Mayors meet with governor

Kalispell Mayor Pam Kennedy and mayors of other large Montana cities discussed their concerns about economic development with Governor Brian Schweitzer in Helena on Tuesday.

The mayor's primary goals Tuesday were to meet the new governor and lay the groundwork with him for holding periodic meetings that will focus on Montana's growing and changing economies. Schweitzer agreed to meet regularly with the state's seven major cities (Kalispell, Missoula, Great Falls, Helena, Butte, Billings and Bozeman).

"It was a good meeting," Kennedy said. "It was one in which we all felt we were heard."

The mayors also expressed to the governor that the meetings and open communication avenues will benefit the state as well as the cities.

"Because of our relationships we have in our own communities," Kennedy said, "we are able to move the state's agenda further along in a timely fashion."

Kennedy cited as an example the communities' and the governor's shared interest in higher education. Schweitzer has said one of his goals is to make community colleges and institutes of technology more responsive to businesses that are interested in moving to certain areas. The mayors could help the state by speaking with the local schools about adding certain programs or classes that relate to the interested businesses to their curriculum, Kennedy explained.

The meetings mean the cities can keep Helena apprised of issues as they come up and also will give those involved a chance to discuss long-term challenges and goals.

"It's the opportunity to be able to share information," Kennedy said.

Reporter Camden Easterling may be reached at 758-4429 or by e-mail at ceasterling@dailyinterlake.com