This year’s Kalispell City Council elections include two wards with active races.
Three candidates are running for election in Ward 2 — incumbent Wayne Saverud, Chad Graham and Erik Jerde. Two candidates — Phil Guiffrida III and Cecilia Lee — are running for election in Ward 4 to replace incumbent M. Duane Larson, who has occupied the seat since 1990 and is not running for reelection.
In Ward 1, incumbent Kari Gabriel is running unopposed. In Ward 3, Walter Keathley told the Beacon he is no longer actively seeking the councilor seat because of health issues. He said he was unable to have his name removed from the ballot in time. Keathley is the only opponent for incumbent Randy Kenyon.
On Oct. 18, candidates will appear at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the Red Lion Hotel and discuss their views and opinions in an open forum. Candidates will be asked about a variety of topics, including tax increment district projects and boundaries, the city’s budget, improvements at the fairgrounds and the removal of railroad tracks through town. The forum is open to the public. The chamber is asking those interested to register beforehand by calling 758-2803 or by visiting kalispellchamber.com.
The city is divided into four wards with two councilors elected from each. Councilors serve a four-year term with elections for these terms staggered.
City residents can only vote by mail-in ballots for the first time this year. Ballots are being mailed out Oct. 19 and are due by Nov. 8. Residents who are not registered to vote can do so at the city’s Election Department inside the Earl Bennett Building at 1035 First Ave. W.
The Kalispell city council candidates were asked the following five questions:
1. Why are you running and what makes you a strong candidate?
2. What do you feel are the most pressing issues facing the city and why?
3. How can Kalispell improve its economic situation?
4. What is the most suitable future for the city airport and why?
5. Do you think retail transaction fees should be used to pay for road maintenance and why? If not, how should the city pay for rebuilding roads?
WARD 2
Name: Wayne Saverud (Incumbent)
Age: 66
Occupation: Executive Director of Development Immanuel Lutheran Communities
Years in the valley: 60
1. From the time I was a student in high school and college, I have always had an interest in government. That interest coupled with my experiences in business and various boards has prepared me for the position. A 16-year history on the city council (1976-1988 and 2007-2011) is also an asset. At this point in my life, I have the time, experience and willingness to serve. Kalispell is a great community. I am proud of what the mayor, council, manager and staff have been able to accomplish. It would be a great honor to continue to represent our city from Ward 2.
2. Generally, the most pressing issue is how we continue to offer the level of service our residents expect within tight budget constraints. The mayor, council and city manager all work hard to keep taxes as low as possible. Two years ago, we had slightly over 200 employees. Currently, there are approximately 180. As employees retire or leave, most positions have not been filled. The departments, at the direction of the manager, have found ways to do what needs to be done with less staff. All city staff is to be commended for stepping up to the challenge.
3. Kalispell is not immune from the economic forces around us. The city feels the downturn much like our residents do. We are constantly looking for opportunities to work with other parties — both public and private — to encourage business and industries to locate or expand in our community. We have sought grants when appropriate. We have acted as a conduit for tax advantaged financing for area employers. We have demonstrated a willingness to utilize all economic development tools allowed under state statute.
4. Several months ago, the city contracted for an in-depth analysis of the city airport. That report should be done this fall. It is imperative that we approach this study with an open mind. That being said, there are at least two underlying principles that any plan must include. The airport must be a good neighbor and it must stand on its own “financial” feet.
5. Currently, the cost of maintaining the city’s 144 miles of streets falls disproportionally on the backs of property owners. Road work is expensive. Many of our streets have been over laid more than once. In some areas, the street surface is almost as high as the adjoining curb. Obviously, another over lay is not an option. More extensive maintenance will be required at greater expense. The condition of any city’s streets is one of the first and most lasting impressions a visitor makes about a community. It can also be a major irritation for our own residents. Over the years, Kalispell has made tremendous progress in our street program. It is critical that the manager provide the council with “outside the box” thinking in evaluating all options to properly fund this important city service. The retail transaction fee is not the answer. It is a good example of how we must vet all possibilities.
Name: Chad Graham
Age: 32
Occupation: Small business owner, Graham Design and Construction
Years in the valley: 32
1. The experience afforded me as a current planning board member has given me the deep desire to take the next step in public service by running for city council. My commitment to the citizens of Kalispell will remain the same if fortunate enough to be elected and that commitment is that I will be an active voice for Ward 2 and represent Kalispell to the best of my ability.
2. Kalispell should continue to consider its goals as we move forward in a sleepy economy. If a clear definition isn’t adopted with a plan, job creation will remain at a minimum. Impact fees need to be re-visited. Kalispell has done a good job at taking an “outside the box” approach with these fees to make us more attractive to potential job creators. The new 911 center has been a subject of discussion lately and it’s extremely important that the Kalispell taxpayers’ money be spent wisely. Because of inaccuracies in the recent past with the 911 center, every aspect of this countywide joint venture needs to be scrutinized to the fullest before taxpayer funds get spent.
3. As the economic hub of the valley, Kalispell should always strive to be as business friendly as possible. A re-examination of impact fees would be prudent. Taking the fees on a case-by-case basis and determining if impact is actually happening would be a good approach. If storm water is being detained by businesses and there is no impact, why the fee? We must continue to pursue job-creating incentives in order to attract new job creators as well as help.
4. Should the airport remain where it is, safety concerns should always be a top priority. The idea of privatizing the airport, in the same way the golf course is privatized, certainly bears consideration. Private enterprise practices have proven themselves to be the most cost-effective and efficient way of doing business.
