The Star has received numerous requests for information on the 19 candidates running for the five-member County Local Government Study Commission. We asked each candidate to submit a paragraph or two telling readers why they are running for the study commission. Here are their responses.
Scott Boulanger
My name is Scott Boulanger and I am a candidate for the Ravalli County Study commission.
I reside in Darby with my wonderful wife Tara and our three children. I am an electrician by trade and also have been involved in the outfitting and outdoor adventure business in Ravalli County since 1991. We recently sold our Selway wilderness operation so we could devote more time to our new business which is Grizzly Gold and Silver, a precious metals exchange in Missoula and in Billings.
I am running for the study commission because I believe I can bring a unique experience to the table and help in the process of determining the future of the County Commissioners office. I am currently the sitting Senator for Senate District 43 which is the south half of the Bitterroot Valley. While serving in the legislature in Helena I was a member of the local government committee, a committee that handles all types of issues that affect local governments and the laws that pertain to them. I think that experience will help the study commission immensely.
I am very interested in examining the pros and cons of having three versus five commissioners. I do not have a pre-determined outcome in mind. I am anxious to explore the best type of local government that provides the citizens with the services they require all while being fiscally prudent with the taxpayers’ dollars. I look forward to comparing the way other counties in Montana conduct their county business and make a recommendation as to what will work best for Ravalli County.
Gary K. Carlson
I am Gary Carlson. I have been married to my wife, Joan, for over 44 years. We have two grown sons and three grandchildren. We first moved to the Bitterroot in 1978 but had to leave when the first Gulf War began. It was then that I returned to Washington, DC with the Marine Corps. I stayed in the Corps until my retirement. We were finally able to return to the valley in 2009.
My qualifications are:
Admin: Former Ravalli County Supt. of Schools; Legislative/Legal Branch Head at Headquarters US Marine Corps; Political Appointee for President Reagan in charge of a DoD agency. (One highlight was originating current laws on Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.)
Education: Master’s Degree. I am a college professor of the U.S. Constitution (11+ years)
Misc: We are two of the eight originators of the POW-MIA bracelet, and I am a Vietnam Combat Veteran.
I have an extensive background well-suited for this committee. I believe I can be instrumental in providing the citizens of Ravalli County with an excellent opportunity to evaluate what is working in a positive way for them and what is not. With their input, we will reach the very best outcome. I have no agenda for serving other than to do my very best for our county and its citizens.
Ren Cleveland
I was born and raised in the Bitterroot Valley at the family farm on the west side of Hamilton. I lived in the same home ranching cattle, raising my family and spending 24 years working for the Forest Service. I left only to spend four years in the Air Force.
During my 83 years here in the Bitterroot Valley, I have served on the City Planning Board for 10 Years, County Planning Board for four years and the Commissioner of the Canyon Creek Irrigation District for 10 years. I have spent many years being involved and paying attention to our county government. In my opinion the last three to four years have been a catastrophe.
I do not belong to or am I affiliated with any political party. I would like to be a part of helping make county government work better for all of Ravalli County citizens regardless of party affiliation. I want to listen to opinions of all Ravalli County residents on the type of government that they would like to have.
Even if I am not elected to the Study Commission, I also hope that all valley voters to go to the meetings to offer their opinions make sure that their concerns are addressed.
George H. Corn
I’m George Corn. My wife, Lynda, and I moved to Hamilton in 1981. I’ve practiced law in Ravalli County since then, including 20 years as Ravalli County Attorney. Lynda taught for 24 years in the Corvallis School District. Our children received an excellent education in the county public schools and went on to graduate from U of M and MSU, respectively.
Over the years I’ve been involved in many community projects and civic groups. Presently, I’m a board member of Valley Veterans Service Center, a local nonprofit providing free help to veterans trying to access their VA benefits. As an Army veteran, I know how important that is.
I understand the civil duties and responsibilities of county officials. As Ravalli County Attorney from 1991 through 2010, one of my statutory civil duties was to advise all elected county officials, including county commissioners, on the duties of their offices. This necessarily involved studying the statutory powers and authority of county officials as set forth by the Legislature.
The study commission’s purpose is to study and compare the existing form and powers of county government, listen to extensive public comment and make recommendations to the voters. I am in favor of returning to three commissioners and ensuring that voters have a chance to vote on the issue. As the public weighs in, undoubtedly additional proposals to make commissioners more accountable will surface. Accountability, voter involvement and a return to three commissioners are my reasons for running.
