Malta Mayor candidates Q&A

Ballots for the primary election allowing City of Malta voters to whittle a field of four mayoral candidates down to two hit mailboxes last Wednesday ahead of the September 12 deadline to return the mail-in only ballots.

Current Malta Mayor Shyla Jones announced earlier this year that she would not seek a third term and Malta residents Kathleen Bohn-Bagley, John Demarais, Edward A. Haver IV, and Gary Knudsen are seeking to fill the vacancy (candidate Chris Judd withdrew from the election and he explains below:

"Due to circumstances out of my control, I regrettably had to withdraw my name from the running in the mayoral election. I can’t thank the people of Malta enough for the welcoming of our family and allowing us to be a part of your community. Sarah and I are grateful for the kindness and support we have received and I am truly sorry to those I have disappointed. I wish all of the candidates the best of luck and hope and pray for the health, safety and prosperity for the members of this great community," Judd told the PCN.

The Phillips County News submitted the same list of five questions to each of the candidates and asked them to not exceed 200 words with their answers. What follows are their answers, listed by candidate in the order they were returned.

Kathleen Bohn-Bagley

1. Are there any changes you plan to make as Mayor that the City of Malta's current administration is not doing? If so, what? If not, why not?

As a person with experience in administration, nonprofit, community revitalization and someone who doesn't consider themselves a politician, I will approach being Mayor from three different perspectives. First, the City administration needs to be concerned with community development. You cannot administer funds without considering all the resources and partnerships available and how they will best be used. Second, consider the city budget. I believe that there are places where we are underfunded. We have been putting out fires and not been able to adequately address standard items. By partnering with our Economic development organizations and nonprofit organizations, we could bring a newer look and perspective to the city while addressing our financial issues. Third, change the attitudes about people deserving assistance from the city. At a recent meeting, I heard the plight of a senior citizen and the comment was made that if we help one we would have to help all. I think there should be the latitude for a case by case review of individual needs when someone requests assistance.

2. What do you think are some of the bigger issues and concerns the City of Malta currently face and will face in the near future?

In speaking with our current mayor, the biggest concern that arose was the sewer system issues. We are currently undergoing a significant financial project replacing our water system. I would want to look at the review done of the sewer system and see what recommendations have been made for its replacement, the timeframe involved, and the budget impact. Another larger concern is our job market and our inability to bring new business into our city. The third large concern is economic development in the commercial development sector. We are facing the need to finish the Superfund project at the old airport and the discussion is revolving around needing to sell property to have enough funds to finish our paperwork. Our community needs another source of income and jobs by being able to invite a significant industry/business into our community. This effort must be accomplished with a healthy relationship with Phillco Economic Growth Council and their plans in this area as well as our partners at Triangle Communications and Bear Paw Development.

3. How important do you think it is to continue with intrastate updates like the current water project?

It is extremely important to keep our communities updated in infrastructure to sustain any kind of current status or future growth. We must look at our population and their needs first. If we don't meet those needs, then we will not have a sustainable community as people will move away because of the lack of services. We are already having a problem keeping our younger generation at home because of the lack of jobs. Although some of the twenty and thirty age group are returning, it isn't enough to make a significant difference in the increase of jobs or growth of business. They return to ranches, which are extremely important for our agricultural industry but does nothing to grow our business and industry districts. Our partnership with Triangle Communications and Bear Paw could help us mine the technology market for business and jobs.

4. The city has been receiving many complaints about speeding on streets as well as safety concerns. The current city administration has installed speed bumps in some areas to try to help with the issue. What do you see as a solution for the problem?

I believe that we need more community outreach programs. Between the issues with drugs and the disregard for safety, we have some serious issues that we need to counsel our population. Advertising campaigns in the newspapers and as mailers have been good ways of reminding people that we have a great population of children that they are responsible of caring for as adults, not to mention taking care of themselves. I believe the speed bumps that have been installed may be inadequate in size and how they meet the curb. Building them larger could be a solution. We should also install a sign near each bump reminding people there is a bump. Those signs will hopefully remind them that they are not to be going beyond the speed limit. A review of the installation of stop signs at high risk intersections could also be considered. When people are anticipating a stop sign, they are less likely to speed, unless they intend to go through the stop sign, which is another issue.

