Seven seek three seats in Harrison

HARRISON — Seven residents will seek three seats on the Harrison City Council in Tuesday's election.

Incumbents Jeff Hall, Russell Riberich and Mark Wagner are being challenged by Joe Cornell, Debbie Lockhart, Tim Neville and Jordan Hall.

The Halls are not related.

Riberich said he's seeking re-election to maintain the small-town charm that attracted him and his family to Harrison in 2005.

"I intend to continue to promote community, industry, infrastructure and a healthy population base that will allow my children the opportunity to have a healthy and active social life, gainful employment and attractive housing options," he said.

Riberich is a family man with young children, is a high school history and government teacher, and founded and owns Harrison Idaho Water Adventures. From this, he said he believes he brings a broad perspective to council decisions.

His community involvement includes being a youth coach, Cub Scout leader, president of Broken Trail Bowmen and the chamber of commerce.

"I have a long history of working regionally to connect community resources, activities and tourism," he said. "I believe my record of selfless involvement and promotion of both Harrison and regional communities speaks volumes to the character and statesmanship that I bring to the council."

Riberich said he will work to ensure tourism helps pay its share for the town's infrastructure.

"If done thoughtfully, we can begin to address many of our capitalization issues, provide a large benefit to the community while decreasing the financial burden on our citizens," he said.

Jordan Hall, who owns the historic One Shot Charlie’s bar with his sister, said he decided to run because he plans on putting down roots and raising his family in Harrison.

"This town needs open businesses to survive, thrive and grow," he said. "I feel being on the council I can help steer the community in a direction that will help other local businesses continue to grow throughout the slow season and encourage other families and business owners to come to Harrison."

Hall has served on the Planning and Zoning Committee for nearly two years and the Urban Renewal Agency for about a year.

He said parking needs to be addressed.

"I feel there are a couple different sites in town that could maybe be opened up to allow for public parking," he said.

Improving city streets would be another priority, he said.

Hall said he has listened to citizens' concerns at his business; he understands those and would like to be a voice for the community.

"I am a local successful business owner that has put the needs of the town before my bottom line," he said.

Cornell, who owns Harrison Heating and Refrigeration, said he believes he's one of the few candidates who is not running for self-serving reasons.

He said he will work to make the waterfront more accessible and user-friendly.

"Under the current administration, we've had the same unpaved streets for many years and we've had the same sidewalks since I was 6," he said. Cornell said the city needs to be run like a business so it's not wasting money.

He said he was stunned when a county commissioner asked if the city was interested in operating the docks again and the city declined. Cornell said it was a missed opportunity for a revenue stream for the city.

Parking also needs to be addressed, he said.

"Just putting up signs doesn't create or address parking," he said.

Tim Neville, a proprietor of Harrison Trading Post, has lived in the town a year and a half. He said he believes his business background, which also includes being operations manager for a transportation company, would be an asset on the council.

"I would look at it from a business model," said Neville, a former reserve deputy. "Taxpayers should get a good return on what they pay out."

Neville said while making decisions with a business approach, he would explore ways to increase revenue and decrease costs.

"It would be good to look where potential revenue can be generated that the city may not have now," he said.

Lockhart, who works at Harrison Trading Post, has lived in Harrison since 1996.

She said running for council has been something she has been interested in, but has never pursued.

Lockhart said she's a good listener and has understood what's on people's minds over the years from working at the grocery store.

"I consider myself to be a daydreamer and a creative person," she said. "I'm also a hard worker."

Lockhart said she believes current council members have done a good job, but believes it's time for a change and new perspectives.

Wagner and Jeff Hall declined to comment.