Council's choice: Pyette or Rhines to replace Dow

Havre City Council will pick its eighth member tonight, when councilmen choose between Debi Rhines and Jay Pyette to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Rick Dow.

The winner will serve through the end of the year and will have to run in the fall election if he or she wants to keep the seat.

The two will be interviewed at a special council meeting at 6:30 p.m., and the selection will be made at the regular 7 p.m. meeting.

Both candidates have been involved in a host of community activities.

Rhines is co-owner of Schine Electric, while Pyette is a Havre High School English and drama teacher and founder of Montana Actors' Theatre.

Rhines was the unsuccessful Republican candidate for Hill County commissioner last year, while Pyette has been active in Democratic politics, though he has never sought elected office. He was recently appointed by Gov. Steve Bullock to serve on the Montana Arts Council.

With Republican Dow's departure, there are four Democrats on City Council and three Republicans, Mayor Tim Solomon is a Democrat.

Solomon said he doesn't believe partisan politics will play a role in tonight's decision.

Also tonight, council will act on a request from Neighborhood Watch that 12th Street West between Lincoln and Boulevard avenues be blocked off 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 19, for a barbecue.