County Commissioner candidates Q&A

On Tuesday, June 7, the primary nomination election will be held in Montana. In Phillips County, there are five republican candidates running for the Phillips County Commissioner District A Republican nomination. The commissioner position in District A is being vacated by Lesley Robinson who is running for Montana Lieutenant Governor on Republican Greg Gianforte's ticket for Montana Governor.

There are currently 2,619 registered voters in Phillips County, according to the Montana Secretary of State website – sos.mt.gov/elections/ -- which is updated daily.

What follows are the same four questions posed to each candidate, answered in their own words. Last week, the PCN staff pulled all the names from a hat to determine which order the candidate questions and answers are printed. Also, last week, candidate Trenton Dovre announced he was bowing out of the race. His letter to the people of Phillips County also follows.

David Crasco

Tell us about yourself.

My name is David Crasco. Many people know me as an outgoing, jovial character. But I also have a serious side, with a business focus and knack for seeing the big picture.

I grew up in southern Phillips County, attended grades 1-11 in Malta schools, and graduated from Dodson High School in 1986. I have worked for Phillips County and for local contractors, and I completed Farrier School at MSU. These experiences gave me skills I could have used to succeed anywhere. After stints in Nevada and Virginia, however, I decided to return home. I felt it was important to raise my two sons here, and I am proud to say they are graduates of Malta High School. I now run a small cattle ranch in southern Phillips County with my wife, Rawnie, who grew up in Dodson and teaches at a local school.

What is your motivation for running for office?

I came up in the construction field and became interested in government after watching people that I admired run this county. I would enjoy the opportunity to work with them and learn from them while contributing fresh perspectives on many of the issues that residents face.

One thing I've noticed over time is that change is always happening. I believe that with my skill set and recently developed connections, I could help Phillips County stay one step ahead of the inevitable changes that are coming our way.

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

Phillips County is a great place to live, but just like any community we have our problems. One key problem area is public safety, which involves a variety of government functions such as road maintenance and emergency services. I believe we can make improvements in these areas.

From 2000-2007, I worked for the Phillips County Roads Maintenance Department, so I know the roads and their problems. I will do what I can to maximize resources in strategic ways that continue to improve the condition of our roads. Also, having worked closely with law enforcement in my previous position, I know the importance of making sure the Sheriff's Department has up-to-date equipment and technological resources; I will work with the Sheriff's Department to meet their needs and explore ways to meet them.

Most importantly, I will make the county's Emergency Medical Services a high priority. The healthcare providers in our community provide excellent care, and I know we can find ways to get patients even more promptly and safely to those providers for the care they need.

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

Over my 30-year career, I have developed effective communication skills, a strong work ethic, and a reputation for reliability. I started out as a laborer and ranch hand, where I was eager to learn whatever I could. I then moved into construction, where my supervisors relied on me to mentor new-hires. I rarely missed a day of work, continually striving to reach the next level.

More recently, I served in local government as a community council member, where I was trained by the Falmouth Institute to manage large contracts and multi-million-dollar budgets. I learned a great deal about business and I currently sit on the board of directions for a local economic development group. Also, I have built professional connections with state and federal officials. Most importantly, I understand the general scope of the commissioner's job and its importance to the people of Phillips County.

Donald C. Green

Tell us about yourself.

Donald C. Green, a third generation rancher in Dodson District. My grandfather, George Green, settled in the Forks, Montana area in 1914, and in 1937 he moved his family to the Wagner area. I purchased that valley place in 1972.

My wife Becky and I raised our kids, Mike, Melissa and Josh here. Our daughter, Melissa, died in a car accident, Mike is a lawyer, he and his family live in Helena. Josh is a rancher, he and his family live near Scobey.

I was educated in Malta Schools but more importantly, the life lessons taught by family, friends and neighbors I learned the value of hard work, moral ethics and neighborhood.

In addition to ranching I am a school bus driver. I have a fire fighting setup and I help at as many prairie fires as I can.

Phillips County is my neighborhood.

What is your motivation for running for office?

I could not afford to attend college, so I volunteered for the draft and joined the Army, after training I went to Viet Nam. While there, I had my first experience with Government.

Since then I have dealt with State and Federal bureaucracy, during my term with the Phillips County Planning Board and as Commissioner for the Malta Irrigation District. I have discovered that these Bureaus do not understand the needs of the communities and are not necessarily here to help us.

I want to make a difference in Phillips County.

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

ROADS, I live on a county road and understand the frustration of families that have to use these roads every day for jobs and school.

FEDERAL AND STATE AGENCY OVERREACH, I believe that bureaucrats are pushing personal agenda without Legislative approval or knowledge. They do not have an investment in the outcome of their ideas. We need to stop them.

ENERGY SECTOR, they are under a lot of pressure right now. This has led to loss of tax revenue on both the state and county level. Just as important, are the lost jobs, this has great impact on our whole community.

BIG MONEY INTERESTS, the influence on this county from outside are mounting. We must continue to fight to slow their advances.

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

Not afraid to speak my mind, even if it is not popular. I am willing to hear about problems and do my best to make a difference.

As a commissioner of the Malta Irrigation District, I worked with the budget, employees and setting priorities for infrastructure improvement.

As a rancher, I have to set up a budget and learn to live within it. I have operated and maintained all of my farm equipment.

Lifetime conservationist, my livelihood depends on my ability and desire to care for my land. I allow responsible hunting and recreation on my property.

