Race is on to replace Larson

Lincoln County voters will be selecting a new commissioner for the Troy District this year. Five candidates have filed to replace Commissioner Greg Larson, who announced earlier this year he would not be seeking election to the office. 

Four of the five candidates returned the questionnaire sent by The Western News last week, all of whom have experience in local government.

Jim Hammons is currently the city administrator for Libby. He also served as a city councilman and mayor of the City of Troy. Jerry Bennett is currently a member of the Montana House of Representatives, for House District 1, which encompasses both Libby and Troy. Bennett has reached the statutory term limit for the House, so he will be stepping out of his office at the end of this year. Lawrence “Larry” Dolezal previously served on the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners for two terms, representing the Troy district. Anthony (Tony) Brown, a lifelong resident of Lincoln County, previously served two terms as mayor of Troy.

Brown said his primary reason for seeking election is to help Lincoln County move forward into a positive future.

“Lincoln County needs to move forward with a vision for the future,” he said. “I can provide leadership which has a positive image of Lincoln County. We are the gateway to Montana, and often I am confronted with a negative image of our county and cities. I will work diligently to make each and every citizen of Lincoln County proud of their community.”

Dolezal said his previous tenure was one of the greatest privileges of his life, and he is anxious to put his experience back to work for the people of Lincoln County.

“One of the greatest privileges of my life was serving Lincoln County residents as county commissioner, District 2, Troy,” he said. “It would once again be an honor to serve Lincoln County residents from my unique work history and qualifications for this position. I offer my prior 12 years of experience and knowledge gained from serving as a former county commissioner to aid in the upcoming transition created by the interim 2014 appointment and 2016 election.”

Bennett said he’s had a great life in Lincoln County and wants to help pass that on to others.

“I have entered the race in order to serve the citizens of Lincoln County,” he said. “Life in the county has been a blessing to me, and I hope to be able to pass those blessings on to current and future generations.”

Hammons is focused on helping the area recover from the difficult economic times of recent years.

“Economic development is a passion of mine,” he said. “I would love to work with the present commissioners on not only bringing in new jobs to the area but also working to keep the few jobs we now have.”

Bennett said his history as a business owner, as well as serving on a number of boards and committees qualifies him for the position.

“As a business owner and manager of several businesses I understand what it requires to be successful in Lincoln County,” he said. “Having been a member and chairing approximately 12 boards and committees, I have been heavily involved in community life. Finally, I have had the privilege of serving Troy and Libby as their state representative of House District 1 for the last eight years, in the process developing a good understanding of how government works as well as developing relationships within the state.”

Dolezal cited his experience in various business and government capacities as his qualifications for the office.

“My work history includes 15 years managing civil engineering/land surveying firms within Lincoln County,” he said. “Also, I have 12 years’ experience as a county commissioner, serving from Troy District No. 2, and 10 years working in non-profit management and administrative positions.”

He also cited several years experience in various logging, milling, construction and fire-fighting positions.

Brown said his experience as a lifelong resident and former mayor qualify him for the job.

“I love the lifestyle in Lincoln County,” he said. “I am a lifelong resident of Lincoln County. I have been around the planet, I have hobnobbed. I have been asked, ‘What are you doing here?’ and my response has always been, ‘Where do you want me to go?’ I am a property owner, tax payer, was twice elected mayor of Troy. I am a business owner, employer and knowledgeable of the economic needs of Lincoln County. I initiated the building of Roosevelt Park in my first term as mayor and succeeded in acquiring the property for Troy where the museum is now located in my second term. I will work hard to see the Snowstorm Trail completed, creating a tourist destination for the county.”

Hammons said his qualifications stem from his experience.

“I have many years of local government experience as a city councilman, mayor and city manager,” he said.

Dolezal said the most important issues facing the commissioners revolve around social economics.

“Due to the closure and dismantling of our large wood products processing facilities and closure and pending reclamation of our metal mines, we are in dire need of quality, career-making, family-wage employment opportunities,” he said. “We must also address the significantly reduced revenues coming from our public lands to provide ongoing support of education and infrastructure within Lincoln County.”

Brown said pride in the community is the biggest factor in turning things around for Lincoln County.

“The most important thing is being proud of this community; to believe in ourselves,” he said. “I have pride in this product. I am a used town salesman. The tourist industry in Montana is a four billion dollar a year industry. What Lincoln County needs to know is 27 percent of that four billion dollars is driving through town... I will do everything in my power to assure that our children do not go hungry, that they are warm, that they are safe and they are loved.”

Hammons said the most important issue facing the commissioners is how to balance the county’s budget while providing appropriate services to county residents.

“It’s no secret that the budget is always an issue,” he said. “Whether it’s the city or county, budgets are the top priority. Providing services to the people of Lincoln County is the most important thing.”

Bennett said the top priority should be working to find collaborative solutions to help preserve the quality of life in Lincoln County.

“There are many issues facing the county,” he said. “Financial, regulatory and judicial are just a few, but I see these as opportunities to collectively find solutions and in the process unite this county. My desire is to preserve and protect the quality of life we all so richly enjoy.”