After briefly reconsidering, Sun Valley City Council President Dewayne Briscoe has filed a declaration of candidacy to run for mayor against incumbent Wayne Willich.
"I am running because I have the time, experience, energy and sense of community service that I want to contribute to this community in my remaining useful years of life," Briscoe said in an interview. "I had a lot of time to think about what I wanted to do in my remaining years of life when I had the long hospitalization in Boise last winter."
Briscoe had a major health scare earlier this year when his mesenteric artery, the main artery leading to the intestines, became blocked. If such a blockage isn't removed quickly, it can be fatal.
He recovered and resumed his place on the council.
"Wayne is a personal friend and I respect his integrity," Briscoe said. "We differ in management style. He is from a corporate background where he could fire everyone in the room."
Briscoe, a retired maxillofacial surgeon, said his leadership roles have been in government, community and professional organizations, which required diplomacy and compromise.
He also said his and Willich's communication styles differ.
"I have been told I have a gift of communication and speaking skills that would help promote the interests of the city in relations with the county and other cities, which are severely strained partly due to inflammatory ... public statements by the mayor," he said.
Briscoe said he would conduct city meetings differently, as well, running them more efficiently.
"Our meetings are too long and disorganized," he said.
He said among his goals as mayor would be to include the council in all administrative decisions, to continue a balanced budget with no new taxes and no reduction of city services, and to support the Sun Valley Marketing Alliance and the city's comprehensive plan.
Briscoe was elected to the council in 2007 and elected by fellow council members as council president in 2009.
Willich was elected in 2007, unseating incumbent Jon Thorson.
No other candidates had filed for Sun Valley mayor as of press time Thursday.
Rebecca Meany: rmeany@mtexpress.com
Dewayne Briscoe
