Gipe seeks return to county job

Former Flathead County Commissioner Howard Gipe has entered the race for the seat he previously held for 18 years, and there is a new legislative candidate for House District 7.

Filing as a Republican, Gipe will go up against Pam Holmquist, the other Republican commissioner candidate in the race, in the June primary election.

Joe Brenneman, a Democrat, is the incumbent commissioner but has yet to file for re-election.

Gipe first was elected in 1987 and retired in 2004 at the age of 73.

Gipe said his knowledge and experience would be valuable for a position that requires new commissioners two to three years to fully understand.

He is concerned about high property tax appraisals and the ability of Flathead County residents to meet tax burdens.

He said he also is concerned about funding for mental health programs, and the state not providing its fair share to school funding.

“There are many other matters that need attention,” Gipe said, including land use and planning, law enforcement, roads, jails, wolves and high unemployment. “We must get going in the Flathead.”

Gipe retired from a career with the Montana Highway Patrol before he became county commissioner in the 1980s.

Filing as a Republican candidate in House District 7 this week was Randy Brodehl, who formerly was Kalispell fire chief.

He will face Republican Steven Thompson in a June primary election. The seat is currently held by Rep. Jon Sonju, R-Kalispell, who is a candidate for Senate District 4.