5. How do you plan to learn the ins and outs of being mayor and leading the City of Malta?

Being able to review the meeting minutes of the past meetings has been a great source of information on how the Mayor, Council, and Clerk have worked together and where there could be improvement. Attending city council meetings shows me the flow of work. I would ask for one on one conversation with each Council member and Clerk to get a sense for their ideas of what and how concerns have been and should be addressed going forward. This would allow us to address any conflicts and to build mutual respect and trust. I know the council and the administrators of the City Office seek out and attend workshops and I want to build my knowledge in that way also. I believe in not recreating the wheel and seeing where great ideas are already being used in other communities can help us. I would keep an open-door policy of listening to our community and holding town hall meetings to allow residents to give input to me and the council. I would take advantage of all legal, financial and educational resources and seek out information to fill the gaps. I am aware of and can use the Montana Annotated Code System.

John Demarais

1. Are there any changes you plan to make as Mayor that the City of Malta's current administration is not doing? If so, what? If not, why not?

I would not make any changes right away. I think any change requires a look at all options that are available. Getting feedback from the public is very important. Discussions with the City Council on any area of concerns they have. I would sit down with the department heads and the employees of the City of Malta and see what changes need to be made.

2. What do you think are some of the bigger issues and concerns the City of Malta currently face and will face in the near future?

The swimming pool is an area that has to be addressed. City equipment that needs to be replaced due to age. Some of the landfill equipment is nearing the end of its life. The street sweeper is starting to get age on it. The roof on the small water tank needs some attention.

3. How important do you think it is to continue with intrastate updates like the current water project?

The City has to keep its infrastructure updated. From my past experience with the infrastructure of the city it is in pretty good shape. The past lagoon update and lift station update and replacements have put that part of the sewer in good shape. When the water project is complete that will be a great asset to our City

4. The city has been receiving many complaints about speeding on streets as well as safety concerns. The current city administration has installed speed bumps in some areas to try to help with the issue. What do you see as a solution for the problem?

I visited with Sheriff Moran. He stated they will set up target areas when there is complaints. Try to get as much information about the speeder and turn it into law enforcement. This is a start to try and curb the problem. Don't just post in on social media or tell your neighbor. File a complaint let's see if this plan will work out.

5. How do you plan to learn the ins and outs of being mayor and leading the City of Malta?

The Montana League of Cities and Towns puts on training for new mayors and council persons. I would be attending these training sessions to help guide me through the process of keeping the City running smooth. I would also use the experience I gained during the 14 years of being public works director, during which time I attended city council meetings, prepared budgets, and oversaw the operation of the public works in the City.

Gary Knudsen

1. Are there any changes you plan to make as Mayor that the City of Malta's current administration is not doing? If so, what? If not, why not?

I have no current changes that I plan to make dealing with what the current administration is not doing. If I am elected mayor the first thing I will need to do is get current on all city departments and then make sure that the water project is completed and operating efficiently as possible. The current administration has many projects they are working on and they need to be in working order before anything new is started or otherwise the City may end up with more problems than they think they have now.

2. What do you think are some of the bigger issues and concerns the City of Malta currently face and will face in the near future?

The City of Malta will always have issues with the water, sewer, garbage, streets and these are normal occurrences and the weather along with local, county, state federal laws that can make things very interesting however we as a small city must always try to stay ahead of the "game" and I feel that we have many citizens who can help solve these issues by coming forward and giving us their ideas. The City also needs to keep law enforcement and the fire department up to date so that they can follow all the requirements that are mandated to them whether we like them or not and what these requirements can costs us in time and money.

3. How important do you think it is to continue with intrastate updates like the current water project?

This is a very easy question to answer since the City of Malta does not have any other choice but to continue infrastructure updates like the current water project otherwise Malta could no longer be a city and a great place to live. Just think that if every house would have to have its own well and septic systems – wouldn't that be something to imagine about having to be current on all the laws and other requirements that state and federal laws dump on us. The intentions are there but where is the common sense?

4. The city has been receiving many complaints about speeding on streets as well as safety concerns. The current city administration has installed speed bumps in some areas to try to help with the issue. What do you see as a solution for the problem?

The City of Malta needs to visit with the Phillips County Sheriff Department and see what can be done and if needs be - start writing more speeding tickets and increase the fines.