I would appreciate your vote.
Jane M. Ellis
Resident of Stevensville since 1976
Retired from Missoula County in 2005 after 26 years, 13 as Chief Financial Officer (CPA);
28 years in Stevensville Rural Fire (retired), 13 as chief; Ravalli County 911 Advisory Committee 2006-2009; currently volunteering at Pantry Partners Food Bank
Political Affiliation: Independent
I am running for the Local Government Study Commission because over the last several years the County Commissioners have lost sight of the basics of delivering local government services. I believe that has been, in part, because of the structure of the County Commission. The Local Government Study Commission is a time limited opportunity for citizens to be involved in getting our county focused back on delivering those services appropriate to local government: public safety, roads, courts, public health.
I believe I am a good candidate for the Local Government Study Commission because of my experience in local government, and because my first interest as a member of the LGSC would be to listen to the public. While I am inclined to think we should return to three commissioners, if a lot of people offered comments to the contrary, I would listen carefully to them and consider their reasoning. I also believe I am a good candidate because I have no agenda other than getting Ravalli County back to a place where the public can feel confident in its local government once again.
Trish Foster
While I am not one to run for elected office, I see this study commission as an opportunity to use my skills and experience to listen carefully to Ravalli citizens, match their expectations with the choices allowed by state law, and place in front of voters potential improvements for local governance. I believe the primary study commission mandate is to promote sound decision making through a comprehensive and in-depth conversation with Ravalli county citizens.
Though my husband and I are now retired, I have over 25 years of experience working with large private and government organizations to improve service quality and efficiency. I earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Washington and moved to Ravalli County, from Seattle, in 2000. During my career I provided quality improvement leadership in the areas of juvenile corrections, foster care, mental health and community based advocacy for victims of violence and sexual abuse. In Washington State I coordinated a $2.6 million juvenile justice grant for cities and counties across the state. At Casey Family Programs I managed program improvement efforts in 14 western states and 24 local offices. As the Quality Improvement manager at Western Montana Mental Health Services, I worked with the staff in 14 offices from Libby to Livingston, focusing on service consistency and compliance with state law. I pride myself on the ability to take complex systems and program features and transform them into mechanisms that work for service providers and recipients equally.
David S. Hurtt
I am solidly in favor of returning the Ravalli County Commission Board back to three seats. I was never in favor of the increase. It was an experiment perpetrated by one political party. Both parties have controlled the Commission at different times. The experiment has been a total failure since its inception in 2007.
Undoubtedly each of the 19 candidates for the Study Commission has already made up their minds. If they evade the question, or tell you differently, they are dishonest. Of the 56 Montana counties, 53 still operate successfully with a three-member Commission Board.
Ravalli County has a population of 41,000 and at least six other counties have greater numbers ranging from 65,000 to 154,000. Each of those counties have the same problems as we do here in Ravalli, to include growth, roads, transportation, law enforcement, natural resources, agriculture, industry, taxes, schools, environment, to name just a few.
Granted, the Study Commission has been formed to “study” the issue, and I am open to that agenda. However, someone would have to present some very solid evidence for the need to retain five Commissioners in Ravalli County, before I could be convinced to change my mind. We must return to three. It is unfortunate the issue was not placed on the November ballot for a voter choice.
Michael Kent
My name is Michael Kent, a Montana and Bitterroot native. I was active in Emergency Service in the Bitterroot until moving to Helena for employment in the early 90’s. I am recently retired from the City of Helena 911 Center and moved back to the Bitterroot Valley this last spring. My parents, Leonard and Shirley Kent, and grandparents Ernie and Elsie Buker were business owners in the valley and we all believed the Valley was a very special place. My wife, Lorrie, is also from the valley and we have family here.
I met a friend of my oldest stepdaughter shortly after moving back, who told me about the study commission being formed to review the current structure of the County Commission. This is the only county that I know of in Montana that has five commissioners rather than three. Having been gone from the valley when the current change went into effect, I am not aware of the facts or reasons the number was raised but believe we need to take a good look at the way things are going within our county government as compared to the other counties in Montana.
