County Commissioner candidate: Anthony Berget

(Editor’s Note: In an effort to provide readers with an unbiased election package, The Western News sent five questions to Lincoln County Commissioner District 1 candidates Anthony Berget (on ballot) and Jerry Okonski (write-in). Each candidate was given guidelines on length and answers are in their own words.)

1. Why do you think you are the best-qualified candidate?

I feel I’m the most qualified because I have the government and leadership experience. I’m “boots on the ground” – meaning I know who the stakeholders are, what the issues are and how to work with county government. I have been actively engaged in the issues of Lincoln County for 15 years.

First, on the economic issues, I have worked with the businesses of Lincoln County to support their growth and development. For example, I have worked with the Upper Columbia River Basin Economic Development Council to learn how Lincoln County fits into the bigger geographic picture. I have gone on bus rallies to Helena to advocate for local businesses caught in the regulatory maze of state government. I am a staunch believer in economic gardening – helping local businesses to grow.

Second, I have also worked closely with Rep. Rehberg’s and Sen. Baucus’ offices and other elected officials on the asbestos remediation. I have attended and hosted many meetings of citizens groups, EPA officials and state government officials on the cleanup efforts.

Third, I have worked with the outstanding crews of the City of Libby to improve the infrastructure of city services. We are regularly replacing water mains, updating and adding sewer connections and we have worked hard to minimize the nuisance of potholes.

Finally, as mayor, I have worked hard to be available to any citizen who has a problem or concern. I don’t mind calls at home or on my cell. It is important that government officials remember for whom they work.

2. Do you support the proposed wilderness areas in Lincoln County?

I personally feel Lincoln County

has enough wilderness. Having said that, wilderness areas are very complex pieces of legislation and can impact local communities in a variety of ways.

I think it is important to work closely with state and federal agencies to manage the many precious resources around us. There are some who find the word “wilderness” very distasteful for fear that this designation will limit the access and use of these areas far too much.

Others feel a wilderness designation is the only way to protect our valuable assets. Ultimately, the forest belongs to the citizens and we must hammer out agreements that will benefit the greater good.

Can I support a wilderness designation? Only if the people of Lincoln County feel it is what they want; however, there are times when a less restrictive designation, “roadless area,” may serve the same purpose.

3. Do you believe the Plum Creek/Forest Service easement discussions will lead to more subdivisions in Lincoln County?

We have already seen the sell-off of Plum Creek lands resulting in subdivisions. The question is how quickly and how many subdivisions can we legitimately absorb and still maintain the quality of life we all love.

It will be very important to work with the county planning department to do just that – plan for our future. My other fear is that as these parcels are bought by land developers or individuals, we will lose access to the adjacent Forest Service land.

We must pay close attention to this issue of easement and access or we may find ourselves locked out of our favorite places in the forest.

4. How do you plan to secure finances when the Secure Rural Schools/Payment in Lieu of Taxes funding ends in four years?

The Forest Service owns 74 percent of the property in Lincoln County and federal agencies utilize county services, schools, fire, police, ambulance and county roads just to name a few that come immediately to mind.

The federal government realized this some time ago and implemented the Payment in Lieu of Taxes. Unfortunately, as timber receipts have diminished because of lawsuits, moratoriums on logging and changing forest management philosophies, our share of PILT money has diminished.

The Secure Rural Schools funding changed the funding formula to add another avenue for the federal government to pay its fair share. We must continue to work with our congressional delegation to educate Congress on their responsibilities as land owners in Lincoln County. We must also remember that this issue affects dozens of counties across the west and we are not in this fight alone.

Timber communities must join forces to examine this problem and find answers. That being said, reliance on the federal government should not be our only means of solving our economic struggles. We must continue to manage our resources in a fiscally conservative manner and explore more diversified ways to generate revenue.

5. What are the three most important issues facing the county?

First, we need high-paying, quality jobs for the residents of Lincoln County and our children. We need to help small businesses grow by creating a business-friendly community. Government entities can help by improving basic services and access to services and by working with state and federal agencies to improve the economic climate.

Second, we want to ensure a clean environment in which to live and raise our children. When the EPA has left our communities, we want a clean bill of health, so no one need wonder if it is safe to live here or operate a business here.

Last but not least, the ability to access and utilize our natural resources needs to be a priority. We have a heritage that is closely tied to the forests around us. If we are not careful, if we take our forests and our heritage for granted, we may find ourselves on the outside looking in.

Biography

Anthony J. “Tony” Berget

Age: 44

Office Sought: Lincoln County Commissioner, District 1

Political Affiliation: Republican

Birthplace: Turtle Lake, N.D.

Years of residency in Lincoln County: 36

Occupation: Businessman – pump repair, well driller, print shop owner

Education: Montana State University (1984-87), Idaho State University (1987-88)

Political Experience: Libby City Council (1996-98), Libby mayor (1998-present)

Other Experience: Montana League of Cities and Towns, president (2006-07), Libby Rotary Club president (1998-99), Libby Elks Club, exhalted ruler (2001-02), Upper Columbia River Basin Economic Development Council (1998), Libby Chamber of Commerce, board member (1994-96), business owner (1994-present)