Two vie for top county position
The race for Flathead County commissioner in District 2 is the only contested county government race in Tuesday’s general election and the only county race that involves a Democrat.
Incumbent Democratic Commissioner Joe Brenneman, a Creston dairy farmer, is seeking re-election to a second six-year term. He’s being challenged by Republican Pam Holmquist, a co-owner of Rocky Mountain Marine in Evergreen, who ran unsuccessfully for county commissioner in 2006.
Brenneman divides his accomplishments since 2005 into three broad categories: public safety, water quality and the work he’s done to make sure the county remains financially healthy.
He obtained $4 million in grant funding for a new digital radio system for the county and pushed for a consolidated 911 dispatch center that’s now up and running.
A water-quality advocate, Brenneman established the Flathead County River Commission, founded the Regional Wastewater Management Group and brought in $1.2 million for the Bigfork stormwater system.
Brenneman said he has made strides in the county’s financial management by streamlining county budgeting records and making county financial information more transparent and available. Brenneman wants to advance Flathead County as a regional trade center.
Holmquist has campaigned as a conservative who believes in less government, lower taxes and fewer regulations. She touts her 32 years of experience in running a small business as an asset to being a capable commissioner.
She wants to review the budget and find ways to trim the fat and keep the county in good fiscal shape. She also wants to keep the county out of expensive lawsuits.
Jobs are high on Holmquist’s agenda. She would create a coalition of commissioners, mayors and legislators to represent collective interests in lowering taxes and bringing jobs here.
Four uncontested county races feature incumbent Republicans. They include Paula Robinson for clerk and recorder/surveyor/auditor; Ed Corrigan for county attorney; Marcia Sheffels for superintendent of schools; and Adele Krantz for treasurer/assessor.
A fifth uncontested county race is for sheriff, where Republican Chuck Curry is unopposed. Curry, the former Flathead County undersheriff, won the June primary election by beating current Sheriff Mike Meehan and Sgt. Lance Norman.