The additional commissioners have an added expense to the county taxpayers in the form of wages and benefits. Has this increase been beneficial to the citizens? This question as well as many others needs to be explored for the good of Ravalli County citizens. I wish to be a part of that exploration and recommendations.
Dale Lewis
Hello, fellow citizens of Ravalli County, my name is Dale Lewis and I’m running as a candidate for the Government Study Commission. I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart Donna for 35 years, we have two grown children and two grandchildren. Though new at running for an elected position, I’m not new at public service. I have served as a pastor for 28 years serving the people of the community through many nonprofit services. I believe my experience in working with people of diverse backgrounds has prepared me with the abilities to bring a common sense non-political approach to the study.
I believe in the idea that Abraham Lincoln spoke that government is to be, “Of the people, by the people and for the people.”
I believe that as tax paying citizens we must establish the accountability of elected officials.
If elected I will work to put together a plan with those on the commission and you that will bring accountability to our elected officials.
The citizens have the right to expect the very best effort of those who earn their living from our hard earned dollars. Our fellow citizens who have been elected and given the responsibility to govern are called to serve us, their fellow citizens, not themselves. I look forward to hearing the ideas from my fellow citizens as we work together for “government accountability” that will truly be, “Of the people, by the people, for the people.”
John Meakin
I believe that a careful study of our current form of government and the process by which essential local government services are delivered to our citizens is necessary and timely.
I am a Navy Veteran, having served for nine years during the Vietnam War. I have earned a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Public Administration. I have served on local government committees (here and in other states). My wife and I have lived in Ravalli County for 17 years. I believe that my background qualifies me to be a member of this Commission.
There are many possible issues which, in my opinion, could be considered by this Commission for study. A few examples:
• Number of elected Commissioners–5 or 3?
• Consideration of changing to a County Manager form of government.
• Making certain County employee positions non-partisan, especially those that do not make, interpret or enforce County policies (currently, all employees are required to state their partisan party affiliation).
I am retired and can devote the time necessary to study and recommend meaningful changes for our local form of government. I ask for voters to support me this November by selecting me on the ballot as one of the elected members of the County Government Study Commission.
Bill Menager
Chose not to respond.
Terry Nelson
I am Terry Nelson of Hamilton and I am running for the Ravalli County Local Government Study Commission. My family came to Stevensville while I was in Junior High and, apart from going to MSU to obtain an Electrical Engineering degree, I have resided in the Bitterroot Valley since then. I have worked at and now own Applebury Survey and have been surveying for over 20 years. In 2011, I was hired as the Ravalli County Planning Administrator. I have been married to my beautiful wife 23 years and we have four wonderful children. Why am I running for the Study Commission? Because I care about this county and the people in it and would love to have it be a place my children can continue to work in and stay in if they want. Ten years ago the study commission was used as a tool to disrupt our county which ended up with several lawsuits and a slate of commissioners elected with less than half of the normal voters participating in a special election. The purpose of the study commission should be to see what the citizens want and make sure that the implementation process is smooth and without legal challenge. There are several candidates for this study commission who have stated what their predetermined outcome would be. I am not one of those. The study commission should hear from the citizens before coming to a conclusion. I would also recommend Chris Taggart, Dale Lewis, Scott Boulanger and Bill Menager.
John W. Robinson
When I knew the Local Government Review was coming up for Ravalli County I decided I should file and allow the people of Ravalli County to determine at the polls if I should be on that committee. I have the expertise and the experience to be a valuable member of the committee.
I have lived in Ravalli County for forty-nine years. In those years I have taught school, ranched, practiced law and served a term as County Attorney. In those capacities I have had ample opportunity to observe the needs of the County.
The County has not been governed well in the last four years for lack of continuity in the office of the County Commissioners. It is not easy to serve as commissioner without an understanding of what managing the affairs of the county is all about. When we had three commissioners who served six year terms the commission was always stabilized by two experienced commissioners when the newly elected commissioner was seated.
My experience serving as County Attorney where I had close hand experience of what needed to be done to effectively manage the huge county budget will allow me to contribute that knowledge to the Local Government Review.
Sharon L. Schroeder
I believe I am an excellent candidate to serve on the Ravalli County Government Study Commission. I have lived in Florence, and now Stevensville for the last 34 years. I was employed by Lee Enterprises for 30 years and retired in 2008. My last position was as Publisher of the Ravalli Republic. Prior to that I served as Advertising Director and in various sales and marketing positions at The Missoulian.
