Robin Clute graduated from Hamilton High School and attended the University of Montana. She is a member of the Soroptimist, Eagles, A Capella Society, the National Judges Association, and the Montana Magistrates Association (past chairperson of the Western District). She has a long family history in the Bitterroot.

Why are you running for this office?

I have been a public servant in the judicial system for 30 years. From 1974 to 1999 I worked with the King County Superior Court, Seattle Washington as a Deputy Clerk of the Court, Court Clerk and Courtroom Administrator. In 1999 I returned to the Bitterroot. In January 2002 I was appointed by the Ravalli County Commissioners to the position of Justice of the Peace, Department 1. November of the same year I was retained by the voters. During my tenure on the bench I have improved the Justice Court system through: streamlining paperwork by updating forms, setting more accommodating calendars for attorneys, clients and public at large, and initiating a stronger and more appropriate sentencing for DUI cases.

I was proactive in initiating a second courtroom being built. This will allow both Justices of the Peace to simultaneously hold trials, eliminating ³stacking² trial dates. Possible dismissal of cases for lack of a speedy trial in criminal cases will be eliminated. Civil cases will be more quickly expedited.

I look forward to continuing my work to improve the Justice Court system.

Major issues facing the Justice Court (county)?

Growth in the valley has a profound impact on the courts. Both crime and litigation will increase demands on the court system.

Anything else you wish to say?

As a judge, I have the responsibility to remain fair, impartial and unbiased. Laws must be applied as written with a clear understanding of the judicial process. I believe my decisions reflect those attributes and comprehension. I will continue to follow my cases from inception to final disposition. Thank you for your past and future support.

Jay Printz

Age: 59

Length of time in district: Lifelong resident of Hamilton (4th generation Bitterrooter)

Background:

Married to Janie. Children - grown daughters Cheryl, Bridgette and Theresa; nine grandchildren. I joined the United States Marine Corps in December of 1963 and served through December of 1967. Served in Vietnam in 1965 and 1966. Rank held at time of honorable discharge, E5 Sergeant, top secret clearance.

Military Awards: Vietnam Service Medal W/2; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Navy Unit Commendation; Presidential Unit Citation; Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon; Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Medal); Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Civil Actions Medal); National Defense Service Medal; Good Conduct Medal; Republic of Vietnam Defense Commemorative Medal; Cold War Victory Commemorative Medal; Marine Corps Service Commemorative Medal; Overseas Service Commemorative Medal; Combat Service Commemorative Medal; Expert Rifle Medal. Work history: 1968-1970 - American Cyanamid Corp, Azusa, Calif; worked in the manufacture of polyester resin. 1970-1972: Worked various jobs as bartender, cook and irrigation systems installation in the Hamilton area. 1972-1998: Ravalli County Sheriff's Office, Hamilton. 1986-1998 as Sheriff. 1999-present: Positive Protection, Inc. - coin/jewelry show security nationwide. 2004-2005: International Police Advisor, Iraq; 2005 - Worked security in New Orleans during Sept. and Oct. after Hurricane Katrina.

Accomplishments/Awards within the Sheriff's Office: Department "Letter of Commendation" July 1973, Oct 1973, Dec. 1977, Jan. 1979, Nov, 1979, Nov. 1980; Department "Letter of Recognition" Feb. 1983; Featured on "America's Most Wanted" for capturing fugitive Steven Ray Allen, 1989; commendations and recognition from Montana Special Olympics, 1989; American Legion, 1989; Trapper Creek Job Corps, 1990; Citizens for a Drug Free America, 1990; VFW, 1990; NRA, 1992; Montana Hope Project, 1992; U.S. Marshals 1994; Hamilton Eagles Boxing Club, 1996; White Hat Award, 1997; won U.S. Supreme Court decision on "Brady Law", Printz vs. United States, 1997; Law Enforcement Alliance of America Award, 1997; NRA 1997 Carter-Knight Freedom Fund Award, Feb. 1998.

Organizations and affiliations: member Board of Directors, National Rifle Association of America; Life member - National Rifle Association of America; Life member - Law Enforcement Alliance of America; Member - Marine Corps League - Bitterroot Detachment,Vietnam Veterans of America, American Legion. Former Member - International Narcotic Enforcement Officers Assn., MT Sheriff's & Peace Officers Assn. (past board member), Western States Sheriff's Assn., Montana Coroner's Assn., Association of Public Safety Communications Officers, National Sheriff's Assn. Honorary Life Member - Westminster Rod & Gun Club (Mass.). Appointed to state 911 Advisory Council, 1987 & 1988.

