Phillips County Election Guide for 2014

Two weeks ago the Phillips County News sent surveys to each candidate running in this year’s general election, whether they were running unopposed or not. We posed the same five questions of each of the candidates and are now running their responses here, unedited (aside from minor typos.)

The races which the PCN are featuring here are:

State Representative District 32

Clarena Brockie (D)

Gilbert “Bruce” Meyers

State Representative District 33

Michael Morse Finley (D)

Mike L. Lang (R)

County Commissioner

Richard Dunbar (R)

County Clerk and Recorder/Surveyor/Auditor

Marian Ereaux (R)

Sheriff/Coroner

Scott Moran (R)

County Attorney

Edward A Amestoy (R)

County Superintendent

Vivian Taylor (R)

County Treasurer/Assessor

Jean Mavencamp (R)

Justice of the Peace

Gary Taylor (Nonpartisan)

Gayle Stahl (Nonpartisan)

There Questions and answers are as follows

State Representative District 32

Clarena Brockie (D)

Tell us about yourself.

I currently serve as representative for House District 32, which covers both the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, Rocky Boy Indian Reservation, part of Hill County and Blaine County and the town of Harlem. I am enrolled member of the Aaniiih Tribe and I am a long time resident of Hays, Montana. I have four children and six grandchildren. My parents, Henry (age 85) and Ruby Brockie (age 82), have a lovely home and ranch on the southern end of the reservation near Hays; their message to their children was to get an education and be independent. I have a two year Business Certificate from Haskell Indian Nations University, my associate of science degree in Health Administration, a Bachelor’s degree from MSU-Northern and I have a Master’s degree from the University of Arizona. It took me ten years to complete my bachelor’s degree, stopping out to have two children. I currently serve on the Haskell Board of Regents and have been the president of this board in the past.

What is your motivation in running for the office?

I feel that I have a lot to contribute to this position. Although reluctant the first time I ran, as I was encouraged by community leaders to run, once I knew I was going to be in Helena. I set about planning for bills that would benefit our communities, including doing the research, meeting with people, getting people to testify and getting support from the leadership. Most of these bills came to fruition.

What issues concern you in the position you are running for?

I would like to see the tribes and local counties work more collaboratively; I support funding for small businesses and economic development; I support affordable health care for Montanans; I support a good quality education for our children and affordable college education; I would like to see training on Indian Child Welfare for state workers; and I am an advocate for prisoners, sometimes these people have no advocate and are long forgotten.

What skills/attributes make you a good candidate for the position?

I have a rounded out resume: I worked in real property management for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, I am a land owner and rancher; I am an educator, besides being the Dean of Students at Aaniiih Nakoda College, I worked for Fort Belknap Tribes as the Director of Vocational Education for over 15 years. In addition I was the Impact Aid Advisory Board Chair for over six years. I worked for Fort Belknap Indian Health Service as the Contract Medical Care Clerk, I was the Administrative Assistant and worked in Rocky Boy as the Administrative Officer and worked as the acting Service Unit Director when I was only 28 years old. I was the youngest boss in the Rocky Mountain Region at that time. I was hired in 1995 to get KGVA 88.1 Public Radio station on air. I have been an emcee for Aaniiih Nakoda College graduation for the last 15 years; I have been a keynote speaker for several conferences. I was the Montana Indian Educator of the Year in 1988. I was selected by Govern Racicot, Govern Schweitzer and Governor Bullock to serve on various boards and committees. As part of the celebration of 25 years, this last year I was featured in the Tribal College Journal as one of the “25 Outstanding Tribal College Alumni.” I was also featured in the American Indian Graduate Magazine. I have volunteered for Get Out the Vote for the last 18 years.

Being a legislator means giving part of your life to serve a bigger need. I have already accomplished a lot in my life, so this position to me is not to advance myself, but advance the people I serve. I already received numerous awards by working hard, by setting goals for myself, by have a good work ethic and being honest to myself as well as my family. I still listen to my parent’s advice, it has served me well.

Gilbert “Bruce” Meyers

Tell us about yourself.

Gilbert “Bruce” Meyers, born in Fort Belknap, MT 1948. Current Position: Management and Organizational Development Consultant since 2005. Experience: 30 years in College and University systems in the western states. Former Coordinator of Indian Affairs under Governor Judy Martz. Public Administration work and liaison between 150 tribes and local, county and state governments.

