Why do you want to run for the study commission?

I am running for the local governance study commission because I believe in the need for stronger accountability and equal representation for all residents of Gallatin County. Our local government should serve every individual fairly and transparently, ensuring that the voices of all community members are heard and respected.

By joining the commission, I want to help evaluate our current governance structures to ensure they are functioning in a way that truly represents all members of our county. My focus will be on identifying areas where we can improve accountability, making sure that decisions are made with integrity and in the best interest of everyone, not just a select few.

It’s essential that Gallatin County’s governance remains accessible and open to all, providing every resident with a seat at the table. I see this as an opportunity to advocate for systems that ensure equal representation and transparency, helping to build a balanced government that works for everyone, now and into the future

What skills and experience do you have that you think will help you in your role as a study commissioner?

My strong business background, combined with being raised in Montana, gives me a unique perspective and a solid foundation of skills that I believe will greatly contribute to my role as a local governance study commissioner. I have spent years in the business world in Gallatin County, where my wife and I have started six businesses.  I have since sold two of those successful and profitable businesses. I have developed key competencies in strategic planning, financial management, and problem-solving—all of which are essential for evaluating the effectiveness of local governance structures. I’m accustomed to analyzing complex systems, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing practical solutions, skills that translate directly to assessing and improving government operations.

Being raised in Montana, I understand the values, challenges, and aspirations of our community. I have a deep connection to the people and places of this region, and I’m committed to ensuring that our government remains accountable, transparent, and responsive to the needs of all residents. My experience in business has taught me the importance of collaboration and building consensus, and I plan to bring that same approach to working with my fellow commissioners and community members.

Ultimately, my goal is to combine my business acumen with my understanding of Montana’s unique character to help create a governance system that is efficient, fiscally responsible, and serves the best interests of our community.

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 not served in any Local Government position.

What would you hope to achieve if elected to serve as a study commissioner?

If elected to serve as a study commissioner, my primary goal would be to ensure that Gallatin County’s governance structure is truly representative and accountable to all of its residents. One of the key issues I aim to address is the need for equal representation across the county, which can be effectively achieved through the implementation of wards. Establishing a ward system would ensure that every member of the Gallatin County community has a clear and balanced voice in the decision-making process.With my strong business background, I’m well-equipped to analyze how our current governance model may be limiting representation and to identify strategies that promote fairness and equal representation.

Being raised in Montana, I understand the wide range of perspectives across Gallatin County, from rural areas to growing urban centers, and I believe that each of these voices deserves proper representation. Wards provide a structured and transparent way to ensure that no member of our community is underrepresented or overlooked.

Through this process, I hope to create a governance system that not only reflects our community’s current needs but also sets a foundation for future growth. My focus will be on fostering accountability, efficiency, and fairness, and I am committed to ensuring that Gallatin County continues to thrive as a place where everyone has an equal seat at the table.

Bozeman Daily Chronicle Interview