5. How do you plan to learn the ins and outs of being mayor and leading the City of Malta?

One positive factor about Malta is that most everybody knows almost everybody else and that includes our city government and if they don't it is easier to improve on that than if we were the size of Great Falls or Billings. I have been going to the regular city meetings and all the budget meetings to get a better hold on how Malta operates and the current Mayor and City Council have been good on trying to educate me on "ins and outs" however this is only the beginning. I have known all the present City Council members for decades and almost all of those who are running for the different positions so it is easy to talk to any of them. Running the City of Malta is a team effort.

Edward A. Haver IV

1. Are there any changes you plan to make as Mayor that the City of Malta's current administration is not doing? If so, what? If not, why not?

Two topics that come to mind quickly are related to building and property restrictions and communication between city officials and residents. When it comes to a residents' property interacting with city property, I feel it would be a good thing to work with residents as much as possible. There is no reason to treat every single situation as the exact same when it doesn't take long to build a list of pros and cons to a situation and analyze a reasonable outcome through common sense. Unless someone's property is causing a life or death hazard or crime against humanity, I feel residents should be able to do what they want to enjoy their living situation in the city of Malta. Another beneficial change may be to utilize how fast information can move these days with proper, efficient communication. Gathering information on issues that should be decided by residents would not be difficult to organize. For example if we wanted to find out whether or not the townspeople want to continue having a pool. The city has currently taken one year to act like we weren't sure whether or not anyone in town wants a pool.

2. What do you think are some of the bigger issues and concerns the City of Malta currently face and will face in the near future?

Big issues are of course ones that affect people on a regional and national scale. Supplying everyone with fresh water and a source for sewer is quite an undertaking not to mention what to do with all the trash people produce. There are always the big issues of infrastructure which we see cities across the nation dealing with on the news every day. One thing I know for sure is every other city usually manages to supply all these amenities plus provide some attractive features to retain and bring in new residents. Most of the time all it takes to feel like the town you live in is not ordinary, but extraordinary, is that little extra time and effort from groups of motivated residents. I have seen people in Malta doing great things lately with great intentions. I would love the opportunity to team up with the talented and driven individuals of this town to brainstorm ideas that will keep Malta growing, so all residents can feel the benefits.

3. How important do you think it is to continue with intrastate updates like the current water project?

As I mentioned in the last question I do feel infrastructure is a big concern and of course I would like to continue updates in the best way possible. Utilizing resources of knowledge and past experience would be the key I would focus on for these types of projects to maximize efficiency. If there is someone in town with knowledge to help on a project, I would be happy to call them, if not I will talk to other towns of a similar size in Montana until I find answers. There would be no major project that we just dive into without knowing this is a crew we can count on who did a good job at this location we have spoken with. There is no point in doing a major project without utilizing resources to ensure a difficult situation goes as smoothly as possible for all sides. Minimizing potential problems maximizes quality results. With infrastructure your main focus should always be quality and quality is always worth the cost.

4. The city has been receiving many complaints about speeding on streets as well as safety concerns. The current city administration has installed speed bumps in some areas to try to help with the issue. What do you see as a solution for the problem?

Increase fines for problems like this related to choices between right and wrong. Littering, speeding, you name it, it's a choice. You want to endanger other peoples' kids and pets by speeding through a neighborhood, you will pay for it. It will be enough that you will not find it worth your time to do it again. If I don't have the power to change the amount for a fine I will continually call and negotiate with the county official who is. Of course common sense must be incorporated for an extreme fine. No one will be fined for accidentally littering and I know you can't accidentally speed through a neighborhood here in Malta without noticing. Putting in more street signs at intersections of course would help to yield or stop. This is an idea I brought up at a city council meeting in 2007 when I was the city pool manager but I was told by the public works director at the time that no one would obey them anyway.

5. How do you plan to learn the ins and outs of being mayor and leading the City of Malta?

By studying from and communicating with great people who have already solved any problem we need to tackle. The best knowledge is gained through experience and we live in a time where people have already accomplished almost every goal Malta could come up with. No matter what it is someone has probably already solved that issue for their city somehow somewhere and probably closer than we think. All it takes is some time to look for the answers, and I am all about using any resource I can to come up with the best solutions to problems presented to me. I would lead the city with an open mind, disgust for crime, with new and old ideas from the test of time.