Missoula Mayor John Engen, who ran unopposed in this past week's election, said he's grateful to have the support of the community he serves.

Between public appearances and answering phone calls, like one Friday morning from Senator Jon Tester in Washington, D.C., Engen took the time out of his busy Friday to reflect on his job.

"You know, turns out when you're hired for the job, there's always something to do," Engen said.

As he begins his second term as mayor, Engen's to-do list has grown a little. In addition to continuing his current programs and working toward affordable housing, he has some new ideas.

"Just because the economy's bad doesn't mean we stop planning, talking, thinking and looking for opportunities to make good things happen in Missoula," Engen said.

Engen said the tight quarters at Missoula's police department warrant a new facility. He hopes to finalize plans for one within the next two years.

"We have an old facility and we need to handle crime and criminal justice in a new way and we just can't have people on top of each other."

The mayor said he hopes to make the everyday operations of the city more efficient, and he's confident he can make it happen.

"I'm a better mayor today certainly than I was on day one," Engen said. "I'm not sure I've ever felt better suited for a job. I really feel as if I've grown into it and it fits me."

Engen said he's grateful voters gave him four more years as mayor of his hometown. Thursday night Engen will launch his fourth Mayor's Bike Light Initiative at the Icicles and Bicycles celebration, urging bicyclists to stay illuminated while they're riding in the dark.

 

-Breanna Roy reporting from KPAX in Missoula.