5. No. Currently, there are too many questions with the proposal. In the past, Kalispell had monies collected that were used to help pay for street infrastructure. These funds came from video gaming permits. Some time ago, these funds were redirected and dumped into the general fund where they are now unaccounted for. Before we have a discussion of a transaction fee, we need to explore redirecting them to their intended purpose, possibly avoiding a fee altogether.
Name: Erik Jerde
Age: 37
Occupation: Pharmacy Technician
Years in the valley: 10 in Kalispell
1. I am running for the office of city councilor because there has never been a greater need than now for public servants in city government (and all levels of government for that matter) who have a comprehensive understanding of the proper role of that government, the inalienable rights of man and the ability to defend those liberties with integrity, character and dignity.
2. (Combined with No. 3) Currently, the most pressing issue facing the city is the economy. It is the question facing the entire nation. Kalispell is hovering around 10 percent unemployment. Why? Certainly, much of this problem has originated with the federal government. However, the state, county and city governments are to blame as well. The tax code is too burdensome and there are too many regulations in order for a capitalistic system to thrive. If business is to flourish and economic growth is to occur, then the obstacles that are currently standing in their way must be removed.
4. The city airport should be fully privately owned. The owners could then choose to keep the airport running, sell the land or do anything else available to any person or persons who own land.
5. I am against any and all retail transaction “fees.” Calling it a “fee” is a perversion of what the word really signifies: a tax. Any monies levied by government mandate IS a tax. Calling it a “fee” is a political trick used by politicians and collectivists in order to try and assuage businesses’ aversion and (justified) fear of seeing their government involve themselves in legalized plunder of their money and wealth. We can free up enough money in order to pay for road maintenance by re-evaluating the usefulness and legitimacy of all the current offices in city government and make cuts where necessary. As stated previously, this is not an issue of enough money, but a matter of too much government. Also, I propose a 1 percent pay cut for ALL city employees. If we are to live free and be prosperous in Kalispell, if we are to be the envy of all other cities in Montana, then we must form our city government to obey those laws which nature has established are appropriate for its function as the entity of force. Man needs freedom in order to thrive and be a happy, successful person. He needs to be able to conduct his business free from the fetters of government red tape and suffocation. He needs to be free to deal with other men as a trader, not as the government demands he must. He needs to be able to be free to do those things that will make his life joyful, seeking his own values while also respecting the rights of others, not what popular opinion or governmental mandate says he must according to their wishes and whims. The Tea Party movement has reawakened in the minds of most Americans that without liberty we are bound; without liberty we are serfs; without liberty we are not Americans.
WARD 4
Name: Phil Guiffrida III
Age: 33
Occupation: FedEx Ground Driver
Years in the valley: 24
1. To put the needs of the taxpayer first, focus on business incentives, and work toward a pay-as-you-go form of government. I believe in Kalispell and want our city to be successful for generations to come. The importance of solving problems at the local level is paramount. Being a small business owner has provided me with first-hand experience on what it takes to make a business successful, create jobs, and eliminate red ink.
2. My biggest concern revolves around our local economy. The unemployment rate and housing crash have devastated our families. All other issues affecting the city are spurred by our current economic state.
3. We need to take a “bottom-up approach” to solve it. Solving problems at the local level is key to our economic success. We need to create business incentives to stimulate economic development. Once we start to spur business growth we will see other portions of our economy fall in line.
4. First and foremost, we need to decide if we are going to develop the city airport or shift operations to Glacier International. Currently there are three options on the table: Do nothing, expand it, or close down the facility. Expanding the airport requires the city to relinquish control to the FAA. There are very few things that government does well and the idea of the FAA controlling day-to-day operations, in addition to changing the types of aircraft that can utilize the airport, is alarming. Keeping the airport under city control at the current location has proven to be a burden on the taxpayer. If this option is chosen, we need to look at privatization. If privatization occurs, the city can set leasing conditions to create a community-friendly airport. The final option to move operations to Glacier International would be acceptable if we make sure we protect and move the businesses and property owners that utilize the airport now. Once moved, planning and economic development plans must be created for the property.
5. I am against the transaction fee in its current form. Our city already receives funds from multiple funding sources for road maintenance. We need to continue to investigate our current spending habits to determine why we are not achieving our infrastructure goals. All of my research indicates that creating this transaction fee in its current form puts an unnecessary burden on the taxpayers and business owners. We need to actively pursue more cost-effective ways to maintain roads. One option is to contract with local private companies. We also need to find ways to incorporate pay-as-you-go plans when possible for capital equipment purchasing so we are not burdened with paying interest on equipment.
Name: Cecilia Lee
Age: 49
Occupation: Fire Department Secretary
Years in the valley: 21
1. I, like many of the citizens of Kalispell, have become increasingly disappointed with the divisive nature of politics. I am first and foremost a taxpayer (not a politician), and I believe working for my fellow citizens as I presently do gives me the ability to be proactive instead of reactive on many issues facing the city.
2. The biggest issues in talking to people in my ward and for myself are infrastructure (street degradation, sewer/water pipes needing replacement), job creation and an increase in crime.
3. At present there are only a few new businesses that have applied for building permits. I believe promoting tourism and the money it brings in would be a good thing for Kalispell.
4. It should be sold as well as the Buffalo Hill Golf Course. I don’t think we should be in either of those businesses considering, the liability both present.
5. I am against the retail transaction fee. There are already other avenues in place if we choose to use them that would be better, for example adding a few cents onto the gasoline tax.