Hill, Sanders win Rathdrum races

For the first time in 16 years, Rathdrum has a new mayor: Mike Hill.

“I’m grateful for the community’s support,” Hill said Tuesday night. “I’m humbled by this opportunity.”

Hill beat two other candidates for the office, John R. Lamb and Anthony Turrentine, capturing about 57% of the vote or 1,034 votes in total with all precincts reporting. Lamb received 23% of the vote, while Turrentine garnered about 19%.

“I’ll support whoever is elected,” Lamb said. “It’s up to the people.”

Turrentine said he plans to remain active in Rathdrum’s political scene.

“I want to thank everyone who has supported me through this crazy election,” he said. “I also want to thank the people who criticized me along the way to keep everything honest. But the city of Rathdrum has not seen the last of me.”

Larry Sanders won the three-way race for Rathdrum City Council Seat #2, with 957 votes and 55% of the total as of midnight.

“I want to thank all of the support I had from my friends and family,” Sanders said Tuesday night. “I also really cherish the endorsement from the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee. A lot of people don’t appreciate the KCRCC. They talk about minions and puppets and things like that. I was never told what to say or how to say it.”

Candidates Molly Bauer and Steven Adams each received about 22% of the remaining votes.

“I would like to thank the voters of Rathdrum for going to the polls and I congratulate Larry for winning the campaign,” said Adams, the incumbent. “My only advice to you is to listen to what the voters of Rathdrum want, not only those who voted for you, but the residents who did not vote for you. I wish you good fortune on helping to shape the direction of the city. Thank you for stepping up and being willing to serve.”

Though the election results didn’t go in her favor, Bauer said she wished to thank the residents of Rathdrum for their support and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to run for a city council seat.

“It has been an incredible journey and I have been inspired by the dedication and passion for our community,” she said. “I will remain committed to the betterment of our city. Let’s continue working together to make Rathdrum a wonderful place to call home.”

    Sanders