Jeff Burrows, Republican, Hamilton
I grew up the Bitterroot Valley, graduated from Hamilton High School and attended college at MT Tech in Butte MT where I received a degree of Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering. I have been married to my lovely wife (Jenica) for 16 years and have two sons (Tyler 15) and (Andrew 12). I worked in the United States Air Force as a civilian environmental engineer in Colorado Springs. Shortly after moving back to the Bitterroot Valley I had an opportunity to be appointed to the Board of Ravalli County Commissioners. I was elected in 2012 and again in November of 2014. I pride myself on my ability to listen to issues and concerns from our citizens and engage in productive dialogue and work to find solutions to issues that affect our county. I love our community and whether it is serving as a youth coach, volunteering on the Hamilton Fire Department or representing our county as a commissioner, I am engaged in our community.
I would like to address the Hughes Creek Gate issue, starting with the quote that was highlighted in the Bitterroot Star. It was unfortunate that the Bitterroot Star used a portion of my quote in the front page article on the Hughes Creek Road gate in the September 26 edition. The quote on the front page was “…I was this right wing radical extremist on property rights and it’s actually come full circle. Now I’m implementing Agenda 21 and the New World Order…” This quote does not give the full context of the quote, which included, “But it’s false. We are not influenced by outside money, in fact, we’ve called out this dark money.”
The Hughes Creek Gate issue has been turned into a Private Property Rights vs. Public Access Issue, which is not the case. The landowners submitted a petition to abandon Hughes Creek Road beyond the gate. It was determined, based on the findings of fact that Hughes Creek Road extended past the gate that currently exists. Legal counsel advised us of MCA 7-14-2615(3) which states “The board may not abandon a county road or right-of-way used to provide existing legal access to public land or waters, including access for public recreational use as defined in 23-2-301 and as permitted in 23-2-302, unless another public road or right-of-way provides substantially the same access.” Hughes Creek Road beyond the gate does provide access to public lands and therefore could not be abandoned. Next, MCA 7-14-2134 requires: “If the encroachment obstructs and prevents the use of the highway for vehicles, the road supervisor or county surveyor shall immediately remove the encroachment.” These statutes required the Commission to make the decision to direct the landowner to remove the gate.
Ravalli County is nearly 73% public lands. We all enjoy and cherish our public lands, however, they can have an impact on local resources. Public land management, fires and other forest issues directly or indirectly (federal payments PILT and SRS) impact almost every local department or office. It is critical that the Ravalli County Commissioners engage our state and federal partners on public lands issues that affect our community. I will continue to work collaboratively with our partners for increased public access, active forest management and increased efficiencies in the NEPA process to increase pace and scale of projects in our forests.
Lastly, and most importantly are Ravalli County Roads and Public Safety. We are working with our Sheriff to ensure our deputies, dispatchers and administrative staff have the resources necessary not only for our current needs, but planning for our long term public safety needs. Our Road and Bridge Department does an excellent job of maintaining the 300 miles of paved road, 250 miles of gravel road and all of the culvert and bridges throughout the county on the limited budget we have. With our federal SRS and PILT payments under constant threat by congress and the increasing cost of road materials, we are struggling to get necessary grading, dust abatement, sweeping, mowing and paving performed each year, but I am committed to working on solutions to these issues.
Ravalli County has an excellent group of elected officials, department heads and employees that work hard to provide great service to the citizens of Ravalli County. It has been my honor to serve as your Ravalli County Commissioner and I look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve.
Marlin Ostrander, Write in candidate
Reason for Running for Office
In 2014 when I ran for commissioner I was definitely more qualified than my then opponent. I know again this time that I possess the ‘hands on’ experience gained from both Corporate and Private sector work and that I am even more qualified to make fair and knowledgeable decisions for the great people of Ravalli County than last time.
Property Rights versus Public Access
Having been a Fencing Contractor (Northwest Fencing) for nearly 40 years I can say that I might become the only member on the Commissioners Board to have worked with both the Forest Service and/or the property owner on the concept, planning, and executing/installing the necessary fencing and gate patterns and opening size for the promotion of Public Access. I think education and a whole of talking is necessary with current property owners. I think education in the form of Realtors and Title Houses making it crystal clear as to what the laws are to new buyers should be mandatory at signing/closing. No doubts, no questions.
Management of Public Lands
I’ve said before, Commissioners should communicate, be concerned, and be very informed by all of the Land Agencies but leave the forests to the Forest Service. We have all we can do by taking care of normal business, like roads, bridges, water ways, public health and well being, and our friends and neighbors that are County Sheriffs who risk their lives serving us. And by the way, a County Commissioner should NOT have a higher salary than a Sheriffs Deputy. Let’s get real.
Polarization of the electorate
Unfortunately, local governments usually take on National climates. Meeting in the middle is paramount to success.
Why I’m the best choice for the position
I think I bring a diversity of thought and mindset that will be very refreshing and an open and honest attitude that will be very beneficial. I want to hold ‘Town Hall’ style meetings every 4 -6 weeks up and down the valley in the evenings so EVERYONE can attend and contribute. If I won’t be joined by fellow commissioners, I will do it by myself. My voice will be YOUR voice, this I promise. Call me, 360-8523.