Article Summary –
Great Falls city commissioners have reappointed Noelle Johnson to the Great Falls Public Library Board of Trustees. Johnson’s initial appointment was controversial due to her public opposition to the public library levy that passed in 2023, and her reappointment was also met with opposition. Despite opposition, Johnson’s supporters and some commissioners argue her dissenting views provide an alternative voice on the board; her new term expires in 2029.
Great Falls Public Library Board of Trustees Reappoints Noelle Johnson
In a recent public meeting, city commissioners of Great Falls have controversially voted to reappoint Noelle Johnson to the Great Falls Public Library Board of Trustees. Valid until June 30, her term includes seven months of prior board experience, a history as a health and wellness coach, and an 18-year teaching career within the city.
Johnson’s appointment was met with public dissent due to her previous opposition to the 2023 public library levy. However, supporters and fellow Commissioner Rick Tryon praised her for providing a distinctive viewpoint. Tryon emphasized Johnson’s attendance at each meeting and the value of her occasional dissenting perspective.
Despite her thorough preparation, Commissioner Shannon Wilson expressed concerns about Johnson’s disruptive conduct and lack of clarity in her voting, often rejecting items without providing reasons.
The split vote for Johnson’s reappointment was supported by Commissioner Joe McKenney, Mayor Cory Reeves, and Tryon, while Wilson and Commissioner Susan Wolff opposed. Wilson and Wolff’s efforts to secure approval for other candidates, Ashlynn Maczko and former Mayor Bob Kelly, failed in the same way.
Johnson has expressed an intention “to be aware of the financial impact to the citizens of the community” during her reappointment to the board. This follows cultural and political disputes that resulted in the Montana State Library Commission severing ties with the National Library Association.
Johnson’s initial appointment followed the narrow passage of a library levy in 2023 by Great Falls voters. This led to ideological disputes and heated public discussions. Johnson’s new term runs until 2029, and she’ll serve alongside other board members Jessica Crist, Whitney Olson, Samantha DeForest, and Anne Bulger.
Since the 2023 levy, the Great Falls Public Library has expanded staff, opened seven days a week for the first time in ten years, and broadened mobile services, early literacy programs, and digital resources. This has instigated a review of the financial agreement between the library and the city.
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