What is your motivation in running for office?

I am running for public office to ensure that all Montana citizens are empowered to speak out on issues affecting their civil liberties, livelihood and pursuit of happiness.

What issues concern you in the position you are running for?

Less Government: I want a government that is of, by and for the people. EPA regulations: Environmental protection should not be at the expense of our most valuable resource, the people and allow for the safe development of our natural resources.

The conservative voice needs to be heard on the gay marriage, prolife and gun rights issues.

“No free roaming buffalo” is not a tribal versus county issue; it is a resource issue when it comes to land purchase and building of secure fence issues.

What skills/attributes make you a good candidate for the position?

I am a certified mediator who will work for constructive agreements between tribal, local, county and state governments for win-win scenarios. I have worked with representatives from over 150 tribal governments. I am a facilitator and certified to teach in the areas of Sociology and Political Science.

Why should the people of Phillips County cast their vote for you?

The citizens of Phillips County should vote for me because I would work on the common goals of the common people which include the right to be self-sufficient and live in freedom with less government control over their lives. I am also for local/parent control of education, jobs creation, gun rights, and privacy rights, pro-life and for a balanced budget.

Michael Morse Finley (D)

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Michael Morse Finley. I am the Democratic candidate for Montana House District 33 this year.

I live by myself in my own house on the North Side of Havre, and I am 65 years old. I am retired now after working 33 years as a clerk/telegrapher on the BNSF RR. I’ve been on the Hi-Line since 1989. Mostly in Havre, but in Sweet Grass, Shelby, Glasgow and Malta too.

I was born and raised in Butte, but my father, William Finley, was raised in Chinook. His father worked for the oil industry in the 1920s there. So I may still have relatives in Chinook that I have never met.

A funny thing – one time I met an old timer in a bar in Chinook, and he told me he remembered my father’s family. Yeah, he told me they were horse thieves. Heh, heh. Well, who knows. Maybe he wasn’t just kidding me. It could be that is the reason that we kids never heard much about my dad’s time in Chinook.

I never married. So no wife, and no kids. No military service either. I was a (4-f). I had 2 years of college (no degree) at Montana Tech in Butte. I quit for financial reasons and went to work in the mines full time, thinking I’d go back, but I never did. The pay was good, $18/day, if I remember right. You could buy a good $100 car with that kind of money in 1969. It ended up being a 1955 Chevy.

When the mine started laying off I went to work at the Smelter in Anaconda. From there to the Concentrator in Butte, and from there again to driving the 100 ton haul trucks in the Berkeley Pit. I caught on as a telegrapher with the BN Rail Road in 1976 after the Anaconda Co.had ceased operations. I was extra, so I worked all over the state as a telegrapher, and a station agent, filling in for vacations and illnesses.

So the railroad got me to the Hi-Line, and I’m not planning to leave. I like it too much around here. You can’t go back to the mountains once you’ve lived out on these plains for very long. You just can’t do it. It just doesn’t seem right somehow anymore, I guess. Something to do with the weather, maybe? Or the open space. I don’t know, really.

What is your motivation in running for office?

Well, at the core, I guess it is to give people a choice. I didn’t sign up to run until just a day or two before the deadline. I guess the person who won the Democratic primary was unable to go on, so somebody from the Democratic Party in Billings, or Bozeman, I can’t remember which, called me, and asked me if I would fill in. I still don’t know why they called my phone number, because I have never shown any interest in running for office. Any office, ever. Not even high school council, or anything.

My only guess is that in the last time I voted, I filled my name in for an office that nobody was running for. I don’t even remember what it was. I sure didn’t think anything would ever come of it. Maybe that’s why they called me? I still don’t know. But anyway, at least now people will have a Democratic candidate to vote for if they want to.

I have never received any contact from the Democratic Party other than that first phone call. I don’t have any campaign signs, or website, or bumper stickers. I didn’t even get invited to the debate they had in Havre. I didn’t find out about it until I read about the debate in the paper the next day. So far all I have into the race is my $15 entrance fee.

So anyway, I said yes. I decided to lean in, and take one for the team this time. They told me I don’t have much chance of winning. But I’d serve now, if I did. I don’t know what this part-time job pays, but I don’t think there could be too much heavy lifting involved. Could there?

