Candidates Respond

MIN submitted questions to all candidates

Montana Independent News submitted the following questions to Carbon County candidates running for election in the upcoming November 7 election: Why are you running for office? What unique qualifications and/or perspectives will you bring to the position? What do you hope to accomplish in your term? How do you plan to accomplish those goals? Their answers are grouped by town in alphabetical order below.

BEARCREEK

No contested races. No responses.

BRIDGER

No contested races. No responses.

FROMBERG

Two uncontested candidates for open seats on Town Council. Both responded.

Tammy Taylor: I decided to run for Fromberg Town Council this summer after a water shutoff notice (not mine, and for an overwhelming sum) had been attached to my front door. Unfortunately, there was another party in town that had this occurrence as well. That notice was not contained in an envelope, and all the billing details were visible for anyone to see.

This transaction mortified me! No one's private financial details should ever be divulged in such a manner. Our municipality has a duty and the responsibility to protect each customer's financial details, as well as their privacy. The Town of Fromberg ordinance specifically states: any customer found in financial arrears of three months shall have their utility services terminated. Obviously, the Town of Fromberg did not adhere to their own ordinance. I later learned that the Town of Fromberg had again failed to file tax liens on any properties delinquent in their utility bills, which is allowed by law, to be done each July. Additionally, the Town of Fromberg has yet to disperse to the Fromberg Rural Fire Department, its last year’s 2022 earmarked tax fund dollars. This is not the first time, either. Rural fire departments run on lean budgets, and should be assured of their funding in a timely manner. I’m reasonably confident the Town will not pay FRFD any accruing interest nor a late fee. I believe the citizens of Fromberg are unaware of these, and several other important issues. It’s long past time that our municipality gets our finances in check and leads by example, not deception.

It’s crucial that I listen to community members and that my actions benefit the community. I've found that sincere listening on my part goes a long way toward understanding and solving many problems. To be observant as to what’s going on in our community.

This position requires me to invest sincere dedication toward understanding our Town ordinances, Montana Annotated Code, contracts, employee management, timelines and oh so much more. I’ve been long involved in giving back to our community through the Fromberg Improvement Committee and the Clark's Fork Valley Museum. I’m dedicated to Fromberg, and have a strong work ethic and commitment to our community! 

Finances must be addressed first.  Without proper financial plannning, we can’t operate properly and provide the services our citizens deserve. I fear the Town of Fromberg will be left with a large shortfall in this year’s budget, due to unmet filing deadlines, along with several large questionable expenditures. Any budget concerns must be immediately addressed. The Town has several infrastructure and maintenance issues which have been long ignored. 

Fromberg Town Hall has a duty to become more transparent in all their transactions. To adhere to state guidelines and to work together for the benefit of our community. 

I'm a firm believer in Mike Maples Jr's  quote: “Ego is about who’s right. Truth is about what’s right.”  Each and every individual must be held accountable for their actions. 

How do you plan to accomplish those goals? Prioritizing issues. Networking within our community. Seeking out information from other successful local communities and potentially implementing new and better ideas. This will be a long and arduous process. I believe our community is deserving of much more than they have received. I am committed to working toward that goal!

Mike Ventling: Thank you for asking for my vision. The reason I'm running for office is that I'm tired of watching our town being mismanaged. I would like to see our town thrive and grow, but we need people that will stand up and take a positive roll, as well as be fiscally responsible with the town's money.

I was the Public Works Director for Fromberg for 5-1/2 years. This gives me a working knowledge of the town's infrastructure. This will help give Fromberg an advantage and help with the improvement of the town. When I was the Public Works Director, I was instrumental in helping with Fromberg's new lagoon sewer system, which was a two year project from beginning to end. I was not the director when the project was completed but know the way it's designed to work. I am currently working as a heavy equipment operator for an excavation company in Billings. These skills and knowledge will be instrumental in helping Fromberg's current Public Work's Director when repairs are needed to our water and sewer systems.

What do I hope to accomplish during my term? Well, getting our town back on track. To explain, we have rules and ordinances and they are not being followed. Over several years too many personal agendas have been pursued, rather than what is needed for the town. I plan to work hard for the people and will do my best to get Fromberg back on the right track and to be accountable, the counsel and Mayor, for our jobs and how to best represent the residents of Fromberg.

My bottom line is that I want this town to thrive and grow, but by being fiscally responsible and working within a budget. I've always felt that if you don't like something, then get involved and work to change it. That is why I became the Fromberg Public Works Director. I have been the Fire Chief in the Fromberg Rural District #3 for over 10 years, this and my time as Public Works Director shows my involvement and commitment to the town’s people. I've been a resident in Fromberg for almost 22 years and my family and I have seen the impacts of past leadership . 

JOLIET

No contested races.

Bonnie Gray (City Council): I am running for council person for the Town of Joliet. I have been on the council for 4 years now. I am running for office because I believe it is my responsibility as a resident of Joliet to contribute to the community any way I can. 

