victim's father runs for St. Maries mayor

For 46-year-old James Comack, running for mayor of St. Maries is a big part of his plan to respond to tragedy with a positive call to action and public service.

"Anybody can just talk about changing things," he said Monday.

One of his daughters, 18-year-old Stefanie Comack, was murdered in St. Maries by her boyfriend who was a regular illegal drug user, including methamphetamine.

"The biggest problem around here is drugs," Comack said. "If we don't get a handle on it, what happened to my family will happen to another family."

He realizes being mayor won't make him the sheriff or prosecutor, but it will give him influence over the city's police department. He ran unsuccessfully as a write-in candidate for sheriff during the last election.

He believes Benewah County sheriff's deputies and St. Maries police officers are doing a fine job. But more could be done to crack down on drugs and the crimes that follow.

He also believes there is too much leniency when drug cases get to court.

"We can't afford not to prosecute some of these drug cases," Comack said.

He believes being boss at City Hall will give him more influence that he'll use to lead to changes.

"You get rid of the drugs, and you get rid of the crime," he said.

He said St. Maries is a great place to live, but it could be much better without the drugs.

Comack said he's got professional experience that will enable him to contribute in other ways if elected.

For example, he said, he knows a bit about running something and budgeting.

He's owned a carpet-installation business for 25 years. He's also half owner of a carpet store in St. Maries and a floor-cleaning business in the city.

As a mayor, he said, he'd be conservative with taxpayer money, and, "make it count" when it's spent.

He's been a resident of St. Maries for almost 14 years.

Comack served in the U.S. Army in the 1980s as a heavy equipment operator.

"I think it's important to take time out of your life and serve the country," he said. "The military was the best thing for me."

He earned his GED while in the Army, after not graduating from Sedro-Woolley (Wash.) High School.

When not working, Comack hunts, fishes and goes four-wheeling.

Along with Stefanie and one other daughter who died, Comack has four kids.

Comack is going up against incumbent Mayor Tami Holdahl and another challenger, Harry Grubham.