Kalispell City Council candidate Angela Kennedy

Name: Angela Kennedy, Ward 4

Age: 59

Occupation: Project Manager

Family: Austin Kennedy and Cami Kennedy

Background: I was raised at the base of the Rockies, in a small, beautiful town that grew into a big city: Longmont, Colorado. I came to Kalispell because of the mountains, lakes, natural beauty and small town feel.

My professional background is in the High Tech Industry starting with Texas Instruments in the early eighties. I worked my way through college while working full time, and raising our family. I have a Master's Degree in Operations from Regis University.

As a business Consultant and Certified Professional Project Manager (PMP), I have worked with and contributed to the operations of many large companies and organizations by developing projects, implementing systems, and executing analytical processes and procedures to help companies run more effectively. I have consulted and worked with the US Army, Navy, Bureau of Land Management, Pepsi/Izzy Beverage, Amgen, and most recently here in Kalispell with Applied Materials and Waterstreet.

I look forward to the opportunity to serve the City of Kalispell.

What plans do you have to balance the impact of growth on the existing Kalispell community?

Kalispell is such a beautiful, well-run city and we are fortunate to be here. I plan to focus on keeping the existing charm and feel of Kalispell with planned development focusing on solid business growth. It’s a privilege for developers to come into our city and their plans and proposals should consider the impact to the existing limited infrastructure with fees that help defray the costs of improvements to citizens who have lived here for decades.

Going forward, it will be profitable to live here, as we’ve been “discovered,” but as our real estate prices soar, long-term residents are feeling the pinch of higher property tax rates. Considering industry-specific resort taxes may be needed to keep property taxes down.

Additionally, I plan to focus on assisting with areas of underlying concern with daycare availability and affordability, mental health and drug issues, and keeping the most vulnerable in the city healthy and protected.

What are your specific solutions for solving the affordable housing crisis in Kalispell?

There are landlords who have kept the rents low knowing that they are housing locals and long term residents. These citizens are commendable. Others are focused on developing additional low-income senior, veteran and seasonal labor housing. In the short term, it’s a matter of prioritizing extreme profits over making a decent profit on their rental investments.

Where we should be giving developers breaks, in the short term, is on projects specifically geared to creating quality low-income housing.

What mix of development projects do you envision along the Kalispell Parkline Trail?

The Parkline Trail is a beautiful project that has the potential of being a solid mix of Housing, Office/Light Business, Retail, Destination Sport Activities, Dining and Entertainment.

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the city right now?

As I mentioned earlier: Infrastructure, Quality Planned Development, Labor, Housing Availability/Affordability and a strong focus on underlying social service issues.

Why are you the right person to represent your ward?

I am proud to be a resident of Kalispell Ward 4 and am reminded daily that the citizens here are strong, smart, talented, civic-minded and really are here to enjoy the peaceful beauty and neighborly kindheartedness of our city. Ward 4 is a unique blend of agricultural, business and residential. The residents need someone who understands the unique issues and problems that arise from this ward.

I share Montana skills and values--that’s why I live here. I’m a well-organized, educated and experienced Project Manager who’s managed multi million-dollar construction and system projects. I know that I am the right person for right now. I know that I am someone who can bring these talents to help my ward and the City of Kalispell to move forward. I look forward to serving the citizens of Ward 4 and Kalispell.