Education: Attended Hamilton Schools; Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA) Basic Course, 1973; Intermediate Course, 1976; Advanced Course 1980; Legal Training Course 1980; Current Legal decisions Course, 1981; Homicide Investigation Course 1982; Motivation for Results Course, 1982; Advanced Coroner Training 1988-1990-1992-1994-1996. MT Department of Justice - Emergency Vehicle Operations Course, 1978; Diagnosis & Management of Child Deaths, 1989. Lowery Associations - Law Enforcement Executive Course, 1981. Search Group, Inc. - Using Computers in Law Enforcement & Jails course, 1985. National Institute of Corrections - Planning of new institutions course, 1986. National Law Enforcement Institute - Homicide Investigation Seminar - 1986. Police Training Systems - Tactical Supervision of Critical Incidents course, 1988. Emergency Response Instititute - Managing the search operation seminar, 1991. Countermeasures tactical Instititute - Tactical team operations course, 1992. MACO & MSPOA - Corrections as a part of county government seminar, 1991; MSPOA - Sheriff's Institute Course, 1995. Disaster & Emergency services - Dam Safety Course, 1995; Bureau of Justice Assistance - state & Local Anti Terrorism training, 1997. MT Peace Officer Standards and Training certificates - basic #82, Intermediate #391, Supervisory #084, Command #080, Advanced #670 and Administrative #89.

All of the above education/training is relevant to the position of Justice of the Peace as it all deals with supervision, management, and Montana Law. This is crucial when issuing search warrants, interacting with law enforcement and making judgments in criminal and civil cases.

Why are you running for this office?

As can be seen, I have dedicated my adult life to the service of my nation and community, and want to continue this service as Justice of the Peace. I think I am more than qualified for the office of Justice of the Peace, but more importantly, I have the desire to do this job. I have the broad range of experience and training needed for this job and I have no axes to grind. I will be fair and impartial, and my history demonstrates that I can get the job done.

Major issues facing the Justice Court (county)?

The continued growth of the valley will continue to be a challenge to all county government.

Anything else you wish to say?

I have been endorsed by retired JP's Nancy Sabo and Ed Sperry.

Jake Weitzel

Age: 52

Length of time in district: 24 years

Background:

Business Administration, criminology, psychology and beautician. I have been three and a half years on Main Street Association. Have worked for a painting and design business and a construction business.

Why are you running for this office?

Because I have enough experience and common sense to make a difference in assisting others. I don't have preconceived notions. I don't have previous law enforcement background. I want the job, not need this position. I am fascinated with the justice system.

Major issues facing the Justice Court (county)?

I read at least two newspapers and keep up with politics and issues but as a non-partisan judge, I really shouldn't voice my opinions. Growth and Economy.

Anything else you wish to say?

I promise to uphold the law as written. I hold a non-partisan approach to the law and will judge citizens fairly without malice. I will serve the public with courtesy and respect. I will continue learning through adequate training.

Ravalli County Clerk & Recorder

Jeannie Poe

Age: 55

Length of time in the District: 14 years

Background:

I am a wife of 22 years, a mother of four ambitious children, and grandmother of four. When our children were grown, we left a small Idaho community and moved to Ravalli County in 1993. We brought our trucking company with us, enlarged it, then incorporated, becoming a Montana employer. During that time, I became the CEO/President, managing trucking firm as well as maintaining a Real Estate License, combining my abilities into a unique skill-set.

I have also been involved for more than 10 years in coordinating the outreach programs of various communities, both in and out of Montana. Currently, I serve as the local coordinator for the Salvation Army of Ravalli County.

My previous community involvement advanced from being a mom and self employed, to a Co-Chairwoman for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation banquets, to involvement in legislative sessions at the State level, which required keeping abreast of local political issues. These activities were in addition to managing the trucking firm, and actively maintaining my realtor's licence. The cumulative experience resulting from being involved in Montana commerce, both as self employed and as an employer, combined with my real estate dealings, fostered an interest in our local county economy and ultimately, legislation. I believe this unique combination of experience has expressly prepared me for the position of Clerk & Recorder for Ravalli County.

