Libby councilor says 'political pressure' led to resignation

Libby City Councilor Angel Ford resigned Jan. 19 due to “mounting political pressure” from Libby residents and media concerning past legal issues.

She announced her decision in a letter posted to Facebook and emailed at 8:30 p.m. to the City Council and The Western News.

Ford wrote that she felt “it’s in the best interest for all” for her to resign “in order to prevent any further embarrassment directed toward the Libby City Council.”

On Friday, The Western News reported two stories: one about how Ford’s explanation of a 2011 identity theft conviction has differed from official reports, and another about how Ford was fined in 2005 for mailing a campaign postcard under her opponent’s name while campaigning for City Council in Hoquiam, Washington.

Monday, the city of Libby indicated it is searching for applicants to vie for the seat Ford’s resignation leaves vacant. People interested in serving on the City Council are asked to hand deliver or mail a letter of interest and a resume to Libby City Hall, P.O. Box 1428, 952 East Spruce St., Libby, MT, 59923. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12.

Applicants for the seat must submit to a background check, a policy that was not previously in place.

In an email to The Western News, Council Member Gary Armstrong expressed a desire for more than one candidate to apply and outlined the nature of the role.

“This isn’t a simple job of mere attendance at meetings,” he wrote. “Because there’s always something on the fire, there is a real time commitment. We’re dealing with federal, state and municipal laws, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, plus learning all you never wanted to know about old infrastructure and wastewater treatment.”

Armstrong also noted that each council member serves on at least four committees.

The City Council website is cityoflibby.com/city-council/.