Candidates for commissioner debate in Libby

The five candidates seeking election to the office of Lincoln County commissioner for the Troy district gathered Wednesday evening in Libby to discuss their qualifications, experience and various visions for the future of Lincoln County. The candidate forum, co-sponsored by The Western News and The Venture Inn, was designed to provide Lincoln County voters with the opportunity to hear from the candidates prior to the June 7 primary election.

The discussion began with a brief professional biography of each of the candidates.

Gerald “Jerry” Bennett opened the discussion, highlighting his lifelong presence in Lincoln County. Bennett said he has owned and operated several successful businesses in Lincoln County and served on several community and non-profit boards and committees, all of which elected him to lead their organizations. He said his experience in the legislature, combined with the relationships he has built there during his eight-year tenure, make him the most qualified for the position.

Rhoda Cargill, the only candidate on the ballot who has never held elected office, touted her experience as both a naval enlisted person and her work during the past 14 years as a citizen advocate. She told the assembled crowd about her tenacity in learning the law, the rules and the processes of government and that she would bring that same tenacity to the county commission in order to help fix what she labeled as “fundamental problems” with the current and past management of Lincoln County.

Tony Brown, formerly mayor of Troy, said his experience in business and government management qualify him for the job. Brown touted his work as mayor, with the building of Roosevelt Park, acquiring the 26 acres that now house the Troy Museum and the initiation of Troy’s annual Fourth of July celebration, as highlights of his work in government service. He cited statistics from the Montana Department of Commerce indicating nearly 30 percent of a $4 billion annual tourist industry drives through Lincoln County and his desire to get those visitors to stop and spend money in the communities.

Larry Dolezal is seeking to return to the post he held for two terms. He said his education in civil engineering and his 12 years of experience serving in the position make him uniquely suited to pick up the reins and serve on the county commission.

Jim Hammons, who currently serves as the city administrator for the City of Libby, was also mayor of Troy until 2010. He highlighted his experience working with Montana’s Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and with the city as qualifications for the job. He pointed to his hands-on approach to management and his desire to be outside working with the crews in the community as one of his strengths.

All of the candidates agreed the most important issue facing Lincoln County relates to the budget and the economy. 

Dolezal spoke to issues of social economics, explaining the problems caused by the relocation of families and parents looking for work. He spoke about the various active economic development efforts that have cropped up in Lincoln County during recent years, but which have also produced minimal positive impacts.

Hammons said the problem begins with the lack of living-wage jobs in Lincoln County, but added the long-term effects of job degradation. As companies move and businesses like timber and mining leave the area, he said, the tax base drops, which creates problems for municipalities as they struggle to maintain and improve infrastructure. 

Bennett said the economic problems in the county can be traced back to state and federal issues of debt and grants. He also referenced what he called the intrusion of state and federal governments in the form of unfunded mandates, or orders that the county provide certain services without providing the money necessary to fund those services.

Cargill said the budget and economic problems of the county could be traced to a lack of leadership from current and past commissioners. The problems faced today, she said, are the same problems that existed 14 years ago when she moved back to Lincoln County.

Brown also cited a lack of leadership as a contributing factor to the economic issues of Lincoln County. Specifically, he referenced the over-collection of property taxes of previous years, overpaid amounts the commissioners decided to not repay during last year’s budget cycle. He also said a focus on tourism could dramatically improve the economic situation of Lincoln County.

During the June 7 primary, Lincoln County voters will select the two candidates who will face off in the Nov. 3 general election.