Why are you running for this office?

I am running for this office because I believe I bring a unique package of ability, skills, and strengths. I feel I offer an awareness of issues facing our County, as well as a decisive, service oriented can-do attitude. I can provide a fresh and objective perspective incorporating strengths of tenacity, integrity and leadership, in a position I have been uniquely prepared for.

The recent growth in Ravalli County has overwhelmed our current Clerk & Recorder office. I have first-hand knowledge of the difficulties facing the department. I have several strategies to bring the pieces of the technology puzzle together to create a comprehensive, efficient, public information hub. It is imperative that we bring the Office of the Clerk & Recorder out from behind the curve, and on to being able to serve the public efficiently.

Our Clerk & Recorder Office maintains all public records such as birth and death certificates, all forms of property ownership documents, deeds, plat maps, etc. All these documents are of Public Record, open to the public. Many people are not aware that the Clerk and Recorder Office is also the administrative authority for our Elections Office. The Elections Office is responsible for all voter and voting records, voter registration, ballots, installation of updated voting equipment, setting and managing voting days, counting ballots, and maintaining all records of vital statistics regarding our precious voting rights.

I see a need for this critical process to function in a larger capacity, as a public information dissemination hub for our voters in addition to its current duties. I propose that this office become more publically proactive, creating a liaison model for our Elections Office. Our last non-Presidential election showed a voter turn out of a pathetic 32.8%. My vision for the Elections Office is to have the ability to supply ballot information on candidates to newspapers, radio, and television. This would help inform, and create a higher profile of information, and serve to energize our voters.

The Clerk and Recorder Office is a two component position that affects the three critical foundations of our U.S. citizenship. The Office contains and maintains the records of our lives and deaths, our properties and our votes.

Note: The June 6th Primary will decide who will be the next Clerk and Recorder.

Regina Wilson

Age: 36

Length of time in the District: 29 years

Background:

Wilson is a graduate of Corvallis High School. She is a mother of two boys. She attended the University of Montana College of Technology for two years. Wilson served as Deputy Clerk and Recorder for eight years and served as Ravalli County Elections Supervisor in the Clerk and Recorder's Office for the last six years.

Why are you running for this office?

I believe my experience in the office will enable me to be an effective Clerk and Recorder. I understand Montana law and how it applies to the day-to-day functions of the office.

Major issues facing the county?

Growth and budget restraints have been the two main issues our office, like other departments in the county, has been facing for many years. We will continue to provide the best service and most accurate records for our citizens, while staying within our budget.

Anything else you wish to say?

I am proud to have served in the Clerk and Recorder's Office for the past eight years as a deputy and I hope the voters allow me the opportunity to apply all that I have learned in those years by voting for me on June 6th.

Ravalli County Commissioner

Kathleen Driscoll, Democrat

Age: 53

Length of time in county: Life-time resident. Raised in District 3, traveled for 20 years with the military; always kept my state of Montana residency. Moved back in 1990 and still reside in the District 3 area.

Background:

• Eight years experience in investment and financial banking
• Self-employed business woman for 25 years
• Managed a national network of independent businesswomen for 20 years
• Several years of training in leadership, management, and team building
• Helped establish a local nursing co-op
• Appointed by three Montana governors, both Democratic and Republican, to labor and advocacy boards
• Held private pilot's license for 29 years

Boards and Committees:

• State Board of Sanitarians (appointed by Governor Schweitzer)
• Vice Chair of Mental Disabilities of Board of Visitors (appointed by Governors Marc Racicot and Judy Martz)
• Vice Chair of NAMI Montana
• Co-Chair of Bitterroot Valley Local Advisory Council for Mental Health Services
• Member of Proud of Planning for the Bitterroot (growth policy)
• Education chair for Ravalli County Growth Policy
• Member of Drug Endangered Kids of Ravalli County
• Team member of NAMI Provider Education Course
• Ravalli County League of Women Voters' member
• Western Area Service Authority Board member (alternate)
• Nominated for National Award "Spirit of Longaberger"
• Top Ten Salesperson in Longaberger Directorship(past)
• State award for NAMI provider course

Biography:

I was born in Miles City. My parents were Butte Irish. We moved to the Bitter Root Valley in 1957. We lived in the same house on Hamilton's historic south side for 48 years. I'm a life-long member of St. Francis Catholic Church and a graduate of Hamilton High School (class of Œ72). In 1975, I married Kevin Donovan, a career Air Force Officer. For the next 20 years, our family traveled across the United States, and spent time in Europe. Every year, my family returned to the Bitter Root. It was always home. It always amazed me how beautiful this valley was, how crystal clear the air and its water so clean. Camping, fishing and hiking were a large part of our family life.

