Candidate forum draws a crowd

By Jen Clancey and Jack Reaney

Ahead of the May 7 deadline for mail-in ballots for local elections, 14 candidates for Big Sky’s local special purpose districts took to the stage at The Waypoint on Tuesday evening to explain why they’re running.

The crowd of public attendees filled the main theater, with a handful more perched on stairs. The forum was organized by the Big Sky Resort Area District, and BSRAD Executive Director Daniel Bierschwale was thrilled by attendance and the number of registered candidates. 

“Holy smokes, what a transition from the last election to have so many active and engaged community members running for all these board seats,” Bierschwale told EBS after the forum. “Not only seeing the engagement from our community, wanting to become a public servant and serve on these boards, but also the community at large that’s interested in making the right decision.”

The forum was live-streamed on YouTube, and remains available for those who could not attend. Time-stamped recordings of each candidate group and their discussion topics are linked in the text below. 

The forum was moderated by Lori Addicks, community member and CEO and president of Larkspur Group. Candidates for each district answered two questions inspired by online submissions from the Big Sky community. 

An oversized blue hourglass brought some humor, but also helped candidates keep responses under three minutes. Candidates were given questions to prepare for the event ahead of time.

“What I was most pleased with was that we had good attendance, because that made the effort the candidates went through to be here, to present, worthwhile,” Addicks said after the event. Some candidates for the Ennis School District board even took on the journey from Ennis via Jack Creek Road. 

“I’m really pleased that the candidates represented their perspectives so well,” Addicks said. “I felt like every one of them came through in terms of their passion and why they want to be a part in it.”

She explained that it’s hard to vote for only a few candidates from the lineups. “But that’s a good problem to have.”

School board candidates identify challenges, goals

The Big Sky School District board candidates began with all four candidates on stage. Two seats are available. 

John McGuire, Matt Jennings (seeking reelection), Danielle McClain and Maren Dunn each provided answers to two questions. 

First, they explained why they wish to serve on the school district board, and what they hope to accomplish in their three-year term. 

Later, they gave their perspectives on the biggest challenges facing the school district, and how they plan to address those challenges. 

While candidates celebrated aspects of the school system in Big Sky, such as facilities that allow students to embrace a vast array of educational pursuits, the candidates also repeated concerns about staffing, affordability for teachers and maintaining enrollment after a COVID-related spike. Candidates offered their plans to meet these issues during their term. 

The audience applauded respectfully with each response, and after 26 minutes, the Big Sky Resort Area District (Resort Tax) candidates took the stage. 

BSRAD candidates share expertise, local experience

Four of the five candidates for the BSRAD board attended the forum, with three seats up for election. 

Grace Young (seeking reelection), John Zirkle, Kevin Germain (seeking reelection), and Laura Seyfang were present. Landon Weight was not able to attend, but Addicks read his written responses to each question. 

First, each described how their knowledge, expertise and perspectives make them a good candidate. 

Next, candidates were asked to provide an example of how they’ve worked with community partners to achieve a beneficial outcome for Big Sky. 

Candidates noted that despite ongoing growth in Big Sky, the area remains a small community at its core. Candidates spoke about goals of supporting the year-round community while being prepared for Big Sky’s development. 

Water and sewer candidates discuss motivations, goals and perceived challenges

After a 10-minute intermission, three of the four candidates for the Big Sky County Water and Sewer District board took their turn. 

Mike Wilcynski (seeking reelection), Dick Fast (seeking reelection) and Jerad Biggerstaff attended. Kent Volosin did not attend, and did not provide written responses to Addicks. 

First, the candidates explained why they wish to serve, and what they hope to accomplish in their four-year term. 

Next, they spoke to the biggest challenges related to Big Sky water and sewer, and how they will address them.  

Water and sewer candidates spoke about milestones like the completion of the new, $50 million wastewater resource recovery facility. They also reminded the community that proper management of Big Sky’s resources will ensure a more environmentally-friendly and water-secure future. 

Ennis School District board candidates address future of school system and relationship between Big Sky and Ennis

Finally, three of the six candidates for Ennis School District answered one question each. 

Kyle Stone (seeking reelection), Neal Zucker and Dino Fanelli (seeking reelection) were present, and Justin Lee Stoner provided his written answer. Levi Chandler and Dustin Pederson did not provide answers. 

They were asked about the biggest challenges facing the Ennis School District, and how they plan to factor in all residents of Ennis and Big Sky (Madison County) while exploring solutions during their three-year term.  

Candidates hoped that their presence would help educate local voters about current affairs in the Ennis School District. They pointed out solution-minded thinking about affordability for teachers, funding sources outside of the state and doing what’s best for the students. 

Madison Valley Hospital District candidates offer joint statement

Two candidates ran uncontested for two seats on the Madison Valley Hospital District board, and their names will not appear on Madison County ballots. Bryant Harp and Mary G. Oliver submitted a joint statement that Addicks read at the forum addressing the district’s benefits to Big Sky’s Madison County residents in light of Big Sky’s recent and ongoing attempt to withdraw and form a Big Sky Wellness District. The statement assured Big Sky residents that their hospital district is committed to providing health and wellness services to the community and looks toward the hospital’s expansion.

“The district looks forward to hearing from, and working with stakeholders, in the Big Sky community,” they wrote. “… Our goal is to preserve the existing hospital district boundary, and work with healthcare providers and others in Big Sky to significantly expand health and wellness services.”

More information about the upcoming election and candidates running can be found in Explore Big Sky’s Local Election Preview.