Andrew Epple
Response to GVS Questionnaire
Why do you want to run for the study commission?
I'm interested in discovering if there are ways in which Gallatin County could operate in a more efficient and transparent manner. The County has doubled in population since my wife and I arrived in 1987 but operates under the same basic form of government it had nearly forty years ago. It seems perfectly reasonable to examine whether or not any changes to the form and structure of our county government should be considered.
What skills and experience do you have that you think will help you in your role as a study commissioner?
I enjoyed a 31-year career as a community planner in Montana, working for Sweet Grass County and Big Timber, Park County and Livingston, Flathead County and Kalispell, and (from 1987 through 2009) Gallatin County and Bozeman. I also enjoyed a 9-year "encore career" as an adjunct instructor of geography and urban planning at MSU (2010-2019). These experiences position me well to examine closely all aspects of governance as it relates to Gallatin County.
Have you ever served in local government, either as an elected official or volunteered on an advisory board? If so, when and in what capacity?
I have extensive service in local government (see above). Beyond that service, for the past three years (and currently) I serve as a volunteer member (and vice-chair) on two Gallatin County advisory boards: the Consolidated Zoning Board of Adjustment, and the Open Lands Board. Additionally, I am a trustee for the Story Mill Rural Fire District.
What would you hope to achieve if elected to serve as a study commissioner?
After looking closely at our current form of government and all it's operations, and considering options for possible changes, I hope to make recommendations that will assure our citizens are receiving the most efficient and transparent form of government allowed under state law. Having said this, I remain open to the idea that our current form of government may be the most appropriate for a county our size.