Zach McNew, Libby City Council

In anticipation of the November municipal election, The Western News sent questionnaires to all Libby and Troy candidates. Each candidate received the same questions and word limits. Libby City Council candidate responses will appear in alphabetical order in subsequent issues of The Western News. Responses submitted by mayoral candidates will appear in separate issues. Some answers may be edited for brevity and clarity.

What is your occupation?

I am a successful, self-employed, entrepreneur. I own Town & Country Property Management, Windows Doors & More, and other small businesses with my wife. I manage them and she works full time elsewhere. I also own an asbestos testing business independently. I am not an owner of The Montanian.

What is your age?

48

How long have you lived in Libby?

I have lived in Libby since December of 2018 and prior to that I lived in Troy for nine years. I also spent much of my childhood in Troy and the Bull Lake area.

What community organizations are you involved in?

I am a Rotarian and have served as club president along with working on multiple community service projects. In addition, I am a member of the Igniters Car Club and the Cabinet View Golf Course architectural planning committee. I also served on Troy’s parks and recreation board previously.

What aspects of your background and experience would you draw on if elected?

I worked in youth development for over 10 years prior to moving back to Lincoln County. In that role, I became a leader and I was able to mentor many students challenged by difficult backgrounds. These students went on to lead happy lives and achieve what they would have originally considered unattainable career successes.

When I was laid off in 2009 as part of the recession, my wife and I decided to move back to Montana, where I grew up. Here, I have used my leadership skills to build successful businesses from the ground up. Our businesses offer needed services and employ local families. I supervise and lead the business operations, finances and employees in an honest, respectful and community-minded way.

As a Libby city councilor, I will draw from all of my professional experiences to help ensure that I represent the citizens of Libby in a well-informed and professional manner. I am well versed in many codes and laws already, especially pertaining to property, and I will make sure to learn about others as needed to do the job successfully.

One important aspect of professionalism and community representation is practicing due diligence. I will make all efforts to understand a problem or conflict prior to making a decision so that unnecessary mistakes can be avoided and successful outcomes can be achieved. Another important quality that I emulate is responsiveness. I will listen politely and value comments and concerns as an important part of any decision-making process. Lastly, I am not afraid to continue working closely with others even if we don’t see eye to eye on certain things.

What infrastructure projects would you prioritize during your term?

Building civic infrastructure driven by a focus on what residents have to offer, how our community connects to itself and the outside world, and by understanding our definition of who we are as a community. I am well versed at leveraging limited resources to grow successful businesses and I feel that I can inspire other local entrepreneurs to do the same. In addition, by understanding the municipal resources available as well as community resources and citizen groups priorities, it is possible to bring together great people with great ideas focusing on the greater good which will lead to great improvements.

What policies would you pursue to make Libby more attractive to businesses and employers?

● Reduce policies and regulations that that stifle efforts by Libby’s citizens and community groups.

● Create and enhance partnerships and area-wide approaches.

● When making decisions, always prioritize boosting community wealth, building community life, upholding social justice, and harmonizing with the environment.

● Encourage cooperatives (lots of owners so less risk individually).

● Enhance common areas, especially parks and activity areas.

● Housing! There is a shortage.

● Develop self-sustaining policies by ensuring that long-term outcomes are evaluated.