Admittedly, I don’t have any experience at legislating, but I never had any experience on the first day of any other job I ever had either. Still, I learned how to do them all. I could figure this one out too.

What issues concern you in the position you are running for?

Taxes. When I saw in the paper that agricultural land was going to be taxed at 15% more, I thought about the friends I have who own farms, and ranches, and I thought how that must worry them all. I know it would worry me. There has got to be something done about that kind of an increase. If I ever got in a position where I could do something about it, I would.

There is that, and then there is the disparity I see in the proportional rates on house taxes too. I think that I pay more taxes proportionally than many people with more expensive houses do. Now I don’t begrudge anybody getting the lowest taxes they can get, but I would like to see some kind of a token tip o’ the hat in tax reduction to the people who don’t own newer houses. We do pay more in taxes, proportionally, than people whose houses are increasing in value at a greater rate than ours do.

Those are two of my immediate concerns, off hand. But I am concerned about the future of family owned farms and ranches in general too. Our current political policies, I believe, favor giant corporate owned operations over the smaller family owned ones. It could be turned around, and I know how to do it. And if I ever got the chance, I would.

I have known many people on the Hi-Line who have lost their family farms because of being forced into a financial corner that they couldn’t get out of. It wasn’t me. My family never even got that much of a chance at an independent living. I always worked for wages, myself. But it is still heartbreaking when you hear about it from someone you know and like. I’d do something to change the direction we are heading in if I could.

What skills/attributes make you a good candidate for the position?

I can read and write. I can talk and listen, (if you speak loudly and clearly). I can type a little, and I can navigate the internet. What more do you need?

Why should the people of Phillips County cast their vote for you?

Oh, I don’t know. I think Mike Lang is a good guy. A good representative too. And has been doing his County proud, and probably still would. You have to figure he has been doing this for a while, so he is bound to be better at it than I would be. At first, anyway. I might vote for him myself even. Naw, probably not. I want to get 1 vote, at least.

But I don’t know if anyone remembers when I was the Amtrak Station Agent in Malta? In the early 90s? I loved it in Malta, and had planned on retiring there. But then there was a town meeting when the town was asked if they thought it would be OK if the BNRR took over all the responsibility for the Malta station away from Amtrak. The two companies shared responsibility for it then.

At that time, there was a law that Amtrak could not abandon a station without the consent of the people of the town where it was located. But the BNRR was assuring everyone that the Malta Amtrak station would be kept open if the people allowed BN to take it over completely.

I was told by my superiors that I was not allowed to comment on the subject in public to anyone, or lose my job. If I went to the meeting I would be fired. And they were watching me. I believe my Amtrak superior from Seattle was in town for the meeting.

At the risk of a career that I had already invested 15 years of my life into at that time, I told everyone I met that I believed that they would lose the Amtrak station in Malta if BN were allowed to take it over. I didn’t go to the meeting, but I had the word out.

I risked my job for the people of Phillips County that time. I lost, but I did it anyway. The BNRR was given permission to take over from Amtrak, and I was transferred back to Havre when they shut it down. What was it? A year later? Not much anyway.

So, there would still baggage handling in Malta if I was allowed to go to that meeting. I believe. And I would have retired in Malta. I tried the best I could for Phillips County once.

I know losing isn’t the Malta tradition, so maybe I don’t qualify to represent her in Helena. But you’ve at least got one more choice now, with me, than you would have had if I had not volunteered to run. Maybe not a good one, or the best one, but it’s a choice. And that’s the democratic way, isn’t it?

Mike L. Lang (R)

Tell us about yourself

A native of Malta and Phillips County, Mike is known throughout central and northeast Montana as a successful businessman and longtime advocate for agriculture, natural resource stewardship and healthy communities.

Raised on a farm west of Loring, Lang was educated in Malta schools, attending Carroll College in Helena and graduating from Eastern Montana College (now MSU Billings) with a bachelor degree in business.  He is a current Certified Crop Advisor.

Married for 41 years, he and wife Lorna (Anderson) have lived in Malta, Zortman, Wolf Point and Miles City and through out those experiences, gained a great knowledge and appreciation of eastern Montana.   Their three children (Micah, Lisa and Lindsay) were raised and educated in Malta and they enjoy four wonderful grandchildren.

