Nunnally wants policies, tax rates that encourage growth

Q: What are the most challenging economic growth issues facing Kalispell, and what solutions do you propose for handling growth?

A: I believe our biggest economic growth challenges are infrastructure, a need for well-paid jobs, housing and the rise of online commerce. I would encourage all of us to be good neighbors by supporting businesses in the valley. They employ our friends and families, provide services, goods and locally grown food. We are also a tourist destination. Policies that push business out into the county away from the city are harmful. I feel we need to make sure that policies and tax rates are encouraging growth within Kalispell city limits. We also need to be cautious with costs, especially for increases in service levels such that taxpayers aren’t the first line of defense. Change is frequently met with apprehension and barriers. It’s going to come either way and thoughtful, inclusive planning is necessary to move us successfully forward.

Q: Is the city of Kalispell doing enough to address affordable housing and increasing the city’s housing options?

A: Affordable housing is a hot buzzword these days. I struggle with the term “affordable housing” because affordable means something different to everyone. Generally, “affordable housing” means “affordable to those in low to middle income brackets.” As stated at the City Council meeting on Sept. 16, there were around a thousand multi-family units permitted over the last couple of years in Kalispell. Many of these are still in the process of being built. This will help bring in new housing opportunities for many, but it is only a portion of the equation. Attracting new industries and bringing higher-paying jobs to Kalispell is key. I feel the city of Kalispell has a good Planning and Zoning Department. They work hard to make projects come together. Communication and compromise among residents and developers is part of bettering our community. That is what I would encourage as a City Council member.

Q: What are Kalispell’s biggest infrastructure challenges, specifically regarding streets and utilities?

A: Many of the streets we frequently see as the largest pain points are those that Kalispell has little control over. For example, the U.S. 93 Alternate Route, Reserve Street, U.S. Hwy 93 and U.S. Highway 2 are under the control of the state and federal governments. Kalispell in recent years has sent city representatives to Washington, D.C., to “lobby” for our tax dollars to be returned to Kalispell, and really to all residents and tourists in the Flathead. This has been successful, in my opinion, if you look at the bypass and other projects being considered and completed. With utilities, there are some big regulations being implemented which burden Kalispell, but not surrounding areas. Kalispell doesn’t have the funding to complete the requirements without pushing the costs on to the taxpayers. An example of this is the Stormwater Management Program requirements that were presented in the City Council work session on Sept. 23.