City of Salmon Mayor, Todd Nelson

Mayor Todd Nelson's family moved to the Salmon area in 1956.  He was employed by KSRA Radio in the 90's. He is currently employed by Salmon School District and is the technical advisor for the Salmon Television District.  He has provided technical assistance to the City of Salmon, Lemhi County, the Salmon Arts Council and several other organizations in Lemhi County.

He was elected to serve as Mayor for a 4-Year Term beginning January 2024.

Phone:  (208) 756-3214
Fax:  (208) 756-4840
Email:  mayor@cityofsalmon.com
Address:  City Hall, 200 Main St., Salmon, ID 83467
Term Expires:  January 2028

Councilor Michael (Bob) Overacker

Editing in progress

Term Expires:  January 2030

Email: bob_overacker101@hotmail.com

Councilor Marti Bryant

Marti Bryant was born in Salmon, Idaho to Johnny and Nan Bryant. Growing up, Marti enjoyed running the river, swimming, softball, dance, skiing, ice hockey and student government. 

Currently, Marti works at Blackadar Boating with her brother and also part time as a dental hygienist.  She enjoys time with her husband Chris, gardening, stand up paddle boarding, rafting, travel, reading and the company of her family and friends

She was appointed by Mayor Nelson on January 3rd 2024 to fill his seat after becoming Mayor. Councilor Bryant then ran for her seat in the 2025 election and won a 4 year term. She was sworn into office on January 7th 2026.

Term Expires January 2030

Email: blackadarboating.marti@gmail.com

Councilor and Council President Russell "Russ" Chinske

Russ Chinske was elected to serve a four year term as City Councilor in the November 2013 election.  He was then asked to fill a vacant seat on Council in January 2021, which he accepted.  He was elected to serve a two year term beginning January 2022. Councilor Chinske was re-elected in November of 2023 for a term of 4 years. The Council voted at the first meeting of 2026 to confirm Chinske as Council President.

 Term Expires January 2028

Email: russchinske@gmail.com

Councilor Debbie Bielby

Councilor Debbie Bielby is a lifelong resident of Salmon who brings deep community roots, strong values, and a genuine commitment to public service. Having grown up here, she has witnessed the changes in the community firsthand and cares deeply about protecting the character, safety, and future of the town she calls home. Debbie married her husband, Todd, in 1994. Together they have raised a blended family of four children and are proud grandparents to ten grandchildren. Family is central to Debbie's life and shapes her belief in building a strong, supportive community for future generations. Her dedication to hard work began early. During her high school years, Debbie worked at Saveway store (now Murdoch's), where she learned the value of responsibility, service, and connection to community. For the past 18 years, Debbie has served Lemhi County through the Sheriff's Department. She began in an entry-level role and, through dedication, integrity, and perseverance, worked her way up to become Jail Captain. Her career reflects a strong commitment to accountability, fairness, and public service. Debbie sought a seat on City Council for one simple reason: her devotion to the community of Salmon. She believes in listening to residents, being approachable, and making thoughtful decisions that serve the best interests of the entire community. Her lifelong connection to Salmon gives her a strong understanding of both its challenges and its opportunities.

Councilor Bielby was elected to a four-year term in the November 2025 election. She was sworn into office on January 7th 2026.

Term expires January 2030

Phone:

Email: debbie.bielby@yahoo.com

Councilor Neal James

Neal James will be starting his second four-year term as City Councilor. He was first elected to the current council in 2015 for his second round of service to the community. He was a City Councilor for 12 years in the late 1980’s and early ‘90’s and served as Mayor for two years.

He was born in the Shady Nook Hospital and raised in Salmon where he graduated High School in 1961 then went on to attend Idaho State University.

He is well acquainted with the local business world having worked for many years as a meat cutter for B&B Foods then as owner of the Salmon River Inn from 1995 to 2015. Neal is now retired and willing to get reacquainted with city government.

He firmly believes, “If you want to know what’s going on, you have to get involved.” He also believes it’s important to have an opinion, as opposed to straddling the fence, since if you are wrong you can always change your mind.

City infrastructure is a primary concern for James as is being prepared for any system failures.

Term Expires:  January 2028

Email: nealj0330@gmail.com

Councilor Gene Gittleson

Gene Gittleson began his career in law enforcement oct. Of 1994 with the Lemhi County sheriff’s department.  Gene was a patrol deputy and during that time was the first deputy k-9 handler of lance certified in narcotics from 1996 to 1997. Gene then was appointed as jail commander for Lemhi County jail where he served 5 years. Gene then did a short stint with border patrol. Gene then took overseas and served in Iraq from 2006 to 2008 for international police trainer from Dyncorp.

Gene was hired with the salmon police department as a patrol Sgt. In 2010 where he served 13 years.

Gene won his seat on the council in the 2023 November 7th Election

Term Expires January 2028

Email: genegiddy@hotmail.com