Lang established Northern Ag Service in 1981 at it’s original location in downtown Malta.  Under his leadership, the business expanded to a site east of Malta and grew to 12 employees.   Providing agriculture expertise along with fertilizer, chemicals, cattle feed, supplies and equipment to farmers and ranchers throughout central and northeast Montana, it became a mainstay in the industry and was sold in 2007.

An active community member, Lang has been President of both the Malta Area Chamber of Commerce and PhillCo Economic Growth Council and serves as board member for the Phillips County Conservation District.  Other local, regional and state affiliations include:  Montana Ag Business Association, Northern Montana Research Center Advisory Board, Board of Directors for Eastern Montana Conservation Tillage Association, Walleyes Unlimited and Knights of Columbus. He is also a past board chairman of Family Matters, Inc. a consortium of Malta community investors.

He is an avid fisherman and sportsman and especially enjoys spending time with family and friends at Nelson Reservoir and the Missouri Breaks areas.

What is your motivation in running for office?

I am seeking my second term in the Montana House of Representatives. I have accepted the challenge of representing my district and the expansion in HD 33 because I believe we need to be involved with the policies that affect us locally and statewide. I have always been involved with my community and have strived for business retention and a strong education system.

My back ground in agriculture and the learning process of accountability helped me start a business, pay my debts and provide economic stability to my customers and employees. We all need to be involved somehow.

What issues concern you in the position you are running for?

Presently in the State we have previously committed 87% of our financial resources and have to satisfy the needs of the people with the remaining 13 % of our revenues.

Government does not make money. Businesses do. I will strive for efficiency in government. Sometimes this means voting no when spending is out of line.

Jobs are the number one issue. Economy is second and business being able to maintain and create jobs will stabilize our economy.

I will fight to stop free roaming bison and strive to keep bison from being classified as wildlife.

Montana is blessed with a supply of natural resources. Phillips County is the largest producer of natural gas in Montana. Fossil fuels and agriculture have built our State and I will defend the proper usage of these resources. Everything has a cost or implication for a specific decision and I am willing and capable of analyzing the facts and making decisions for my constituents. Montana must oppose the out of balance administrative rules that the federal government wants to impose on us.

We in Eastern Montana have shared our natural resource revenues with the State and I support the financial payback in the form of funds for infrastructure in Eastern Montana.

There are many issues before us, to numerous to go into in this survey, so call me at 406-654-7357 or email me at [email protected] .

What skills/attributes make you a good candidate for the position?

I have signed the checks on the front and back side. I am proud to have and do pay taxes, I just want them spent efficiently as government can. I have common sense and am willing to make decisions.

Why should the people of Phillips County cast their vote for you?

I will vote with my conscience after I have reviewed the facts. I will vote for my constituents before my party. We are a society that strives on competition and someone wins the game, however, the game must be played by the rules with integrity and honesty. Thank you for your support and I would appreciate your vote of confidence.

County Clerk and Recorder/Surveyor/Auditor

County Clerk and Recorder/Surveyor/Auditor

Marian Ereaux (R)

Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in central Montana and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. I moved to Phillips County in 1977 and accepted a teaching position as an elementary teacher in Dodson where I taught for two years. My husband Roy and I were married in 1978 and moved to Landusky. I taught in Landusky for one year. In May of 1980 I was hired by Zortman Mining where I worked for 22 years and had the opportunity to learn many different professional skills.

I began working for Phillips County in 2002 as Recording Clerk and as Deputy Clerk & Recorder. I was elected in 2010 as the Clerk & Recorder, Surveyor/Auditor. This office is responsible for the County payroll, accounts payable, maintenance of the birth and death records, preparation of the County budget, annual report, recording all property transactions and filing miscellaneous documents as presented and conducting all federal, county and city elections. I am very proud of my staff and the cross training that has been accomplished in the last four years. I am also the Clerk for the County Commissioners. Ever changing computer programs are always a challenge. We accept these changes daily and adapt our ways of preparing and maintaining reports accordingly.

I have become a Certified Clerk & Recorder by attending certification courses, training seminars and experience throughout my years of employment. I am always striving to improve my communication and interpersonal skills as it is imperative to maintain a pleasant work environment and to work well with staff and the public.

