 "There are many good people who are working without political agendas to improve life in Flathead County. It is for their sake and because of their encouragement, that I have decided to run for re-election. We have, over the past six years, made significant progress in Water Quality, Financial Management, and Public Safety. I will continue to work in these and other areas. "  |
Water Quality
Water Quality - I've
initiated three important landowner based efforts to protect our water
quality. Bigfork residents are successfully using grants to address long
standing and previously ignored storm water shortcomings that are
polluting Flathead Lake. The Flathead County River Commission is taking
action to provide innovative leadership to address the erosion problems
along the river. The Flathead Regional Wastewater Management Group is a
first of a kind regional approach to effectively and fiscally
responsibly deal with our human
caused wastewater.........more
Public Safety
Public Safety - Because we expect prompt professional service when we call 9-1-1, I have been integrally involved in the full consolidation of the Dispatch Center for Flathead County. My participation with the state radio program has resulted in over $4,000,000 of equipment for the new center and the surrounding radio sites. The real impetus for this work, of course, is lives that are touched: the grandparent who enjoys more years with their grandchildren because prompt dispatch got medical responders to their residence in time; the children who still have a mother because law enforcement arrived at the domestic disturbance in time; and EMS, law enforcement and fire responders who returned safely home because of reliable modern radio equipment. .......more
Financial Responsibility
Financial Responsibility - Despite the worst financial times since the Great Depression, Flathead County is strong financially and it was not five years ago. I learned how the governmental budget system worked and then applied common sense farmer financial management to the process. As a result, and with help from many others, we are moving toward a performance based budgeting mentallity and process whereby programs are evaluated on what they deliver in services rather than what the budget was the previous year......more
All of these important county functions depend upon continued balanced and experience leadership. Although I am the youngest commissioner, I have the most current and relevant experience of any candidate. I am anxious to continue to contribute to this great county.