Name: Dana West
Occupation: Elementary Counselor
Educational background:
Bachelor of arts in history/political science and English in secondary education from the University of Montana in Missoula; master of arts in counseling and development from Montana State University-Northern
Favorite TV show: CNN and HGTV
Favorite book:
"Winter Wheat" by Mildred Walker
What makes you more qualified than your opponent?
Twenty-one years of teaching the topic of government and current events, combined with two years of Havre City Council experience, gives me an excellent base of knowledge for this position. Also, I have committed a lot of time to my community. I have decorated for the community Thanksgiving dinner, raised funds for the safe house, helped with the Jaycee haunted house, timed runners at track meets, cantered at St. Jude's Church, kept score at the Havre Chamber's recent three-on-three basketball tournament, etc. In short, I have always volunteered time for my community, which indicates that I will dedicate the hours necessary to do a good job on the council.
Please identify the top two problems faced by Havre and explain your proposed solution(s).
The number one problem at this time I would have to say is security. Safe neighborhoods and schools have to be our number one concern. The current situation with terrorism adds to this concern, even though Havre is not a primary target. It is essential that city leaders become informed and prepared for whatever lies ahead. The primary solution is to have informed officials who have the ability to think clearly, calmly and quickly in whatever situations that may or may not arise.
The second main problem would have to be economic development. As Havre and eastern Montana, in general, face more and more economic slowdowns, it is essential that we have united political leadership for eastern Montana in Helena. We must not let partisanship blind-side us and fight tax laws that will shift a higher burden on our area. Next, we must make cooperation between the city council, the Chamber of Commerce, the mayor's office, and Bear Paw Development Corp. the best that it can be. Since Bear Paw Development is the main arm of economic development for the city of Havre, we need to make people more aware of its services. We need to promote our city.
Do you support the proposed widening of Highway 2 to four lanes? Why or why not?
Of course, I'd love to have a four-lane highway through Havre. I think Osama bin Laden took our highway, however.
Do you support the Chamber of Commerce's current plans to build a town square park? Why or why not?
I salute the Chamber's efforts at downtown revitalization, but have concern for the parking limits it may impose. I have been happy to read about the efforts to find a solution that have been reported in the Havre Daily News. I hope these efforts continue.
What do you think the city should do, if anything, to help the financially strapped Heritage Center?
Unless you are on the inside, you can't really know what longterm solutions might be considered for the center. We should all be aware of how central a good museum is to tourism. Look at how much the Museum of the Rockies has done for Bozeman. The city has done its part on bringing the Heritage Center in for economic development purposes, and now its up to us citizens to support it. (Don't send all your money to New York or Glasgow for 4 for 2; send some to the Heritage Center.)
Name: R. Cameron Worstell
Occupation: I am a faculty member at MSU-Northern and along with my wife, are local business people.
Educational background: I am a graduate of Great Falls High School, Northern Montana College and have attended numerous technical and continuing education courses.
Favorite TV show: Fox News Network, CNN and "A&E Biography."
Favorite book: I enjoy reading various inspirational and motivational writings.
What makes you more qualified than your opponent?
I have been a longtime supporter of Havre and have concern for its future and well-being. I have some experience in working with civic-minded groups as a member and past president of the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce and the Havre Lions Club. I have attended almost all recent council and committee meetings and feel I am reasonably "up to speed" on current city business. For years I have attended any economic development meeting and conferences that I could possibly fit into my schedule. Local economic development has been and will remain my "special interest." I have also participated in various faculty, student and professional organizations and understand the committee structure and their responsibilities. I hope to provide an open communication link between Ward 1 residents and city hall. I feel I have the ability to make hard decisions based on listening to all sides of an issue. I know the other ward council candidates and continuing council members and I feel I would be able to work with them as a team.
Please identify the top two problems faced by Havre and explain your proposed solution(s).
Problem No. 1 and solution: The biggest concern that faces Havre, as I see it, is the declining population and the resulting negative economic impact it has on our community. We all see the lost jobs, vacant buildings, stores, schools, dormitories and homes. That should give us all concern. I feel we need to capitalize on our existing strengths to maintain and prosper. Specifically, those strengths are our people and current broad and diverse economic base. There are many other communities that would love to have some of our resources. I would suggest that we, as individual citizens, do all we can to promote, support and expand our base industries including agriculture, railroad, educational institutions, health care facilities, oil and gas exploration and development, the reservation and existing businesses. As individuals, suggest to your friends and family, as a new friend recently noted, to "return home" to work in these industries. Remind them of the quality of life that Havre has to offer. At the same time, the city government, Chamber of Commerce and Bear Paw Development need to continue to pursue new opportunities as they arise. Remember, it's the hope and dreams that help drive individuals and communities. Another example to improve our economy "right now" is to help recruit students to Northern. It can be a win, win, win situation.
Problem No. 2 and solution: The second and related problem that city government will need to deal with is the budget. The declining tax base, along with increasing utility expenses and the responsibility of maintaining city services, the council will be required to study and react to the possibility that the city budget may not be able to increase at the necessary rate. In 1997/98, the city's total budget, including enterprise operations, was approximately $8.6 million compared to $11.6 million in 2000/2001. This is a substantial increase. The city water operations in 2000/01 budgeted approximately $884,700. The 2001/02 budget is approximately $1,305,000, up a significant 47%. The source for the above information is available at the City/County Library. The solution to the above is to elect people who believe in and want positive economical, efficient growth and are willing to share their time and talents and city information with other community members. Those who will press to broaden the tax base and maximize Havre's potential without unnecessary tax burdens for current and future residents and businesses.
Do you support the proposed widening of Highway 2 to four lanes? Why or why not?
Yes. The widening of Highway 2 would enhance safety and commerce along the Hi-Line. The recent endorsement by the city council helps send the message to our governor and congressmen that the city of Havre does indeed support 4 for 2 and that the Hi-Line is strongly unified.
Do you support the Chamber of Commerce's current plans to build a town square park? Why or why not?
I applaud the efforts of the volunteers and donors that have put forth the effort to enhance the downtown area and I encourage their continuing efforts. My personal philosophy is to not sacrifice practicality for aesthetics. I can, however, envision a compromised approach where most or all existing parking is retained and still develop a modest, attractive and inviting community vocal point. The bottom line is that the land is privately owned and the owner's wishes should be honored. I am reminded of the co-operation that prevailed when Burlington Northern and their supporters improved Main Street in front of the depot and the fine work the Great Northern Inn, Pioneer Village and others did to improve the aast entrance to our city. The highway department's work on our west entrance is also to be applauded.
What do you think the city should do, if anything, to help the financially strapped Heritage Center?
The City Budget Summary for 2001/02 lists $20,809 (up $1,000 from last year) to be available for the Heritage Center. A recent letter to the city from Bear Paw Development states that a new roof with CTEP funding is pending and of course, the city helped facilitate the acquisition of the building originally. I commend the Clack Family Foundation, numerous volunteers and, as I recall, the Havre Jaycees that originally proposed the museum. I feel that community spirit needs to continue. The city may need to back away from any additional financial commitments that are not essential to public safety and services. For example, the pending problems with the water plant improvements and operations may be of a higher priority that will require city resources.