I appreciate the continued support of the community and look forward to serving the people of Phillips County.

Sheriff/Coroner

Scott Moran (R)

Tell us about yourself.

I Moved to Malta when I was in the 2nd grade, and graduated from MHS in1978. Enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served 4 years. Attended Northern Mt College studying electronics and Flathead Community College studying land surveying. Moved back to Malta in 1985 and was employed at the Zortman mine as a blast hole driller. Ended my employment with Zortman Mining in 1997 as the Drilling and Blasting Supervisor. Attended the Montana Law Enforcement Academy in 1997, and was hired as a deputy for the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office. In 2000 I was appointed as Undersheriff to Sheriff Miller until January 2011 when I was sworn in as Sheriff. I’ve been married to my wife Jana for 29 years. We have 2 sons, Trent who is a U.S. Border Patrol Agent in Texas, and Conor who is employed with Williston Basin Industries in Billings. I have served with several community based organizations to include Phillips County Ambulance Service, Malta Athletic Club, 23 years with the Phillips County and Malta Fire Departments, and the Local Emergency Planning Committee just to name a few.

What is your motivation in running for office?

Because of my law enforcement interests, I joined the Air Force as a Missile and Base Security Specialist. When the mine closed I took the opportunity to get back into law enforcement with the Sheriff’s Office. I have always felt a need to move forward in whatever capacity I was employed. I feel I can continue to keep the Sheriff’s Office progressing in an affirmative direction.

What issues concern you in the position you are running for?

As with any management position personnel, and budget. Costs of maintaining radio, computer, and electronic equipment with mandatory upgrades and software are ever rising. Incarceration costs, equipment, and liability issues. Being able to keep trained competent personnel without losing them to other employment opportunities. Crimes of violence and theft are on the rise mainly due to Illegal drug use. This is partly because of the increase in traffic due to the Bakken oil fields.

What skills/attributes make you a good candidate for the position?

I have 17 years with the Sheriff’s Office and over 780 certified law enforcement training hours. I understand the dynamics, attributes, and tribulations of Phillips County as both a law enforcement officer and a citizen. I have a very good working relationship with surrounding law enforcement agencies to include state and federal.

Why should the people of Phillips County cast their vote for you?

I am vested in Phillips County. My parents were raised in Saco, I was raised in Malta, as were my children, and hopefully someday my grandchildren. By being Sheriff I feel I can direct a common sense approach to laws that keep our communities safe, without the overbearing intrusiveness employed elsewhere. Being Sheriff is not just my job, but who I am. I will continue to focus on safety and the maintaining of order for the citizens of Phillips County.

County Attorney

Edward A Amestoy (R)

Tell us about yourself.

I have lived in Montana my entire life. I hold a Bachelors degree in Agricultural Business from Montana State University/Bozeman and a Juris Doctrate degree from the University of Montana/Missoula Law School. My wife, Jolene, and I moved to Malta in 1984 and I have been practicing law here since that time. I have four children, Scott, Kevin, Brett and Jenise. Scott is an Optometrist and lives in Fairbanks, Alaska. Kevin obtained a Bachelors degree in Biomedical Science from Montana State University/Bozeman and currently works at the Bozeman Deaconess Hospital. Brett is a junior at Montana State University/Bozeman majoring in Biomedical Science and Jenise is a junior at Malta High School. I have been involved with many activities and organizations in Malta. I coached and was president of Malta Bambino Baseball for several years, coached youth basketball, past member of Malta Athletic Club, member of Knights of Columbus, past board member of Malta Opportunities, Inc., one of the initial board members of Health Care Foundation, Inc. and a board member of Phillips County Community Foundation, Inc. I have also served as a board member for Department of Family Services Regional Youth Advisory Council, State Bar of Montana Continuing Legal Education Committee, and the 17th Judicial District Bar Association.

What is your motivation in running for office?

To continue to provide consistent representation of the agencies and departments of Phillips County and the Sate of Montana.

What issues concern you in the position you are running for?

