One Nation, Under God
One Nation, Under God
In the City of Malta, incumbent Mayor Shyla Jones will not seek reelection after her eighth year in office. A five-person primary was held for the position in which John Demarais and Gary Knudsen were the victors and the two will be on the ballots which will be automatically mailed to active electors only of the City of Malta on October 18, 2017.
There are also two Malta City Council positions up for election this year as David Rummel (incumbent) is pitted against Tim Hasler in Ward 9-1 and Bonnie Wiederrick (incumbent) is challenged by Bill Rock in the Ward 9-2.
What follows are the candidates answers to the same set of five questions asked by the PCN.
Malta Mayor
John Demarais vs.
Gary Knudsen
John Demarais
1. What is your motivation for running for office?
1. To help lead the City of Malta into the future, to make sure it continues to be a great place to live.
2. What issues concern you in the position you are running for?
2. As I stated in the first round of questions about issues that are coming to the table these are the swimming pool and aging city equipment.
3. What would you do to see those issues or concerns taken care of?
3. The City Council has made the decision to put the pool to a vote of the citizens. On the issue of aging city equipment, it can be handled thru prudent budgeting.
4. What skills or attributes make you a good candidate for the position?
4. My past experience as a 30-year employee of the City of Malta. I have knowledge of every aspect of the City of Malta infrastructure having worked on it for many years and then overseeing the operation and maintenance of the infrastructure during my time as Public Works Director. In my years as Public Works Director, I have the knowledge of knowing how to put together budgets and keeping within the limits of those budgets.
5. Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader? Maybe someone who has been a mentor to you? Why and how did this person impact your life?
5. There are two people who inspired me in my life. I could list many more things that I learned from them but these are things that I consider the most important. The first one was my dad, Delmer from him I learned to treat people with respect. Think before you act and most importantly think before you speak he told me.
The second person that was a great inspiration to me was my grandfather Hurley Wilson. He taught me to do the job right and be patient. I learned this from him when we were fishing on the banks of the Milk River. When I would cast my pole he would say keep your thumb on the line so it doesn’t backlash. He would then say make sure you do the job right. Then when the line was all tangled up from the backlash he would repeat keep your thumb on the line and take your time and get it untangled so you can get back to fishing I was not allowed to cut line but I had to untangle it and from that I learned patience.
These two men taught me many, many more things about life. Many of these things that I use every day.
Gary Knudsen
1. What is your motivation for running for office?
1. My main motivation to run for the Mayor of Malta is simple -- the chance to work for and serve the citizens of the great City of Malta
2. What issues concern you in the position you are running for?
2. The issues that concerns me are to keep the city in good operating condition whether it be the physical services that Malta offers its citizens, the business community that keeps Malta going and that we need to keep our businesses going so that Malta can survive now and in the future and that the spirit of living in and around Malta is a positive factor that helps bring new people into the area who can quickly experience the reasons of why Malta is a great place to live and raise your families.
3. What would you do to see those issues or concerns taken care of?
3. To work closely with the Malta City Council, city workers, and city residents to find the solutions for any of our current problems and issues and being prepared and plan for any of the future problems of which the city will have to deal with. We need to keep in constant contact with all county, state and federal agencies and be prepared to work with their laws and their requirements and be ready to adapt however at the same time being ready to help change some of those requirements when the opportunity occurs. We need to get the city residents involved in helping solve any problems because you never know who has the answers until we start to ask. Getting everyone to get involved can be hard, in the beginning, however, we must start the “ball” rolling. We still will have some problems of getting our water system working so that everyone is happy and I believe that we are off to a good start with better water pressure,. However, we will always have something that will happen and there will be updates that will need to be planned for, designed and completed. We also need to keep our working relationships going strong with Bear Paw Development since they have some good people that are willing to help us.
