County Commissioner
In anticipation of the election on November 6th, The Examiner sent out interview questions to the local candidates. Though all of the local elections are un-opposed for the general election, we felt that an introduction would be newsworthy and informative for the readers. The local candidates on the ballot include: Lee Randall, County Commissioner, Allen Drane, Jr., Sheriff/Coroner, Pat Phillippi, Treasurer, Cynde Jo Gatlin, Clerk & Recorder, Cathy Landa, Justice of the Peace, Jeff Noble, County Attorney, Molly Lloyd, Superintendent of Schools, and Phoebe Amsden, Public Administrator. We printed the first three candidates last week. The responses have been printed with minimal editing. Pat and Lee's responses are reprints from their interviews before the primaries, with pertinent information added to reflect updates which have come about since June 5.
Born and Raised in Power River County, I studied Ag Business at MSU Bozeman, I then married Missy who was from the Bozeman area and we moved back to the family ranch. I served in the Montana State House of Representatives from 2009-2016. During that time, I chaired the House Agriculture Committee, was vice chair of the House Transportation Committee and served on the House Tax Committee, and in my final term as representative I was elected into house leadership as Speaker Pro Tem. I am now actively managing the family ranch and Missy and I have 4 children Addi, Kinzie, Lexington (Dolly), and Doonan.
What assets will you bring to this position?
My political assets will come from 4 terms as a state legislator. I still have many colleagues that are serving in Helena and this gives me a unique position to travel to Helena on behalf of Powder River Country. Serving in a leadership role within the legislature allowed me to gain experience managing and serving other leaders, a job I believe is similar to the role of a county commissioner. My other assets come from being a business man, knowing how to budget is an important aspect of a county commissioner and with my business experience I believe I am up to that task. Also, being an employer, I understand the unique relationships that are required between employers and employees. I look forward to working with and being a part of the county employees.
What are three primary goals or concerns you would like to address with this position?
Roads- The roads of Powder River County are its arteries; if the arteries fail so does the heart. It is imperative that we maintain our roads and use a priority-based system that identifies the poor areas and acts accordingly. Un-regulated commerce and travel should be an expectation.
Communication- I want to advance transparency and clear communication lines in and out of the County Commissioners office. This could include message boards, audio published meetings, etc.
Taxes & Regulations- My vision for the future of Powder River County is to create a business environment that will help local business flourish and encourage new high paying jobs in manufacturing, medical, and even high tech to establish their roots in PRC.
I'd also like to address the weed and predator issues, by working with the weed and predator boards to eliminate as many noxious weeds and coyotes as possible for the least amount of dollars.
What are your thoughts on voting to change the Commissioner wages from full-time to part-time or per diem?
I absolutely support the wage change to a part time salary. Being a former representative, I understand that even after hours you spend numerous hours taking calls and working with the public but the current commissioner salary vs. the required work leaves a sour taste in many people's mouths, including mine.
I've made a handshake agreement with the community to try and change this position to part time, and during my time in office I'll work towards that goal.
I'm looking forward to my term – I'm going to do what's right for the community and for the voters. If anyone has any questions, feel free to contact me.
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