There are many issues which arise for a County Attorney. In addition to the prosecution of criminal cases, the County Attorney is responsible for providing legal counsel to the County Commissioners and all of the County Offices. Montana law also provides that the County Attorney can be requested to provide legal counsel to local political subdivisions such as School Districts, Weed District, the Airport Authority and Irrigation District. The County Attorney is also required to represent various State Agencies such as the Department of Public Health and Human Services, Fish and Game, and Department of Livestock.

What skills/attributes make you a good candidate for the position?

I began working in Malta in August 1984. From 1986 to 1990 I was Deputy Phillips County Attorney and from 1990 to 1994 I was City Attorney for Malta. In January 1994 I was appointed as Phillips County Attorney after John C. McKeon was appointed as District Court Judge. I have continued to serve as Phillips County Attorney since that time. In June 1994 I hired Dan O’Brien as Deputy County Attorney and we have worked together since that time.

Why should the people of Phillips County cast their vote for you?

Dan O’Brien and I have worked together in the County Attorney’s Office for the past 20 years. We work well with the agencies and departments we represent and want to continue to represent Phillips County. I thank the people of Phillips County for giving me the opportunity to serve as County Attorney and would appreciate your vote in the upcoming election.

County Superintendent

Vivian Taylor (R)

Tell us about yourself.

I am Vivian Taylor and I am the County Superintendent of Schools. My husband, Gary, and I live on our ranch south of Saco. We have three grown children who are graduates of Saco school and also college graduates. They and their spouses and our six grandchildren live in Montana.

I taught school in Saco for 32 years. After my retirement from teaching, I still wanted to be involved in the field of education. Being the County Superintendent allows me to do this. The County Superintendent of Schools is elected for a four-year term and must hold a current Montana Teaching Certificate with a minimum of three years teaching experience. It is a part-time position.

The County Superintendent has general supervision of the public schools of the county. The office is administrative—performing duties outlined by state law, the Board of Public Education, and the Office of Public Instruction. The Superintendent of Schools office provides numerous services to the educational community. Briefly and with a few examples, those services are in the field of finance—budgets and levies, legal— the hearing officer in school controversies, recordkeeping—transportation committee acts, home school notifications, teacher and bus driver certificate registrations, school district reports, --- and administrative.

Just as in the teaching profession, there are challenges and concerns which occur on a regular basis. Keeping current on the laws and standards for schools, being fiscally responsible to the tax payers, and working as the liaison between Office of Public Instruction and the schools and citizens of Phillips County are always on going issues for the County Superintendent.

An interesting role of my job is utilizing the school census records for all the rural schools that were at one time operating in Phillips County. These records are available for research into genealogy and they also serve as proof of birth in lieu of birth certificates. Other enjoyable elements of this job include the Spelling Bee, Ag in Montana Schools Bumper Sticker contest, and the Education Booth at the Fair.

I appreciate the work accomplished by the board of trustees, superintendents and school clerks. I applaud the talents and skills that the teachers demonstrate in order for the students to perform and succeed. Education is extremely important for all children, and the child is what education is all about. I am very proud to be associated with the educational community of Phillips County and look forward to serving them another four years.

County Treasurer/Assessor

Jean Mavencamp (R)

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Jean Mavencamp and I am currently running for my 6th – 4 year term as Phillips County Treasurer/Assessor. I am the 4th child of 6 children born to Monte & the late Helen Mavencamp. I was raised on a farm/ranch northwest of Whitewater. I have lived in Malta since February 1981 when I went to work for the Good Samaritan Center as a nurses’ aide and in September 1981 I was hired by the prior County Treasurer to work for Phillips County. In March 1991 I was appointed to fulfill the position of County Treasurer/Assessor. I then ran for the first term as Treasurer/Assessor in 1993 and was elected to be the Treasurer/Assessor in 1994. I have attended all certification seminars that the Montana County Treasurer’s Association has offered and have completed the courses needed to be certified. I continue to attend certification courses to keep up to date. I currently serve on the Montana County Treasurer’s Association Education Committee.

Some of my primary functions in the Treasurer/Assessor’s office are to bill and collect all Real Property, Mobile Home and Personal Property taxes and disburse the funds according to the Mill Levy set each year. We license all vehicles and sell receipts for the Driver’s Examiner. We are the custodian of all money for all school districts and special districts in Phillips County. I report to the County Commissioner’s each month a cash report and send cash reports to the incorporated towns/cities and the State of Montana.

