No challengers for NIC Board of Trustees positions

There won't be any challengers' names printed on the Nov. 4 ballot for two seats up for election on the North Idaho College Board of Trustees.

By Tuesday's 5 p.m. filing deadline, just two candidates had submitted their paperwork: incumbents Christie Wood and Ken Howard.

"I appreciate an informal vote of confidence," Wood said Tuesday evening. "I'm excited to continue working with the college on making great decisions for our students and the community."

NIC is governed by a five-member board elected at-large from throughout the county.

Community college trustee elections are nonpartisan, and the positions are volunteer. Those elected serve without pay.

Wood and Howard could still face competition from write-in candidates, but the threat is minimal. Write-in election competitors rarely win, although it's not unheard of.

This will be Wood's third term on the NIC board, provided she survives any write-in campaigns. She has served 10 years as a trustee.

Howard, the current board chair, is completing his first term.

He said he is looking forward to having more time to continue his trustee work.

"I've enjoyed the four years I've been there," Howard said. "And the fact that there is nobody running against me, I can't conclude anything from that other than that I don't have to spend all that (campaign) money."