Kalispell City Council candidate Jed Fisher

Name: Jed S. Fisher, Ward 4

Age: 57

Occupation: Retired. 31 years as a Department Head for Flathead County and former owner of Park Place Properties of Kalispell.

Family: Son Roman Fisher, 31; Daughter Meaghan Fisher 20

Background: I grew up working on the family farm in Conrad, Montana.

I worked for Pondera County and was Department Head for Glacier County for five years and Department Head for Flathead County for 31 years, managing numerous departments including the Weed Department, Parks and Recreation, and Building Maintenance. I have owned and managed rental properties in both Conrad and Kalispell. I retired from Flathead County in March 2021.

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

We must work to properly fund law enforcement, as the uptick in crime is a serious concern of mine. I fully support long term planning to address everything infrastructure related. This includes roads, fire, sewer, water and law enforcement. We cannot allow Kalispell, or this valley, to turn into the reason families are leaving their current state. We must do more to support our youth. I say this after managing recreation programs for Flathead County for 25 years . My motto has always been: "keep them on a court, before they end up in a court."

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

As a council member, I would propose to keep fees and city charges for city development affordable. This applies to both residential construction as well as much needed affordable units, such as duplexes, triplexes and apartment complexes. As we review plans for potential areas to be developed, we must engage more with the neighborhood and areas that will be affected to make sure all concerns are addressed as well as possible.

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

I am very impressed with the vision current city leaders have had to develop this area. Continuing to support that vision, which includes repurposing the Cenex grain elevators to an apartment complex, was an incredible vision, soon to become a reality. I will be highly supportive of business development in this area that promotes a strong sense of community. Entrepreneurs certainly will have amazing potential for development in this area, just as it should be. I do hope this area and future development includes support for our longstanding, amazing downtown business community.

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

I will always go back to the basics as a council member. The single most important challenges to any government body must always remain: public safety, police, fire, health, roads, sewer and water. Each of these services must be properly funded and supported to provide tax payers the service they have paid for. Period.

Why are you the right person to represent your ward?

I am a lifelong Montanan born and raised in Conrad and have lived in the Flathead for 32 years. I certainly understand what makes this area so amazing. I will always fight for our values. I have paid Kalispell city taxes on the same home for 18 years and have observed many efficient ways our government runs and some dreadfully inefficient ways our tax dollars have been utilized.

In my 35 years of government service, I was a manager who was trusted to merge departments and build the most efficient and effective programs possible. I have employed hundreds of people and served on numerous boards and councils. I am an effective team builder who is always willing to listen. As I have said, I had the privilege of serving Flathead county residents for 31 years and I would be honored to now serve the residents of the city of Kalispell.