Hot Springs, Montana Candidate's Forum Oct 16, 2025 at the Grange скачать в хорошем качестве

Hot Springs, Montana Candidate's Forum Oct 16, 2025 at the Grange

Out of focus for only about 2 minutes. HOT SPRINGS, MONTANA – TOWN COUNCIL CANDIDATE FORUM Recorded October 16 2025 at the Grange Hall • Moderated by Annie Wooden, Sanders County Ledger Four candidates for the Hot Springs Town Council—Leslee Smith, Jennifer Carr, Mary Whitsett, and Tracy Dyson—met before local voters for a cordial, wide-ranging discussion on town issues, priorities, and community values. Opening & Format: Annie Wooden opened the forum with the Pledge of Allegiance and explained the structure: one-minute introductions, two-minute responses, and a time bell at 15 seconds remaining. Questions were non-targeted, encouraging civility and focus on individual perspectives. Introductions: • Leslee Smith came to Hot Springs in 1996 to purchase the Symes Hot Springs Hotel. A three-term council member and longtime Chamber of Commerce president, she emphasized volunteerism and “common-sense” decision-making. • Jennifer Carr, fifth-generation Hot Springs resident, has worked at the local nursing home since 1992 in nearly every department. Active with youth groups and the combined Lutheran-Presbyterian church, she highlighted deep local roots. • Mary Whitsett traced more than thirty years in the community after living in Colorado and Alberta. She was an early volunteer for Head Start and called herself a “new old-timer” who values knowing nearly everyone in town. • Tracy Dyson moved to town in 2009, calling it a prayerful calling. With experience in property and financial management at Alameda’s Hot Springs, she oversees compliance and staffing and wants to apply those skills in public service. Experience for Council Work: Carr cited her two years on council, bookkeeping modernization, and tribal-relations experience. Whitsett recalled serving from 2016 to 2019, attending the League of Cities and Towns conference at her own expense to better understand municipal operations. Dyson mentioned prior service on the Sanders County Housing Development Board and small-business management as teamwork training. Smith described decades managing the Symes Hotel, service on the planning board, and city-council training seminars. Time Commitment: Whitsett said representation means listening daily to residents beyond meetings. Dyson estimated several extra hours each week for research and preparation. Smith stressed studying every packet and praised community access to meeting videos. Carr said councilors are effectively on call “24/7,” answering questions and working closely with the mayor and staff. Public Involvement: All candidates agreed that engagement is key. Dyson urged neighbor-to-neighbor discussions and informal polling. Smith encouraged citizens to attend or watch meetings, especially on financial projects such as the sewer-lagoon upgrades and annexation. Carr appreciated Zoom access for remote participation. Whitsett lamented fading civic boards and hoped to revive them for greater inclusion. Challenges & Priorities: Smith focused on infrastructure—streets, storm drains, sewer, and moderate growth to broaden the tax base. Carr highlighted beautification, junk-vehicle cleanup, and following through on sidewalk and lagoon projects. Dyson emphasized maintaining core services—water, sewer, police, fire—before launching new ventures, along with town beautification. Needed Services: Carr pointed to missing trades such as plumbers, carpenters, and tow-truck operators. Whitsett emphasized early-childhood education and kindergarten resources for working parents. Dyson echoed the trades shortage, hoping young residents will train locally. Smith called for more housing, daycare, after-school programs, and closer cooperation with the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes. Handling Controversy: Whitsett defined council service as advocacy—presenting residents’ concerns even amid disagreement. Dyson stressed de-escalation, active listening, and empathy. Smith advised citizens to attend meetings and separate rumor from fact. Carr said calm body language and open dialogue resolve most tensions. Budget Outlook: Dyson leaned toward youth and educational support. Smith reported the town in strong financial health but would invest more in streets and police staffing. Carr favored higher pay scales and benefits to attract professionals and maintain quality staff. Whitsett tied budgeting indirectly to youth well-being, proposing a safe social space for teens. Closing Remarks: Smith called for systematic review of town ordinances and zoning updates, noting recent annexation and strong mayor-council cooperation. Carr expressed gratitude for serving and wants ordinances modernized while maintaining progress on infrastructure. Whitsett looked to balanced growth—more permanent housing, fewer short-term rentals, and sustainable population. Dyson said serving the town would be an honor, citing background in mediation, legal research, and community investment.