4. What skills or attributes make you a good candidate for the position?
4. I believe that I can talk to anyone, listen to almost everyone and that I am NOT afraid to ask questions when I don’t know the answer or when I do know I want to hear answer again so that I know I am going down the right road. I have been a certified residential appraiser since September 1997 and with my job you have to look at many things, many issues, identify any problems or possible problems, deal with homeowners, buyers, renters, banks, city, and county officials and then include those details in your report. I have never worked as a city official or worker, however, I know who I need to talk to get most and in some cases, all my questions answered. I graduated from Malta High School in 1976 and from Montana State University-Bozeman in 1980 with a degree in Agriculture with my studies being Agricultural Economics, Economics and was only three classes short of having my Minor in Accounting which has helped in doing my bookkeeping when I was a farmer and now as an individual business.
5. Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader? Maybe someone who has been a mentor to you? Why and how did this person impact your life?
5. This is a tough question since I have always been fortunate in knowing so many great people in my life and for those, I will meet in the future. My Dad and my father-in-law have given me some of the best advice over the years and even those both of them have been gone for many years I still think about the things they told me. One gentleman who I have always been honored to know is Keith Stine. I had the chance to bowl with the Ben Franklin bowling team until the Malta Bowling Alley burned down and when I got the chance to visit with Keith alone he would always pass on some experience that he knew I could use. Thanks, Keith and thanks to my Dad and Bob, my father-in-law.
Malta Ward 9-1
David Rummel vs. Tim Hasler
David Rummel
1. What is your motivation for running for office?
1. As a fifth-generation resident of Malta / Phillips County, I feel a strong commitment towards Malta and its healthy future. I would like to be a part of ensuring Malta’s future for the next generations.
2. What issues concern you in the position you are running for?
2. I have many concerns, some of which are the aging infrastructure and managing the budget by being fiscally responsible. Other top concerns are the city landfill and swimming pool.
3. What would you do to address these issues and concerns?
3. In my current term, we have been implementing long term plans which include engineering studies and recommendations. Grants are being written and applied for in addition to trying to obtain low-interest loans. In regards to the Malta landfill, I would like it to be more economically feasible for Malta by encouraging Phillips County to utilize the city’s landfill. Due to the increasing difficulty of maintaining a 60-year old swimming pool and meeting state codes, a vote will soon be put to the residents of Malta on whether they want to finance a new pool.
4. What skills or attributes make you a good candidate?
4. I have eight years of experience on the city council and serve as a board director for the Phillips County Historical Society, Phillips County Museum and the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum. The experience and knowledge I have gained from being on the Malta City Council and various Boards include the ability to work within restricted budgets and state and federal regulations. I am able to listen, evaluate issues and work with others on making short and long-term plans for the betterment of Malta.
5. Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader?
5. Some of the earlier lessons I learned were from my godfather Ray Henneman. He taught me that if you gave your word you kept it, and to treat others fairly. As a young adult my step-father, Donnie Hould, taught me the importance of being a good listener, non-judgmental and giving back to the community. He was a quiet leader who led by example and never asked you to do anything he was not willing to do himself.
Tim Hasler
1. What is your motivation for running for office?
1. We definitely need a change and new voice for Malta.
2. What issues concern you in the position you are running for?
2. Any issue that concerns Malta residents.
3. What would you do to see those issues or concerns taken care of?
3. I would discuss issues with the person or people involved and then present it to City Council.
4. What skills or attributes make you a good candidate for the position?
4. The 34 years of experience with the City of Malta. Start ing with throwing garbage cans behind the old manual style trucks then to the Street Department and as well as hands-on jobs working with the water and sewer. I then went back to the Garbage Department before retiring.
5. Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader? Maybe someone who has been a mentor to you? Why and how did this person impact your life?
5. This is a very easy answer: Stan Wombold who taught me about respecting people an also a lot more about work ethics and experience and using common sense and thinking before reacting. Also, Curtis Starr.
