Mayor Ryan Hunter to host inaugural town hall gathering

Mayor Ryan Hunter is trying out a new approach to bolster lines of communication between city leadership and the community.  

Town halls are common in local governments across the country, but Monday night’s event will be Kalispell’s first in recent memory. Hunter is hosting the informal gathering to give residents a chance to connect with him and other councilors outside of Kalispell City Council meetings.  

The town hall will be held at 7 p.m. March 30 in City Hall, 201 First Ave. E.  

“It’s definitely something that’s new. We’re just going to try it out as a possible way to increase community engagement and connection with their elected officials,” Hunter said. 

During his campaign, Hunter said many residents asked for more opportunities to talk to their representatives. Hunter said the public comment periods at formal meetings can be limiting, especially since city leaders typically wait until the end of the meeting to respond.  

“It’s just kind of a one-way dialogue,” he said. “So, what I heard from folks is they want an opportunity to have dialogue with City Council about stuff back and forth.” 

Hunter had promised during a January Kalispell Chamber of Commerce event that he would hold town halls every fifth Monday of the month, and March 30 is his first chance to follow through. There are three more such Mondays this year.  

Councilors Sam Nunnally, Jed Fisher, Kyle Waterman, Sid Daoud, Wes Walker and Lisa Blank at last Monday’s Council meeting all indicated they planned to attend. Councilor Dustin Leftridge, who was absent from the meeting, said he’d be interested in attending as well, according to Hunter. 

In the lead-up to November’s election, both mayoral hopefuls and those running for Council agreed that the city needed to improve communication with its residents. Daoud, who ultimately lost his mayoral bid, also said he would hold town halls if elected.  

Hunter said he is keeping the event’s format flexible so he can see what works and what doesn’t. He and the other councilors will be out in front of the dais talking with residents, rather than seated behind it.  

Monday’s turnout will help Hunter determine whether residents are interested in this kind of event. He hopes that the opportunity for more back-and-forth dialogue will draw a crowd. 

“We’re going to give it a try, do a few fifth Mondays and see how it goes and see if there’s much attendance,” he said. “There’s certainly a possibility that we’ll have a good turnout.” 

City Manager Jarod Nygren will also be in attendance, according to Hunter.  

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 406-758-4407 or junderhill@dailyinterlake.com. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.