Hot Springs city council members introduce themselves

My name is Karen Evans and I am running for Town Council of the Town of Hot Springs on the South Side.  I moved to Hot Springs in 2004, having lived in Whitefish, Condon, Spokane, Washington, DC, and Lewiston, Idaho.

I was born and raised in Whitefish, Montana, graduating from Whitefish High School and went on to Kinman Business University.  I am a descendant of the Storkson family who moved to Montana in 1915.  I am married to Bob Evans and have one son, Stephen Gheitanchi.

My first paying job was at the age of 14.  I worked in excess of 20 years in law offices, started and ran two small businesses, worked for a world-renown commodity advisor, in real estate as well as currently being a substitute teacher.  I have supervisory experience and have managed a $1 million plus trust account.

Honesty and integrity are of the utmost importance to me. I am always available for your comments and / or concerns.  Just give me a call.  I appreciate the opportunity you have given me to serve you on the council for the last four years.

My name is Mendy Estill and I am running for City Council, Ward 1.  As a Hot Springs resident for 10 years, I am grateful for the services and safety in this town.

My professional background began with two degrees from Montana State University in Biological Sciences and Chemistry.  Now as a salesperson at a wholesale nursery, business know-how was hard-earned outside the classroom in making financial success from agriculture.  I balance budgets with product and services on a daily basis.  Through these experiences, I can offer the town of Hot Springs a green perspective as well as fiscal and operational experience from over a decade in the green industry.

That balance of professional sense and personal investment is essential in meeting the goals of a functional and inviting town.  I can accomplish  these goals through respect for current operational successes, yet having the sight for improvements, eagerness for receiving community input, energy for action and commitment to accountability within the system.

Locally, I have volunteered on the library board and serve as an EMT on the ambulance service.  However, I may be most familiar to the Hot Springs residents as “that jogger.”  I do enjoy jogging and strolling around our quaint town with family and friends.  I encourage you to join me and share your views.

The task at hand is to realize the economic uncertainty is the greatest concern for the Town of Hot Springs.  While this subject is every headline right now, the town certainly has ever-present priorities such as sustained, managed growth and providing municipal services.  However, all priorities must be weighted with reasonableness of success and level of impact.  A balance between short-term, high-impact projects and projects that support long-term planning goals must be reached. 

Current economic conditions have affected each household in Hot Springs in a variety of ways.  As each household struggles to make their resources go further the resulting decisions cause a ripple effect through our town.  Yet, the health of Hot Springs is measured by the exchange between residents and businesses working together to help each other survive.  The purchase of daily necessities locally strengthens the exchange and as a result strengthens Hot Springs.   

To reduce the impact of the economic decline we must focus on local commerce.  Like each household, local government can strengthen local commerce by being efficient…and creative.  You, personally, have already scoured your finances.  Necessity has forced it.  There is “less” now and choices must be made.  The Town of Hot Springs is in the same situation.    

The Town of Hot Springs has already initiated actions to become more efficient.   But more action steps are possible.  And needed.  Again, necessity is forcing action.  Local government and businesses must maximize their current resources and allow residents to contribute.  These actions will preserve our current infrastructure and allow for future growth during better times. My presence on the Council will offer both a fresh perspective on the process of setting priorities as well as a seasoned perspective on realistic changes.          

Fundamentally, we must all act.  First, I ask you to buy locally as much as you are able.  Second, I urge of you to “live locally” as well by participating and volunteering in local projects and events.  

If those running for city council in Plains, Thompson Falls and Hot Springs wish to write a profile on themselves and their candidacy please e-mail articles to Reporter@vp-mi.com.  Please keep articles to 400 words or less.  Contact Reporter Danielle Switalski with questions or comments.