Malta Ward 9-2
Bonnie Wiederrick (incumbent) vs. Bill Rock
Bonnie Wiederrick
1. What is your motivation for running for office?
1. I really want to continue to act on behalf of the citizens of Malta. With the election of a new mayor I feel the experience and knowledge I have gained during my time on Council will benefit in the transition of the new mayor and fill in the blanks for the other new council members with less than one term under their belt.
2. What issues concern you in the position you are running for?
2. I would like to see Phillips County and the City of Malta work together and keep County garbage here at the Malta landfill instead of trucking it to Glasgow. Local taxpayer dollars are spent to haul garbage to Glasgow when right here at home there is a licensed landfill capable of meeting the County's needs.
The future of the swimming pool has been a concern of many people, thus making it a concern of mine. The City has put as many bandages on the pool as can possibly be done. With each inspection, we are met with more regulations and requirements, that keeping our existing structure viable is ultimately impossible.
Last, but not least, is being able to continue to afford the residents the amenities they are used to (snow plowed and sanded streets, garbage pickup twice a week, grass containers available, mosquito control, and improved city parks to name a few) without incurring higher costs to the Malta residents.
3. What would you do to see those issues or concerns taken care of?
3. I believe that the County Commissioners and the City Council can come together in agreement that will show benefits to both parties. With commitments from both parties, it could be a win-win situation for all. It truly makes no sense to take money out of the county when it could stay at home.
The pool....a new pool, a refurbished pool, or no pool at all, that's the dilemma, the financing for the first two choices is the biggest question.
After public meetings, the "Hi-Line Future Foundation" was formed as a fundraising organization to help with the pool. At this point, the City is in the process of getting estimates for the cost of a new and/or refurbished pool. I would like to say "no pool" would not be an alternative, but if dollars are not there - the dollars are not there.
The idea of keeping amenities affordable for the city resident - I have only one way of taking care of it. Be frugal and spend wisely. OK that's two.
4. What skills or attributes make you a good candidate for the position?
4. I respect my fellow council members and their opinions. I feel like I'm a team player and have assets that benefit the group. I have an understanding of the budget which is very important as a council member. I would like to think I'm approachable and a good listener. I try my best to represent the residents that have concerning issues.
5. Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader? Maybe someone who has been a mentor to you? Why and how did this person impact your life?
5. No question...My parents. "A job worth doing, is worth doing well" "Don't spend money you don't have" and "CAN'T never did anything". I would like to think I live by these statement from Dad and Mom. I really like my job as a council member and try to do it to the best of my ability. I am very aware that there are no "dollar trees" in our community and sometimes we have to say "no" to things we would like to do. I would think that I would explore every avenue on issues before I would say "we/I can't." Be open-minded and considerate of others.
Bill Rock
1. What is your motivation for running for office?
1. My motivation for running for office is fairly simple. I have been involved with the community in some way for the last 35 years. With my retirement from the Fire Department, I find myself looking for another way to serve the community.
2. What issues concern you in the position you are running for?
2. There are many concerns that need to be addressed. Finding a way to prioritize and work the budget to benefit all in a timely manner is what we all hope to accomplish.
3. What would you do to see those issues or concerns taken care of?
3. I would like to learn more about how the community feels about every issue. These are decisions that affect each and every one of us. I would encourage everyone to attend our public meetings, voice their opinions and held us direct our future.
4. What skills or attributes make you a good candidate for the position?
4. In my 35 years of being a member of the Fire Department, 14 of those years were as the City Fire Chief. I feel that I have gained leadership, motivational and educational skills in my years of serving the City of Malta and Phillips County. I also served on the Board of Directors for the first three years of PCMS from 2006-09. I currently am on the Board of Directors for Phillips County Farm Bureau and the Phillips County Livestock Association.
5. Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader? Maybe someone who has been a mentor to you? Why and how did this person impact your life?
5. My father was instrumental in my desire to be a productive and conscientious member of my community. He taught me that “if you are not willing to help solve the problem then you don’t have a right to complain.”
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