As a military wife, one learns very quickly to be flexible and efficient. I wanted to work, but it had to be a job that wrapped around the nomad lifestyle of a military family. I first worked in banking and finance. I coordinated the local base facilities for military families. I've always loved being a volunteer, spending thousands of hours, volunteering on base, in education, disabilities, church groups, helping other young military wives orient to their new lives on the road. In 1982, I started developing multi-level sales positions with Longaberger, a family owned business that re-created 100-year-old baskets. I became an advisor, overseeing more than 80 people in my branch, as I moved across the country. I learned to deal with every type of personality and problem. I juggled daily and weekly meetings, developing leadership training programs that helped improve my associates' professional skills.

In 1990, I moved back to the Bitter Root. By then, I was a single mother with three sons. In 1994, two of my sons became disabled. Along with six nurses, I developed a system around my sons¹ disabilities that would allow them to live life to the fullest.

I continued to work, adding another career to my life. As a realtor, I saw that people were beginning to take notice of our western Montana lifestyle. It wasn't hard to see what they were being drawn to. As a high school senior, I had joined a group that was trying to plan our valley, and our community. When copper baron, Marcus Daly, came here from Butte, he laid out wide beautiful streets. He set aside land for each of the churches. He laid the Main Street so you could enjoy Downey Mountain from your shop window. This place didn't just happen. It was designed to become a part of the beautiful scenery that surrounded it.

Now that the Valley has been struck by development, we need to think about what is happening to the wonderful life we have here. We must move quickly to save it from becoming like every place else in this country.

Why are you running for this office?

I know the Bitter Root. I have lived and breathed this place since I was a small child. I have traveled extensively as a military wife. I understand what other places did to destroy their lifestyles and sense of community. I realized five or six years ago that if I didn't stand up to be heard, we would all lose. I saw the limitations of knowledge that the current commissioners were drawing from. I realized that they were limited to a place and time that can no longer protect this valley. Before ever considering running for office, I watched citizens pound their fists and tried to explain the pain they were feeling with each and every subdivision. The commissioners fell into the easier path of least resistance. That has to change. As a commissioner, I think you have to listen and understand in a much deeper way. And that's dealing with any issues that come under a commissioner's supervision. You are to represent everyone no matter how different they are from your personal point of view. I knew at that point, I had to run.

Major issues facing the county?

How do you create a healthy community? Everyone wants to feel a sense of belonging. Why do you think people have moved here? We need to look at why this community is struggling with growth. We need to slow down the overflow of people until we can shore up our foundational community. We have always had poverty in our community. But with the influx of new members to our family, we are crippling those of us who already can't keep up. It's adding to an inability to function in our society. Who are these individuals? They are our parents, grandparents, our disabled and single mothers. They're our veterans, and our poor people. When building on to a community foundation, we need to understand that simply throwing money at the problem will not address the major issues. Covering the land with new houses doesn't allow our citizens to be heard in a way that will strengthen community, and connections between all of us. Whether you have been here four days or four generations, we need to address the issues of the current citizens. Simply writing a check to the general fund for impact fees won't do the trick. New jobs brought here by growth won't cover up a 40% working poor. The problems won't go away. A vision for this valley includes slowing down to see what we are facing in the long run. To me, the long run is the next 50 to 100 years.

Anything else you wish to say?

Common sense growth and zoning in our valley is an absolute. Bringing the citizens together to actively participate in designing this valley will make our communities interactive. It will bond us together in our strengths, rather than our weaknesses. Let's reinforce our businesses so they can withstand difficult times. The tax base is stretched to the limit. A job market that leans on jobs from development will be short-lived, if the building boom drops. We need to structure a business community for the most difficult scenario. If we can survive the worst of times, then we can enjoy the best of times.

