Meet Libby School Trustee candidate Cody Katzer

Occupation: Line Foreman Flathead Electric Libby/Harlow's School Bus Driver 

Family: My wife is Brittany and we have three boys - Cody Jr., Waylon and Cash. 

Background: I grew up in a small logging town and entered the power-line trade when I was 19 years old. I have been in the trade since 1998 and this is ultimately what brought my family to Libby, Montana in 2013. I have been a leader of line crews for a majority of my career. 

Other boards or committees I have served on: Most recently, I have served on the Flathead Electric Safety Committee as well as on Flathead Electric Leadership Committee. In the past, I have served on several safety boards, at different locals I have been employed at.

First, I have skin in the game. I have a wife and three boys that attend or work at Libby Public Schools and I want what is best for them. Second, my wife and I are very involved in the community. With her working at the school and me working at Harlow's, I gain insight and knowledge that others don't have access to. 

Last, I want to bring the conversation to administrators and staff by regularly visiting the schools with the hopes of improving communication.

The top issue facing the district is lack of oversight and leadership. Since I have lived in Libby, there has been a constant change in administrators and staff as well. We are losing good employees and cannot fill open positions with effective and qualified staff. I have been attending school board meetings regularly for the past school year and believe there are important questions not being asked and things that need to be said are not being said. 

There seems to be a different set of rules for different people and if leadership followed the same "play book," I believe it would create a consistent and fair work environment, helping to retain employees. Retaining good and effective employees would benefit all of our children.