1. My Family homesteaded here in Lake County in 1908. I was the first baby born in the St. Ignatius Hospital in 1962 and grew up to attend school in Charlo through the 12th grade.
I was the boy’s state secretary of agriculture, rodeo for twelve years across this great
state of Montana, meeting many wonderful people. I was nominated as bull fighter of
the year in 2000. I worked construction and built my own commercial construction business. I have been in the industry for over twenty-seven years. While building my construction business I worked night shifts at plum creek for eleven years . I saved enough money to buy my own land here in Lake County to start a small ranch next to my parents’ ranch . I also started a successful licensed composting business in 2020.
I am always offering to volunteer and help the community I support and love. I have bought coats, food , shoes for people who are needing a helping hand. I have bought many food baskets for Thanksgiving and Easter food drives. I bought twenty-seven coats for “coats for kids” and have provided service for many youth rodeos. I have also supported many youths’ agricultural groups. I have donated food and money to our veterans’ organizations. I have donated many items for the Skills program at the Charlo High School. I also provide two separate scholarships for high school students, looking to further their education in a trade school or college.
2. To build negotiations with the governor and the legislature, will take a group of people from the county asking to have a discussion about the problems facing the county. I would invite the tribal council to come, the governor, and county legislators to find solutions to our biggest problems. Most pressing would be the Flathead Lake water level and CSKT water compact. In addition affordable housing should be addressed.
3. Budget priorities would be resolving the Lake County employee turn over problem. The cost of training and hiring is extremely expensive. I believe each department needs a transparent budget and making sure adequate monies are available for equipment and supplies. I want to make sure monies cover services evenly throughout the Lake County region . Examples are roads , solid waste and day to day services.
4. I would start by discussing some of the bigger issues Lake County is faced with by asking for the Elders and Tribal Council input Simply asking the tribe to be part of the solution is a start.
5. I believe Lake County has a big role in helping to find solutions to the housing problem. would start by researching the pros and cons of what other counties are coming up against, I would make sure our planning department and health department have enough staff to handle the work load of permitting and zoning. This issue is not a Lake County problem alone. Montana in general has a difficult problem to address.
6. Over the last two years I have averaged over six-hundred thousand dollars spent at Ronan businesses and do ninety-six percent of my business in Ronan, over the last 20 years or more. I pay taxes in both districts and do not feel this is an issue. I ran for commissioner 2 years ago and was winning in my district until the Polson community votes came in, and I lost by 300 votes in District 2.
My point is why is district 1 and 3 voting on the commissioner race when they do not live there or have property or home in the district.