Dist. 2 Commission candidate questions

Because of space limitations, candidates were asked to limit their responses to a total of 500 words.

1. What experience do you have in budgeting and economic development, if any?

2. Why should voters choose you over your competitor?

3. As revenues have slowed down in Broadwater County, the demand for services has not. Will you support increasing taxes to meet increasing demands for services? If not, how will you address this situation?

4. What do you consider the biggest issue facing the county? And what are your ideas for addressing it?

5. Do you support the proposed road levy? Why or why not?

6. Will you support a sheriff's department levy next year? Why or why not?

Mike Delger

Age: 53

Address: 415 N. Oak, Townsend, MT 59644

E-mail address: mikedelger@aol.com

Phone number: 202-4286 (cell) 266-5501 (home)

Education: Broadwater High School, 1973; Helena Vo-Tech, building program; four years in U.S. Navy

Current job/career: Delger Construction, general contractor

1. Twelve years Townsend City Council budget process. Projects included Front Street Project, Main Street sidewalk improvements in cooperation with the county in CTEP-funded project; local street SID for street improvements; beginning of annexation south of town to improve safety to business access during Townsend South Highway Project; relocation of city hall to present location; improvements to Heritage Park.

2. Past experience on city council that included many improvements to the city, while keeping costs to a minimum and maintaining a balanced budget. I have no ties to any parties or special interest groups that would limit or influence my views. I can see both sides in arguments and negotiations. As a small business owner and family man, I have a good understanding of living within my means.

3. Increasing taxes is never a good option. However, in view of rising fuel prices, as well as all other goods, it must be considered. As for a demand for more services in some areas, these costs should be absorbed by developers through impact fees. Another way is to create improvement districts and let area residents decide. Some departments could use streamlining and changes in management.

4. Growth. Both residential and economic. Residential is in a constant boom and bust cycle. In good times it costs money, and in bad times it costs more -- when you set your budget by the good times. We shouldn't be putting all of our eggs in this fragile basket. Economic growth, although small, is occurring. The local sawmill keeps plugging along, but for how much longer? The Feds seemingly are not going to renew payments for logging that is not going on. That will continue to hurt the budget. One project could be the pursuit of geothermal power generation. The initial investment is large, but it would pay off over time in cheaper power and more jobs. You don't need the wind to blow or the sun to shine, it is a constant power source. It's a pipe dream perhaps, but no worse than Rolling Glen subdivision.

5. Yes, to a point. Due to rising fuel costs, the cut in federal logging payments and increased demand, some increase is necessary. If machinery is in need of replacement, it should be replaced. If another employee is needed, it could be a seasonal employee. The county road foreman's responsibilities could possibly include a part-time operator's position. The problem with that is it is not really effective in either requirement. If the levy doesn't pass, then services, equipment and manpower must be looked at to best implement cuts to allow the department to work at its best capabilities and needs.

6. If this levy were necessary, why isn't it on the November ballot? This should have been a priority to the sheriff's department and local officials. That being said, I believe we need to pay a competitive wage and equip our department properly to retain our trainees. Understanding that this doesn't contribute to our detention center, what's the future of that facility, particularly after Gallatin County completes its new jail? If our jail occupancy drops, how will we fund the shortfall?

Elaine Graveley

Age: 63

Address: 2 Riley Road, Townsend, MT 59644

E-mail address:

graveleyranch@mt.net

Phone number: (406) 266-5604

Education: Graduated from Broadwater High School, 1962; attended Carroll College; many professional and self-improvement classes

Current job/career: Retired, deputy secretary of state overseeing elections in the state of Montana in July 2007.

Previous jobs: Editor of the Montana Rodeo Association newspaper -- 4 years; secretary/treasurer of the Montana Rodeo Association -- 18 years; worked for the Montana State Senate -- 11 years; Broadwater County clerk and recorder/treasurer/superintendent of schools -- 11 years; clerk to the Broadwater County commissioners -- 11 years; election administrator, Broadwater County -- 11 years; Broadwater County fair manager -- 6 years; election deputy for the secretary of state -- 6 1/2 years; partner in Graveley Ranch and Trucking and Bovine Express -- 43 years

1. Having served as fair manager and also as Broadwater County clerk and recorder/treasurer, I have extensive experience in budgeting at the county level and managing county budgets. Upon the commissioners directive, I prepared several possible budgets from the various departments for the commissioners review each year. As a partner in two businesses, we have learned to budget.

While serving as clerk to the county commissioners we met with several individuals wanting to establish a new business here and helped them to secure their loans and other financing.

2. I feel that I have vast experience in county government while serving as county clerk and recorder/treasurer. I have considerable experience regarding issues on the state level as a former employee of the Montana Senate and also serving as election deputy for the secretary of state. This experience has helped to prepare me to become a county commissioner.

3. As we are all aware, revenues have slowed down in Broadwater County and up through the national level. Money is tight everywhere. Broadwater County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state therefore putting more demands for services from road, sheriff, emergency services, fire departments and school. However, at the same time people cannot afford to keep paying more taxes. I feel that each situation will have to be judged on its own merits and evaluated.

4. I feel that the biggest issue facing Broadwater County is the budget. Money is short and demand is high. I feel that as commissioners, we will have to all work together to uncover every possibility to secure money, including searching for grants and possibly going to the legislature and working with them to acquire more money for our county. I would also like to see the commissioners work to bring new businesses to Broadwater County, which would increase our tax base.

5. I am very well aware of the proposed permanent 11-mill increase, which the road department is going to ask the taxpayers for this coming winter. I believe that there is a definite need for additional money for fuel and also for gravel for our roads and equipment replacement. The Save our Rural Schools money has not been received yet from the federal government and potentially may not be received. That caused a $50,000 cut from the road budget. I am very concerned about the citizens of Broadwater County being taxed more. I do not believe that the voters have additional money. I am doing more research before I make my final decision on this matter.

6) The sheriff's department is also asking for additional money to run their department. They are also needing additional money for fuel. With the increased population, there are more demands for the services of the department. It has been an on-going problem of training our deputies and having them go to other counties which can pay more. I feel that it is very important to treat all of the county employees the same, and I realize that there just is not enough money to give everyone the increase that is being asked for by the department, even though they definitely deserve it. I believe that there are grants available for law enforcement.