I have many years of experience serving you as the County Treasurer/Assessor and would appreciate your continued support in the upcoming election.

Justice of the Peace

Gary Taylor (Nonpartisan)

Tell us about yourself.

I have been a life-long resident of Phillips County.  My wife Vivian and I live on our ranch south of Saco. We have 3 grown children and their spouses and 6 grandchildren.  I graduated from Saco High School and went to college in Havre majoring in business.  I returned to the ranch and took it over from my parents.  In 2001, I sold my cattle and leased the place to a neighbor.  I then ran Saco Auto and Ag repair for 10 years. For many years I worked with various local and surrounding musicians in different bands. I am a past member of the Prairie CASA board. I am a member of the Youth Court Committee and the Community Cares Coalition. In 2010, I was appointed to be Justice of the Peace by the County Commissioners.

What is your motivation in running for office?

My motivation to run again is the desire to continue to strengthen the court and to continue the improvements that I have made in the past four years. When I was elected in 2010, my training judge, the Honorable Perry Miller, pointed out several areas needing improvement.  With that in mind, many changes were made. I am healthy and have the time and I want to make the Court better and stronger in the future.

What issues concern you in the position you are running for?

The first issue is the increased drug traffic coming through our towns.  Your local law enforcement officers, the Highway Patrol and drug task force have been doing an excellent job.  Recently, the issuing of several warrants resulted in the confiscation of drugs, large amounts of cash and drug paraphernalia. The major reason for the increase can be attributed to the Bakken oil field.  Another concern I have is domestic violence.  This raises an issue about what we don’t have.  What we don’t have is the availability of a local licensed mental health practitioner.  It is proven both victim and offender benefit with counseling. A counselor is not only for the Court, but also for the communities’ needs.  Youthful offenders’ needs, such as minors in possession (MIP) and other misdemeanor charges require constant vigilance.  A youthful offender is held accountable hoping to instill in them a sense of responsibility and respect for the laws.

What skills/attributes make you a good candidate for the position?

I have the ability to make decisions on fact rather than emotion plus using realism and compassion while sentencing. I have the continuous training and testing taught by Court educators and I have good common sense. My life experiences as a rancher, business owner, sportsman, husband, father, and grandfather have given me insight into the trials and tribulations that may occur with the people who enter my court room.

Why should the people of Phillips County cast their vote for you?

I am a strong advocate of Justice and run the Court for the people of Phillips County. I run the Court with respect and professionalism. The Court delivers consistency and equal justice for everyone who receives a citation. I hold offenders accountable for their actions and as a result there is a reduction in the number of repeat offenders. I am running for the right reason. I am the right person for the job. I look forward to serving the people of Phillips County for another term and would appreciate their vote.

Gayle Stahl (Nonpartisan)

Tell us about yourself. Married to Ken Stahl for 34 years. Children: David Flores, Thorton Colorado, Derrick Floren, Clovis CA.,, Brittany Bonner, Havre Mont. Stepdaughter Natalie Cole, Lincoln, Neb., I have resided in Malta, Phillips County for 46 years. 

What is your motivation in running for office?

A number of people came to me and asked me to run. I thought about it and decided why not? I called Judge Taylor and told him my plans to file against him. I consider us friends and didn’t want him to have any surprises.

What issues concern you in the position you are running for?

We can’t comment on issues. We are a court of Limited Jurisdiction and we have to follow the laws set forth in the Montana Codes Annotated.

What skills/attributes make you a good candidate for the position?

30 years experience, 60 schools that I had to attend as ordered by the Montana Supreme Court, that was paid for by Phillips County taxpayers. Appointed by the Supreme Court on the Commission for Courts of limited jurisdiction for 22 years. It was our job to help and educate all justices of the peace, municipal judges, city judges in the State of Montana. Fortunate again to be sent to Memphis, Tenn., New Orleans, LA., Reno, Nev., to learn about different jurisdictions paid for by the Montana Supreme Court and Courts of Limited Jurisdiction.

Why should the people of Phillips County cast their vote for you?

It was pounded in our heads for at least 30 of those schools that court is not there to make money for the counties and the cities. Its to follow the laws set forth by the Montana Codes Annotated, be fair, impartial, consistent and compassionate. That’s why I feel that people of Phillips County should cast their vote for me.