What I bring to the table is my experience as a business owner in the town. I am also a Trustee for the Joliet Public Library. My three children all attended and graduated from Joliet High School. At one point in my life, I was a substitute teacher for the Joliet Public School System.

What I will attempt to accomplish during my next term as council person is to listen to what my constituents want done and work on making that happen. I am voted in to office to represent the residents of Joliet. Not to push any personal agenda.  

I am not swayed by how Carbon County or any other town in the county votes when it comes to my vote concerning the Town of Joliet. I represent my Town. I believe my job as Council Person for the Town of Joliet is to represent the residents of Joliet.

Thank you for this opportunity to express my feeling about a public official's duties and responsibility.

RED LODGE

Race for Mayor (contested)

Bill Barnes: It's an old cliche, admittedly, but I can add value to the operation of City Hall and inspire others to assist.

I was prompted by the 2022 auditor's report which listed seven areas of concern.  The budget according to my sources is over 19 million dollars now - that is a lot of tax payer's dollars to be responsible for and needs accountability. 

I care about Red Lodge and its history as a traditional Western town.  I want it to remain inviting by ensuring safety and appearance. 

Except for three positions in companies, I've always owned my companies.  The last company was Hobson, Barnes in which I was the managing partner.  It was one of the top promotional marketing companies in the US.  Billing around 40 million dollars annually.  Our reputation for joining companies together in a mutually beneficial concept makes me uniquely qualified for negotiating terms that result in consensus.  

In my opinion, Red Lodge has reached the status of financial responsibility where a City Manager is required.  The position's requirement has been recognized by previous mayors but now it has become obvious to most residents.   One of my goals is to provide the leadership necessary to assist the staff in improving their administrative duties in preparation for a vote to change the City Charter to provide for a City Manager.

Another area I want to work on is listed in the 2019 Capital Improvement Plan (2.5 Parks Department, Trail on Brewery Hill).  I have a possible solution for a very dangerous situation. 

Affordable housing has been listed in research for 17 years now.  I support Representative Brad Barker's HB#819 on Attainable Housing and will work with other groups on the issue.

A vibrant business sector equals a vibrant city- I will lend a hand to the groups responsible for business growth.

How do you plan to accomplish those goals? HARD WORK!

Dave Westwood: I believe Red Lodge has some significant challenges ahead in managing our growth while also keeping Red Lodge “Red Lodge”. I believe we are only going to be able to meet those challenges with a leader who already has extensive experience in local government and who is also open to continually learning and questioning their own thinking.  That becomes even more necessary if/when we encounter our next as-of-yet unknown challenge. (Plague? Fire? Flood? Pestilence?)

As a former Red Lodge council person, I have a working understanding of how Red Lodge government functions that can only be gained in the trenches, doing the work. There is always more to learn and I am continually engaged in looking for new and creative solutions to problems. Additionally, I come with no agenda other than to ensure functionality within our local government. I also believe my professional experience as a supervisory manager and a professional problem solver will prove very useful.

I want to improve communications and interaction with our community to ensure there is trust and confidence in our local government. Especially when it comes to spending public money.

I intend to accomplish this through humble, integrity-based leadership and management. I will prioritize two-way communication and create an environment where each component within the city will be able to perform its respective role.

WARD 1 - contested

Doug Miller: As a concerned citizen I attended several council meetings this past year and was disappointed with what I observed. Two of the issues that stood out in my mind as unacceptable were the annual budgeting process as well as the results of the annual audit. The most recent annual audit substantiated my concerns. From my experience and perspective the budgeting process should be used as an essential tool for protecting the City Gov't's financial health and for making plans for the future. This is not the case with our current budging process. As a result of the most recent audit, the audit firm listed seven weaknesses that needed to be addressed. Several of those were significant. It is unclear if these issues have been addressed and resolved in a timely manner. In addition, I believe the City Council would be more successful had they found a way to find common ground to resolve several issues.

I have 30+ years in fiscal management as Controller in the manufacturing industry.

My experience includes evaluation of operational as well as financial performance, which would enable me to make a significant contribution to City Council. I have helped develop strategies that achieve the desired results. I have demonstrated the ability to work consistently and successfully with a management team as well as subordinates.

First and foremost I would bring fiscal responsibility and accountability to the city council. Next, I would listen to the citizens of the city to find out what their concerns are. Then work with the city council members to find answers and solutions for the city’s challenges and requests.

One of my assets or strengths is the ability to collaborate with peers and subordinates alike that have different opinions and bring them to common ground in order to accomplish the agreed upon results. We have talented people running for Mayor and City Council. I would be the catalyst that brings this group together to determine the city’s goals and develop a plan to accomplish these goals so that Red Lodge can continue to be the preeminent place to live.