Howard W. Lyons, Republican

Age: 67

Length of time in county: 41 years

Background:

Married to Layna, with two children and grandchildren. I came to the Bitterroot Valley in pursuit of a dream. I took my love of horses as a calling and began breaking and training horses. Doc Williams, a renowned author and horseman who lived here, took me on as a student. I have worked many jobs, including horse trainer/farrier, logger, construction worker, farmed and ranched, been a salesman and a concrete truck driver. I have been a member of the Bitterroot Stock Growers Association for years, including two years as the president. I am a member of the Farm Bureau and the Senior Pro Rodeo Association. I have been the Ravalli County High School Rodeo Team advisor, a 4H leader and was the fair superintendent for the dairy and draft horses at the county fair. I have also coached soccer, wrestling and Little League Baseball.

Why are you running for this office?

We have lived in the valley for 40 plus years and raised our family here. I now want to give of my time and energy to the community.

Major issues facing the county?

1. Help with growth and development
2. Do what I can to make the courthouse more user friendly.
3. Building better communities. To promote livable communities, governments should encourage quality growth, through policies sufficiently funding transportation and infrastructure (roads, water, sewer, etc) that provides the framework for a community¹s quality of life, and lays the essential groundwork for accommodating quality residential growth.
4. Preserving our environment. To maintain our region¹s quality of life and to protect the environment, citizens of Ravalli County support policies that encourage conservation and wise use of natural resources and critical areas through incentives and sufficient compensation.
5. Ensuring economic vitality. A healthy economy sustains vibrant communities for living and working. Residential growth, in turn, sustains a healthy economy.
6. Providing housing opportunities. Every citizen has the right to safe, decent and affordable housing near where they work, shop and play, and that choice in style and location is critical to increasing home ownership.

Anything else you wish to say?

As your county commissioner, you will never have to wonder where I stand. I will stand with you. My door will always be open to every resident of our county and I will visit your community for regular community events. I pledge to always be responsive to your needs and respectful of your ideas.

Richard (Rick) O'Brien, Republican

Age: 59

Length of time in county: 7+ years

Background:

In 1971, I founded Production Control Equipment, Inc., a worldwide supplier of valves and automated systems for the petroleum and petro-chemical marketplace. Yearly sales achieved $6 million with three domestic offices and seven international sales agencies. In 1986, I founded Value Added Centre, Ltd., a manufacturer and packager of electro-mechanical proprietary products destined for the commercial and industrial marketplace. In 1987, my wife and I arrived in the valley and purchased land on which to build our home. In 1999, we succeeded in building our home and have resided here ever since. During our time in the Bitterroot, we have been involved in numerous community activities and organizations, conceived and operated a successful mobile catering service and provided business consultation for many local business entrepreneurs.

Why are you running for this office?

Leadership: As your County Commissioner I will bring over 35 years experience as an independent businessman. My professional business experience in both domestic and international arenas has provided me with great skills in mediation and negotiations. I will listen to you and give due consideration to all sides of an issue before rendering a decision. Having no ties or allegiances to developers, realtors, bankers or special interest groups, I am in a position to be objective and unbiased as concerns the many contentious issues facing this community today. I do not support the status quo mentality that seems to linger within our governing body - it is time for change!

Major issues facing the county?

Growth: I feel that we are truly at a growth crossroads and it is imperative that we address and get control of the many controversial issues facing our county. As such we must grapple the horns of such issues as: execution of the Growth Policy plan by implementing impact fees, zoning, building permits and enforcement. While this may at first glance reek of urbanization, there are many tools and examples of other communities and counties that have been successful by implementing "open land" initiatives, planned community development and "fair share" impact fees designed to augment infrastructure needs - there is no need to re-invent the wheel! Reactive, emergency resolutions and ordinances are a direct result of the lack of foresight, management and leadership as demonstrated by our governing body to date. It is time for change!

Anything else you wish to say?

In addition to the myriad of commissioner responsibilities, I feel that the successful candidate must be an "ambassador" for Ravalli County. A county commissioner should consistently and diligently promote our quality of life, our community values and the many opportunities available in Ravalli County. This effort must be across the board, i.e. local, state and national levels. I feel that better communication with the citizenry and enhanced community support is imperative to a better working relationship for all. If you're looking for leadership, you have found the right man.

