Bob Keenan picked for Planning Board

Bigfork businessman and former Republican state Sen. Bob Keenan was appointed to the Flathead County Planning Board on Monday as the county commissioners filled a slate of openings on various committees and boards.

Keenan will replace Randy Toavs, who did not seek reappointment.

A former Montana Senate minority leader, Keenan ran an unsuccessful primary challenge in 2006 against then-U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns.

Keenan’s legislative experience pushed him to the top of a long list of candidates for the open Planning Board position.

Others vying for the seat included Greg Stevens, Donna Thornton, Harm Toren, Larry Linne, Joseph Ruffolo, Trevor Schaefer and Tim Calaway.

Incumbent Planning Board members Gordon Cross, Marc Pitman and James Heim were reappointed.

The commissioners affirmed the Flathead Conservation Board’s reappointment of Frank DeKort to the Planning Board.

On the county Board of Adjustment, Gina Klempel, Gary Krueger and Scott Hollinger were reappointed. Others vying for the three vacancies were Russ Crowder and Bob Keenan.

On the Columbia Falls City-County Planning Board, Russ Vukonich and Susan Haverfield were reappointed as county members on the board.

On the Whitefish City-County Planning Board, Karen Reeves was reappointed as a county member.

The commissioners affirmed the Flathead Conservation Board’s reappointment of Ken Meckel to the board. One county vacancy remains on the Whitefish board.