Brenneman launches bid for re-election

Flathead County Commissioner Joe Brenneman has filed for re-election with just a few days remaining before the filing deadline.

Brenneman, a Democrat, filed Wednesday morning with the county election department.

Also in the race are former county Commissioner Howard Gipe and Evergreen business owner Pam Holmquist. Gipe and Holmquist are Republicans who will square off in a June primary election.

Brenneman was first elected to the office in 2004. He said Wednesday he decided to seek re-election to carry on with several areas of interest in the county.

“There’s several things ... I’ve had a role in making better and I would like to continue,” he said, citing his involvement in protecting water quality, land use planning and public safety, particularly a transition to a new consolidated 911 dispatch center and system.

“And there are financial matters of the county I have found to be of interest,” Brenneman said. “I think we’ve made some improvements there and I think we can continue to make improvements.”

The filing deadline for this year’s elections is Monday at 5 p.m.