Ingrid Sutherland, Democrat

Length of time in county: 3 years

Background:

I have done just about everything from cleaning toilets and waiting tables to working for a huge corporation as the administrative assistant to the Vice-President. I worked in the software industry for about 15 years (in different technical positions) and owned and operated two small businesses.

As an active member of Business and Professional Woman in Washington State, I advanced from local member to President of a local to Regional Director to serving on the state board. I acted as coordinator for Small Business Roundtable Workshops for the Small Business Association, as well as a coordinator for one of the American Cancer Society's primary fundraisers.

I volunteered for several years at the local senior center teaching computer classes and maintaining their computers, and I've lobbied the legislature on education issues in both Washington and Montana.

For the last two years I've served on the school board in Hamilton, helping administer a $10 million dollar budget and oversee the implementation of policies that govern the day to day running of the district.

As an active member of the Hamilton PTA, Middle School Booster Club, and the Committee for Art in Our Schools (CAOS), I have continued the commitment I made 20 years ago to volunteer in my children's schools. I also delivered Meals on Wheels for two years here in Ravalli County.

I'm a middle class suburban transplant. But I think my non-nativeness to the valley is my best aspect. I have no obligation to a particular group and I'm not beholden to anyone.

There is no conflict of interest in terms of the work I'll be doing as your county commissioner because I'm not a realtor, a developer, or a business owner and the only property we own is our home.

My husband and I have been together 20 years and have three children‹Alyson, 25, Ian, 13 and Mac, 9. We enjoy hiking in the Bitterroots, floating the river and fishing the streams of Ravalli County and want to preserve those experiences for our children 's children.

Why are you running for this office?

Because we need someone with a long-term vision for Ravalli County. The valley is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family, but we are in the midst of a trend that could change all that. Growth. All you have to do is look at the hills in southeast Missoula to see what our future will be, if we don't do something now.

I've lived in places where this has happened and I know that we can't stop growth, but we can make it work for us. We can make sure it doesn't affect the reason most of us live here, the beauty and opportunities of the valley. But we must be proactive instead of reactive.

We have a lot of work ahead of us but I know we all want basically the same thing. An economically vibrant community with jobs that pay a living wage, access to health insurance, schools that offer our children the education they need to get those jobs, parks and recreation opportunities, and reasonable taxes to help pay for it all.

We can have all this and more. I want to:
• Help set and implement policy in order to stretch the available dollars as far as possible,
• Encourage economic development that will benefit all county residents,
• Ensure that county programs and activities are efficient and accountable, and
• Maintain and enhance the living experience for all valley residents.

Major issues facing the county?

Planned Growth: We must have a long-term plan for our valley unless we want to be one long strip mall. County government must factor all variables: the impact on infrastructure (water, sewer), schools, availability of jobs, number of cars on undeveloped roads, cost of housing, and much more. Any plan is better than no plan, but a good plan will enhance you and your neighbor's ability to prosper and maintain the quality of life that attracted you here in the first place.

Economic Development: Technology and communication infrastructure are critical to convincing stable businesses to locate here for the long term. Transportation is also a looming issue we need to address in order to show interested businesses that they can ship the goods they need‹into or out of the valley.

Efficient Government: Ravalli County government isn't exactly rolling in money so we must ensure that county programs and activities are efficient and accountable, that maintenance is planned and capital improvements are budgeted, that important concerns are dealt with rapidly and professionally, and that there are no wasted dollars.

Impact Fees: Schools and parks are rated two of the most important issues prospective new residents and businesses look at when considering relocating. The County Board of Commissioners is the final authority and a working partner with the seven school districts in the valley and must work with them to assure that development costs of new residential construction are borne by those joining the system that the rest of us have paid for.

Anything else you wish to say?

I want to make these and many other things a priority for county government. That's why I'm running for County Commissioner. I have the experience, strength of will and courage, not to mention the energy and enthusiasm, necessary to make sure Ravalli County retains its beauty and hometown character. We can't wait any longer.

Carolyn Fishburne Weisbecker, Republican

Age: 57

Length of time in county: 6 years

Background:

B.S. Education, Master of Public Administration, educator, owner of a manufacturing company, Realtor, served on multiple boards including Ravalli County Resource Advisory Committee and Disaster Services Team of the Red Cross, Administrative Board of Religious Affiliation. I am married to Fred Weisbecker, and have two sons and two grandchildren.

Why are you running for this office?