Lee Stevens: I am running for this office because I think it is crucial that citizens of a community, from all backgrounds, have a voice in the direction of the place where they live heads to.

I have a background that is unlike many, having held a wide swath of differing positions in my past life and living in an array of differing locations. These features lead to less common responses to a given scenario. Having been a reader of history since I have had the ability to read (subsequently giving my focus in formal study to subjects like history, political Science and anthropology) I round out my knowledge between real-world application and academic training.

Question 3. (Response) It is quite simple; I want to keep things peaceful and relatively tranquil I.E., promote the “general welfare”, promote commerce, fill the potholes in the roads and lastly, NOT DO ANYTHING STUPID!

My chief observation has been watching bureaucratic-minded people who feel an urge to do things, regardless of their ultimate harm in the bigger picture, to justify their position! I will be mindful of this and always keep in mind that I represent and give voice to my constituents. I will not be in this position in pursuit of a personal agenda.

I plan to, first and foremost “listen” and beyond this, were I to be granted this seat by majority of voting part of Ward 1, I will be a component of a team, I will be 1 in 6 working for the betterment of this fabulous city we live in, with consensus in mind, brainstorming, debate and sometimes persuasion!

Chelsea Toupin: I love our town. I want to preserve the spirit of community and love for this town that so many of us share as we continue to build and develop. I am tired of feeling like people are not being heard or seen. I am tired of feeling like the city is in a constant battle with the community, the county, and with the business owners. I want to bring a sensible voice and ear to the table.

I have been a very proud member of this community for nearly 10 years. During that time I have had a diverse experience giving a unique outlook and understanding of our community’s human experience. I have held jobs in many different lines of work including waiting tables and cooking food; working in the nonprofit sector focusing on fundraising, grant writing, and marketing; helping small businesses develop tools for success; working at the Mountain in marketing and events; and now I am not only a Realtor but also a small business owner of a property management business for both short-term and long term rentals. The biggest thing I think I bring to the table is knowing that I do not have all the answers or know all of the answers, but I likely know someone who can glean some light on whatever comes our way.

I hope to be a voice for those not sitting at the table and to promote healthy growth as opposed to creating roadblocks to slow down success.

How do I plan to accomplish those goals? Easy. Listen to people. Talk to people. Encourage questions and conversation. Keep the mentality of asking “What is the problem? Does it effect public health, safety, or success of our community? What information do we need to make an educated decisions? How can we provide solutions that benefit everyone?”

WARD 2 - uncontested

Sandy Conlee: I felt I was contributing to the health and wealth of Red Lodge when I was on the Planning Board, but feel that experience would better serve the people directly by helping get Red Lodge back on track to be the best place to live in Montana. The last two years have not been the best for Red Lodge and I hope to be a part in getting it back on track.

My 12 years on the Planning Board has taught me that everything needs to be very carefully considered to avoid unintended consequences. I try to listen to every opinion and do what is best for everyone. I also learned that not everyone will be happy in the end but hopefully most will be!

My biggest wish for my first term is that we can come up with an answer to solve the worker housing shortage. I believe this is the biggest issue that Red Lodge is facing -- and has faced for many years. The private sector and the City should work together to solve the worker housing shortage. There are many options out there starting with the City waiving the hookups fees for projects larger than 4 units. Another great option is taking advantage of Opportunity Zone Funding. The City has land that could be leased or donated for such a use. The City needs to take a leadership role.

WARD 3 - uncontested

Jody Ronning: I have served on council for two years now.  I feel that after two years, I am now experienced enough to be a contributing, effective member of council. I hope to continue in my role for Ward 3 by listening and discussing issues with my constituents, researching solutions and trying to make the best decision for Red Lodge. 

 I am a fourth generation Montanan and have lived in Red Lodge since 1987. I understand the fragile nature of the Red Lodge economy and I know her history.  I worked my way through college in our local service industries and raised my family working in the banking and the insurance industry. I am now a small business owner on Broadway and am currently one of the only business owners on council.  I have been involved with the Red Lodge Area Community Foundation where we specifically worked to help 20 work force families purchase homes in Red Lodge by providing home funds for down payment and closing cost assistance.  I served on the Red Lodge Chamber Board and am part of Red Lodge Proud and Beautiful raising money for downtown flower baskets and fireworks, organizing the Christmas Stroll and organizing the Red Lodge Lodge Car Show.  I have served on the Administration and Finance Standing Committee for the city and have used my finance background to review the budget and brainstorm logical budget solutions moving forward.

I hope to help preserve the character of Red Lodge while allowing for the growth and change that is happening. I want the city to not get in the way of the Red Lodge economy and focus on funding infrastructure and necessary services. 

I will research every issue that comes before council, engage our citizens in constructive conversations and work towards collaborative solutions that will benefit the city of Red Lodge.  I will look at each issue from multiple perspectives, investigate the consequences of our path forward and always ask myself if the action we are taking as council is going to solve the problem.