Jenifer Anderson

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Jenifer Anderson. I'm proud to be from Montana, the Hi-line and Phillips County. I was born and raised in Phillips County, growing up in Zortman. After graduating from Malta, I attended MSU-Billings where I earned an Associate's Degree. My husband, Shane, grew up in Whitewater. We were married and started our family while living in Billings, but quickly realized we wanted to return to Malta to raise our daughters, Addy and Elly. I'm thankful for my experiences living outside of Phillips County, but there truly is no place like home!

I have a vested future in Phillips County. I am the District Administrator at Phillips Conservation District and my husband owns an insurance business here in Malta. We are both fifth generation residents and are very active in our community, supporting local businesses, youth activities and promoting area events.

What is your motivation for running for office?

Working as District Administrator for Phillips Conservation District, I have become familiar working for a local government. I have become involved with several issues facing residents of Phillips County. I have a passion for advocating for our community and our way of life in Phillips County.

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

Working for the District for the last five years, I have advocated for agricultural and natural resource issues, such as bison, sage grouse (Endangered Species Act), irrigation and property rights issues.

Unfortunately, the many great attributes Phillips County has, makes us a target for special interest groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) wanting to change our way of life here.

Phillips County is a one-of-a-kind place where you will find not only world class hunting opportunities, but also beef and wheat production second to none. This is not a coincidence. Local producers are the best stewards of the land, providing excellent habitat for wildlife, while feeding the world. The very industry that is responsible for creating our healthy land is under attack on a national level. Local input is crucial when it comes to decisions being made by federal government affecting land in our county. Our local tax base depends upon agriculture, from main-street to the schools.

I grew up a gold miner's daughter, and I, along with many others in our community witnessed what losing an industry can do to a community. I hope to see everyone get involved in these big, complicated issues facing our county, before we see another industry lost.

More local issues of concern are maintenance of county roads, county dumps and the local economy. I realize that, if elected, I would become aware of several issues that I may not realize exist now. I am not afraid to ask questions when I do not know an issue, and I believe getting both sides of a problem is the best way to fully understand it.

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

I have experience in grant management, county budgets and office management. I am an organized person who takes pride in doing the best job I can, no matter what it is I'm tasked with.

While I would have a lot to learn if elected Commissioner, I have a strong foundation to start from. I believe in lifelong learning and educating yourself on issues that impact your community.

I have strong professional relationships with state and federal employees, conservation district supervisors and county commissioners.

I am passionate about my community, and I would work hard for the people of Phillips County.

I would appreciate your vote, and would like to thank everyone who has supported me thus far.

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

I have experience in grant management, county budgets and office management. I am an organized person who takes pride in doing the best job I can, no matter what it is I'm tasked with.

While I would have a lot to learn if elected Commissioner, I have a strong foundation to start from. I believe in lifelong learning and educating yourself on issues that impact your community.

I have strong professional relationships with state and federal employees, conservation district supervisors and county commissioners.

I am passionate about my community, and I would work hard for the people of Phillips County.

I would appreciate your vote, and would like to thank everyone who has supported me thus far.

Trenton Dovre

To the Residents of Phillips County;

It is with deep regret that I inform you I am withdrawing from the race for Phillips County Commissioner.

I still have all the same concerns, but sadly I just do not have the time.

Because I share the same love and concerns as most of you regarding Phillips County, I would like you all to know that I will be voting for John Carnahan in the upcoming elections. John shares the same concerns for our great county that I do. He is a kind, decent, down to earth hard-working man who only wants the best for Phillips County, as do I.

Please take the time to vote in the upcoming elections. Your vote matters!!

Thank you,

Trenton Dovre

John F. Carnahan

Tell us about yourself:

My name is John Carnahan. I have been a resident of Phillips County since 1954. I am the son of the late Floyd and Marjean Carnahan. My wife, Kari (Totman) Carnahan and I have seven children. Justin Carnahan with two children, Jeremy Bergos with three children, Christopher Carnahan with one child, Shane Car-nahan with two children, Shaun Carnahan, and Dylan Bergos with one child. Our seventh boy is our grandson Kaden whom we have had the pleasure of raising for the last 15 years. The reason I list all of our boys and their children is to stress the importance of Phillips County to myself and my entire family. All of our children live in Phillips County except two. We have one son, Shaun, who lives in Bozeman where he has his own business and Jeremy who we lost in a car accident. We are very fortunate to also have all but three grandchildren living in Malta. My wife and I owned and operated A Fine Line Autobody for 22 years. Last year our son, Dylan and his wife Shyla purchased the family business and are continuing to operate A Fine Line Autobody. Currently I own and operate Tippy Towing, a wrecker and recovery business.

What is your motivation for running for office?

Since selling our family business, I am at a time in my life where I feel that it is time for me to give back to Phillips County. I am fortunate to have had two successful businesses with the help of my wife and my sons. With that being said, it is due to the people of Phillips County that my businesses grew and continue to thrive. The best motivations I have are the people that live here in Phillips County. Having grown up and lived here all my life I have gotten to know most all of the residents here. I have received many calls and had many visits on the street and I find that we all share the same goals and visions for Phillips County.

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

I have seen the "boom" days of the oil and gas industry, a bentonite plant come and go, and the Pegasus mine disappear.

We need to keep our economy strong. My biggest concerns are for the farming and ranching industry, the businesses, and the working people of Phillips County. I believe that we all need to work together for the greater good. First and foremost I will do my best to stay on top of all of the issues that affect our way of life and our local economy to keep our county stable and strong.

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

I have been a successful business owner for 22 years in Malta. Previous to that I spent over 18 years operating heavy equipment so I know roads. Living here since 1954 has given me the opportunity to get to know many of the county residents. I am a graduate of Malta High School. I have been working since I was 12 years old. My philosophy is: get up early and stay late if you need to get it done. I will work with and for the people of Phillips County.