Ravalli County is facing great change and my experience, judgment and training are needed. I want to serve in this capacity.

Major issues facing the county?

Rapid population growth, loss of faith in administrative officials and a need for leadership and a new direction.

Anything else you wish to say?

Ravalli County would benefit from four new departments or advisory boards:
1. Grants - a full-time paid grant writer working across departmental and organizational lines to fund county wide needs.
2. Ravalli County Foundation - independent board charged with helping organizations raise matching funds often required for grants.
3. County Grants Administrative Board - Independent board to help non-profits meet monitoring and auditing requirements of grants.
4. Human Resource Board - Ravalli County's own Service Core of Retired Executives (SCORE) but also including a data base of other skills that could be used such as facilitation, publishing, coaching or teaching.

Glenda M. Wiles, Republican

Background:

Glenda has 17 years of law enforcement experience which includes investigation, patrol, administration and 9-1-1 supervisory. She earned an Associates of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a Bachelors of Arts degree in Public Administration with high honors. While enrolled in master level courses in Public Administration, she taught part time at the college level for two years. After leaving this field she and her husband built, owned and operated an indoor shooting range and sporting goods store for several years.

Glenda and her husband Mike purchased property in Hamilton in 1991, and built their home at 313 Nighthawk Lane in 1993.

She began working for the Ravalli County Commissioners Office in 1993 and has served as the office manager/administrative assistant to several boards of County Commissioners over the years. Her tasks include the daily operations of the board, accounts payable and special tasks as assigned by the Board.

She and her husband have three children, two of which were raised in the Bitterroot. One son is a law enforcement officer in Oregon, another son is a teacher at Great Falls High School and their daughter is a student at the University of Montana in Missoula.

Glenda has been the Ravalli County DUI Task Force Coordinator for the past ten years. She donates her yearly coordinator salary to the DUI Task Force which has been utilized for educational programs in the school districts throughout the valley.

She served on the Ravalli County Federal Credit Union as a Board member for three years, and like other parents, has been a volunteer for many educational and sports projects in the valley. She is a member of the Church of Christ in Hamilton. She and her family have always had a small ranch or farm which has included an almond orchard, breeding horses and mules and raising Texas Longhorn cattle.

Why are you running for this office?

I did not need to ask 'what a County Commissioner does' before I decided to run for this office. I deal with the daily operations of the county from the airport to the weed department. I hear the concerns from the public on a daily basis. I have no special interests, and my only intention is to serve the Ravalli County citizens with honesty, straight forwardness and in a pro-active manner. I will 'hit the ground running' and I am 13 years more experienced than any other candidate.

As a taxpayer in Ravalli County I am also concerned about financing current litigation due to real estate conflicts of interest by one of our current Commissioners. The first two candidates filing for the office of Commissioner possess the potential for similar conflict litigation. Taxpayer money should be spent for public benefit rather than conflict defense. The taxpayers deserve a candidate without the potential for this type of litigation.

Major issues facing the county?

The accruing consequences of growth, growth and more growth. The citizen's experience the 'fall out' from the growth which includes the condition and maintenance of our roads, the increasing number of subdivisions which impacts other services such as police, fire and education (to name just a few). Ravalli County does not have the budget necessary to keep up and maintain the necessary infrastructure and services for this growth. A pro-active, not a reactive, approach is the proper manner to direct our county into the future.

Anything else you wish to say?

Addressing public requests, needs and inquiry in a timely manner is of the utmost importance. The public has experienced enough bureaucratic delays in many of our services. We need someone in office that addresses the problems head on and stands up for 'doing the right thing.' I believe the Commissioners need to be in their offices working on the tough issues such as zoning and impact fees. I realize the importance of economic development in our valley, and I also realize the importance of private property rights for the farmer who decides to subdivide because the land is his 401k. County zoning should be utilized for addressing appropriate locations of land uses. If the citizens in Darby or Florence want to impose more restrictions on their property, they should make that decision, not the Commissioners.

Development or impact fees are necessary and must be reasonably related to the development's share of the cost for the infrastructure improvement. The taxpaying citizen should not be responsible to pay for those development costs.

My education, tenure in public service, and working knowledge of the county make me the right person to serve as a Ravalli County Commissioner. What sets me apart is my straightforward approach to serving the public. It's called 'doing the right thing' because I too, want my children to come home some day.

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