As I told Greg Chilcott when he was the President of the Montana Association of Counties in 2013, county commissioner was the worse job in elective politics. The commission has relatively little control over the laws they must operate under and are close enough to the people to be bombarded with complaints. Greg for many years has dealt with the problems that Ravalli County has faced, though at times it was not easy.
Greg has served the county during a very troubling and difficult time. Ravalli County went from three commissioners to five commissioners and the transition was not smooth. Greg’s experience helped the commission function better, although five commissioners did not work out well. His experience will be needed to hopefully transition back to three commissioners. He opposed the appointment of the notorious Valerie Stamey as treasurer, which demonstrates his judgment. Greg put the public good over party, a good trait.
I must admit my prejudice. The Chilcotts and the Shockleys have known each other for two or three generations. Like many of us, Greg left the valley for career reasons. Unlike most, he returned.
Jim Shockley
Victor