This study commission is charged with examining alternative forms of local government. I believe it is imperative to listen to the residents of Ravalli County and provide voters with viable suggestions how the government can work more efficiently. My college education (BS Degree in Mathematics) and media experience have prepared me well for this challenge.
If I were elected I would advocate meetings in each of the county’s communities to hear what residents would like to see in Ravalli County, return to those communities with drafted suggestions and then again with final recommendations. I would also suggest a mail-in survey to gather input from those unable to attend these meetings. In addition, I believe the committee should research effective forms of government in other Montana counties.
I believe citizen involvement is critical to this process. My marketing and communication experience have prepared me well to guide this process.
If you would like someone who is willing to listen to the citizens, and engage in open communication throughout the process, I would ask you to vote for me.
Marilee Shockley
The principal reason I am running for the Study Commission is that I think five commissioners is a waste of money. Ten years ago I voted against having five commissioners. I thought it was a bad idea at the time and I have been proven right. Five commissioners cost more for no improvement in service. Salaries and benefits are a bigger expense and administrative costs are more. There are other ways that we can save money in county government and I want to find them. Another idea that might have merit is making some elected positions in county government nonpartisan.
I was born in Billings and grew up in Red Lodge. The University of Montana provided me with a math degree and a teaching certificate. Post graduate, I received enough accounting to pass the CPA exam. We returned to the valley in 1989, but years earlier lived in Victor and Darby while my husband and I went to school in Missoula.
I have been interested and active in politics for many years. Montana and this County are my home, and I want to make both better. Crunching numbers has been my business for 30 years and that background would be helpful to the Study Commission.
Ronald E. Stoker
There are 19 people who would like to sit on the very important Government Study Commission. Only five will be elected. I submit that I, Ron Stoker, am qualified to be one of those elected.
As a former legislator who chaired in ’07 the Health and Human Services Committee and in ’09 chaired the Judiciary Committee, I have a lot of experience in listening, evaluating and making decisions through logical and wise determinations. I have no agenda in the matter and as a member of the Commission I will do what is best for Ravalli County and its citizens.
I am a 20-year resident of the Valley, along with my wife of over 50 years, Jean. Don’t forget to vote on November 4th, and I ask for yours. Thank you for your consideration.
Chris Taggart
No response.
Alan Thompson
I opened my business called The Cobbler in 1978 and ran it successfully for 20 years. During the time I owned The Cobbler I was very involved in our church and held many positions requiring various skills. I was involved in the scouting program for close to 20 years. I won a seat on the Corvallis School Board and served in that capacity for seven years. After selling my business I ran for County Commissioner and served two terms. While in office I helped form The Montana Coalition of Forest Counties and then represented that organization and the State of Montana for seven years on the National Public Lands Steering Committee. While in office I wrote two resolutions that were part of our National Committee’s policy and one of the resolutions was picked up by the State and put into law. That resolution had to do with the problem of beetle killed trees.
I am running for a spot on the Study Commission and would like to see us go back to a three Commission board. I also would like to see us remove partisan politics from the Treasurer, Clerk of Court and Clerk and Recorder Offices. Nevertheless, the most important thing will be to listen to the will of the people.
Lee J. Tickell
I am asking for your vote to become a member of your Ravalli County Local Government Study Commission because I believe my education, experience, training, and temperament will make me a positive and knowledgeable addition to the Commission.
I just received my Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Montana and this, together with my 20+ years’ working in Montana State Government, has given me the training and experience to effectively contribute to the Commission’s work.
Since the ability of different forms of local government to best deal with the day-to-day business needs of county government will be a vital element of what the Commission will need to review, my many years as a business owner will help me contribute ideas to our work. In addition, I served for 2+ years as the President of the Ravalli County Planning Board and served on the Hamilton School District Board of Trustees where I learned to ask the tough questions while at the same time reaching consensus on issues.
I believe that Ravalli County cannot afford the expense of, nor does it need, 5 County Commissioners… we should go back to 3. I believe that input from citizens is vital to creating a system of government that will work best for Ravalli County and I look forward to hearing the public weigh in on the issues, such as voting by district and non-partisan offices, that the Commission will be tasked with reviewing.
I welcome your vote and support.