Candidates talk jobs and stimulation

The West End commissioner seat is up for election this November and residents had the chance to listen to the two candidates at a forum last week.

Roman Zylawy, Republican, expressed that he wants residents in the county to be able to have good jobs and to have the opportunity to prosper. He walked residents through his jobs that he had held before becoming a highway patrol man. They included mowing lawns, driving trucks, working on offshore platforms in Alaska and logging. Zylawy described it as “grunt labor” and said that he has respect for the working man. He noted that this was the labor that the country was built around and within the county it has essentially vanished.

“It scares me to think we could lose Tricon Mill...I’m concerned about this county,” Zylawy said. “I just want to bring a strong voice and see if we can get some help in this county...we’re going to need some help to sustain us.”

Democrat Normal Brovold said that he began attending meetings last year and has come to have a good understanding of the issues facing the county.

“I decided to run so that I could have the opportunity as a local government official to address some of these issues affecting us,” Brovold said.

Brovold said there is so much happening at different levels from housing to caring for county property. He noted in his opening statements that everyone needs to work together to manage the county government and business efficiently to eliminate waste of tax dollars.

“They need to be spent building a future for the county,” Brovold said.

Brovold said that the county is going to need to start being proactive rather than reactive to the situations around them. He said that they need to take the time to research and know the issues. He added that he would remain open minded and hear both sides of an issue before making decisions.

Zylawy said that he believes that building relationships with the different government entities within the county is going to be vital. He said the county needs to appeal to other agencies higher than the level of local government as decisions that are affecting the county aren’t being made at a local level.

“We’ve lost the ability to make decisions locally...concepts are being pushed on us and the people don’t understand what happens here,” Zylawy said. “We really need to get better communication and get these people to understand.”

Outside of their opening statements, candidates for the West End seat answered questions from audience members. Both stated they would be in favor of supporting local fire chiefs as they try to obtain new equipment.

“We need the services and protection throughout the county,” Brovold said.

Zylawy noted that he is for all the help the county can get in the form of free equipment for the stations. He said that, however, it has to be in accordance with the controlled access highway.

“I’m not big on showing off what I can do. I don’t care about that. We need to work as a team here,” Zylawy said.

One of the interesting questions posed at the forum was whether or not the candidates would consider a county-wide dog ordinance with St. Regis being unincorporated. Brovold said that he felt that he would support a county-wide dog ordinance.

“I think there needs to be some kind of restrictions and accountability for people with pets,” Brovold expressed. “Pets have to be kept under control—not hurting people or damaging other’s property.”

Zylawy said that if the question was referring to putting some sort of leash-law in place that it was a bit extreme.

“This is Montana. People like to have their dogs trotting along behind them whether they’re on a horse or mowing the hayfields,” Zylawy said. “However, I certainly think that there needs to be an aggressive dog resolution or ordinance in the county for aggressive dogs. Owners of those dogs need to take extra precautions. There’s a difference between a poodle running around and a pit bull....and when we do have an aggressive dog problem there has to be something in place.”

The county airport also popped up in the forum when a question from the audience asked candidates if they would support it.

“I feel there are lots of benefits to having an airport such as people being able to fly in to do business,” Brovold said. “It’s in good shape. People can fly in to hunt and fish...I think its sad where it’s located. I’d like to see it get bigger and to a point where maybe small jets could fly in and people could spend the day.”

Zylawy also felt that the airport was important and also saw it as an opportunity for the county. He said that though it might be a pipedream at the moment he’d like to see it expanded and later have UPS or FedEx use part of it as a docking station.

“It’s a good thing to have,” Zylawy said.

In his closing statements, Brovold touched on the time he’s spent in Mineral County owning and operating his own business. He said that he is looking forward to serving the residents of the county if elected. He said that he’d like to see more work in the county and believes that his problem solving abilities would help him along if he were to step into the position.

“I have the time to dedicate to this job and I’m going to give 110 percent,” Brovold said.

Zylawy ended the forum stating that he is prepared to fight hard. He said he wants to see substantial work for residents and that he’s willing to give it a try.