A look at the new mayor's first full day
Danielle Switalski
How does one prepare for the next four years as mayor? For newly elected mayor of Thompson Falls, Carla Parks, organization was the first step upon arrival for her first full day of work in Thompson Falls’ City Hall on Wednesday, January 6.
“It’s been a good start, I’ve been going through the drawers and getting everything organized and making files so that I can find them, familiarizing myself with where everything goes,” said Parks whose desk was meticulously organized and clutter free.
After jokingly saying her first step was to make sure she could find a pencil when she needs it, Parks immediately got to work on reading through grant requirements, particularly focusing on getting an energy assessment for a reasonable price to go towards obtaining the Energy Conservation Grant. Parks said they are not certain if the town will yet be able to go through with the application process for this grant and are going through the first stages by evaluating the town’s facilities as far as it’s energy use is concerned.
“We have to determine first that we’re going to be able to save enough in this project, that with the grant funds we can save enough that it will pay for itself over ten years, so we’ve got some hard work to do meanwhile,” said Parks.
After going through grant information, Parks took the time to go through the personnel manual, which will be getting a few updates. She also had to run over to the city attorney’s office about a small matter before returning to City Hall to get started on her new duties as mayor.
“It really is hitting the ground running here. It’s been busy all day, not a lot of people coming in, but just trying to get the organization done and taking care of all the little things,” said Parks.
City Hall has not had a new mayor for almost ten years after Luis LaRock’s long stint in office. Parks said she can not speak comparatively as she is not sure the exact way LaRock went about his days in the mayor post, but one of her main goals is to start forming coalitions within the community. For example, Parks recently became a member of the Chamber of Commerce to stay involved and updated with the different organizations within the town.
“I want to be part of the broader community and be sure that the city is working in tandem with the people that are trying to get good things done here,” said Parks.
The new mayor also began attending school board meetings in order to get the town and school working cohesively together to find grants for improvements where the schools are concerned. Although the city does not have direct involvement with Thompson Falls’ schools, Parks is hoping they can see what grants are available in order to improve the access to the school as far as roads and sidewalks running in between the schools are concerned.
“The one way we can be a part of that (schools) is to be supportive in the schools and to write letters of support when they are going for grants and to show that the city cares about our schools,” said Parks.
As far as ongoing projects from LaRock’s run as mayor, Parks said most of his projects were either completed or in the process of being wrapped up. Specifically, a backup generator that is set to be put in the town and used as a backup energy source for the pumps for the town’s water system. Also, the trail system, which starts in town and goes towards the RimRock, was started while LaRock was in office and is very close to completion.
“I think there are some of the improved walkways that are still going to be going up. Little odds and ends, but nothing really big,” said Parks.
The city staff has helped her with the transition into her new role as mayor, Parks said, as they have been very welcoming and helpful, making it a comfortable first day.
“I really like our council, they’re made up of people that I’ve known for years and years and I’ve always had great admiration for every one of them so I feel very fortunate for the council that we have,” said Parks adding that she could foresee her and the council