"I have a deep concern for what I refer to as the soul of Montana-our way of life. It is clearly threatened, and I have taken a strong stand to protect it.

I will continue to leave political agendas aside, and to instead, fight for the beauty of this valley and for what you deserve."
                                   



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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.

  • Encouraged 1.2 million dollars in grants to improve storm water system in Bigfork

  • Wrote DNRC grant to fund and form Flathead Regional Wastewater Management Group - first attempt to address the issue of wastewater and septic discharge on a regional multi-county basis in the state of Montana

  • Formed Flathead County River Commission - streamside landowners meeting to decide how best to address the issue of water quality on their land

    • Mitigation for river bank damage by elevated lake levels from Kerr Dam

    • Incentives, tax relief for vegetative buffers or other Best Management Practices along our rivers

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.

•  Worked to bring over $4 million in grant funded radio  equipment for Flathead County

• Pushed for fully consolidated 9-1-1 Communication Center and negotiated agreements between cities and county to make it happen.

• Developed framework for EMS Board to provide oversight of voted mil levy money to provide more efficient and appropriate use of the tax money

• Continue to serve as volunteer fireman/EMT for local community

 

 

 

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 mentality and process whereby programs are evaluated on what they deliver in services rather than what the budget was the previous year.

  • Flathead County is in strong financial health despite recession

  • Adequate cash reserves in contrast to five years ago

  • Budgeting process is timely, with clear and available reporting to the public

  • We continue to evaluate necessity and efficiency of all programs

  • Most experienced commissioner on board in matters of county financial oversight

  • Not afraid to push consolidation and shrinking of government.

Jobs and Economic Growth

Jobs and Economic Growth - The economy of the Flathead has changed dramatically during the last generation. While we need to continue to support our base natural industries of agriculture and timber harvesting, we have to look forward also and expand our horizons. The Flathead, due to its natural beauty, open space, and strikingly clean water, offers recreational and quality of life opportunities found in few other parts of the nation. It’s up to us to protect it and use it to draw in executives and professionals, for them to stimulate business here. We need to promote the Flathead as both a regional trade center and a destination point for top flight medical care, particularly to our Canadian neighbors who choose not to wait years for elective surgeries and procedures.

  • Continued support of agriculture and timber harvest.

  • Stimulate innovative production of timber related products, such as bio-mass fuels and beamery.

  • Reach out to national executives and CEO’s.

  • Promote the Flathead as a regional trade center.

  • Stimulate our medical community and its support industries by drawing in increased patient traffic, particularly from Canada.

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.