Kalispell City Council candidate Gabe Dillon

Name: Gabe Dillon, Ward 2

Age: 43

Occupation: Program Coordinator for Foy’s to Blacktail Trails

Family: Lynette Zavodny and two kids, ages 5 and 7

Background: High school teacher, outdoor recreation

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

Population growth has resulted in more vehicle traffic along our roadways. Taking steps to increase the walkability of our city will lead to less vehicle trips, decrease pollution from idling vehicles, and make streets safer for our children. Better public transportation would also benefit our community in similar ways. Preserving our historic neighborhoods is important and I believe that new development should pay for itself through adequate impact fees.

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

This recent growth is the result of more people moving here, yet there are help wanted signs at businesses all over town. Positions go unfilled in part because people can’t find a place to live. We need more infill housing and to make more efficient use of our land in Kalispell so people can live where they work. A higher inventory of housing will help drive prices down from their current levels.

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

I imagine there will be a mix of housing and retail spaces that will develop along the Parkline Trail. Increased foot traffic is good for the prosperity of existing businesses along the corridor, which ultimately connects people to the downtown area. There is generally a good infrastructure of existing trails in Kalispell, but we are lacking a signage plan that informs people along our bike paths about how to connect the north-south parts of our city. I’d like to see the future Parkline Trail help navigate locals and visitors from one part of town to another. Walkers and cyclists are more likely to use the trail system if they know it connects them to parks and businesses already in place.

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

The housing shortage has driven prices very high. We are in a situation now where both professional and workforce positions go unfilled because people can’t afford or find a place to live.

Why are you the right person to represent your ward?

I listen to people and value their opinions. I believe in the importance of partnerships to find solutions. I’ve organized people, managed budgets, and completed large projects. I realize that no one is an expert at everything, and the shared voice of our community makes us stronger. I like to work with people and serving Kalispell would be my biggest honor.