Community News
Local Election Preview: Meet the candidates
EBS STAFF
Until May 7, voters in the Big Sky community will submit mail-in ballots to decide numerous volunteer leadership positions for local special purpose districts. The various local districts across Gallatin and Madison counties include school, fire, water and sewer, and the Big Sky Resort Area District (Resort Tax).
On Tuesday, April 23, BSRAD has organized a candidate forum event at The Waypoint. The event will begin at 5 p.m. with a meet and greet, followed by a moderated forum at 6.
Big Sky Resort Area District
Five candidates for three seats—four-year term
Kevin Germain
Relevant involvement(s) in Big Sky community: Currently on the boards of Big Sky Resort Area District, Eagle Mount and Moonlight Community Foundation. Formerly on the boards of the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce, Mountain Parks and Trails District and Bear Smart Big Sky. Fifteen-year volunteer with the Winter Special Olympics, volunteer for trails day, Eagle Mount and Friendsgiving.
Reason for running for this position: I am deeply committed to assisting Big Sky to be a thriving, inclusive community. My focus lies on ensuring accessible housing, affordable childcare, enhanced transportation, and comprehensive wellness programs, including mental health. I am dedicated to preserving our natural resources and advocating for our community with our state and counties. I hope to nurture an environment where generations can prosper, raise families and cherish our natural resources, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for all.
Laura Seyfang
Relevant involvement(s) in Big Sky community: Founding Executive Director of Big Sky Community Housing Trust, active Big Sky Rotarian for seven years, board member with All Saints Church, leader of Seasonal Worker Community Support Group.
Reason for running for this position: My past careers have taught me to be a problem solver. As an engineer and past automotive plant manager, I tend to analyze situations then take prompt action. Having held several nonprofit leadership roles in Big Sky, I understand our community dynamics and the importance of allocating Resort Tax funds responsibly. Through this Board position, I aim to support collaboration across organizations to resolve our challenges as we continue to grow.
Landon Weight
Relevant involvement(s) in Big Sky community: Has worked in hospitality over 13 years and spent the past two years with Montage as Director of Finance. Landon has two young children in the Big Sky School District and his wife serves as an RN at Big Sky Medical Center.
Reason for running for this position: With an education and background in accounting, I would love to put my knowledge and experience towards the betterment of those that call Big Sky home. After more than a decade of traveling in the hospitality industry, my family and I have always wanted to live in Montana and jumped at the opportunity to be a part of this community. As Utah natives, we thrive in this mountainous environment and seek to contribute toward its future.
Grace D. Young
Relevant involvement(s) in Big Sky community: 22-year full-time resident, WIA founding board member 2004 – 2014, South Fork Phase 1 HOA board member since 2005, small business owner since 2014, BSRAD board member since 2020; BSRAD representative on Elevate Big Sky, Reserve Strategies subcommittee, Transit and Transportation subcommittee.
Reason for running for this position: I have enjoyed bringing my perspective as a long-time resident, local employee and small business owner to the BSRAD decision-making process. During my tenure, I am most proud of my work in securing 24-hour police coverage for Big Sky and initiating 3-year contracts with our government entities. I look forward to continuing to serve on the BSRAD board and ask for your vote again so I can continue to represent the residents of Big Sky.
John Zirkle
Relevant involvement(s) in Big Sky community: Teacher at the Big Sky School District and Director of the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center.
Reason for running for this position: I am running for a seat on the Resort Tax Board as a representative from the school and nonprofit community in Big Sky. I’ve lived and worked in Big Sky since 2009, and I am a strong believer in the power of a thriving community. If I am elected, my primary focus will be on leveraging partnerships between public and private sectors to tackle the big challenges surrounding livability in Big Sky.
Big Sky County Water and Sewer District
Four candidates for three seats—four-year term
Jerad Biggerstaff
Relevant involvement(s) in Big Sky community: Local builder and owner of Biggerstaff Construction, licensed realtor, serves on the Gallatin Gateway/Big Sky Zoning Advisory Committee, grew up in Big Sky and has been a community member for over 40 years.
Reason for running for this position: I am proud to be from Big Sky and want to support its healthy growth. I believe that the Big Sky County Water and Sewer District Board is a vital part of the future of this community.
Richard (Dick) Fast
Relevant involvement(s) in Big Sky community: Veteran of the U.S. Air Force and retired from active duty as a Colonel, moved to Big Sky in May 2000 and has lived here since, taught skiing with Big Sky Snowsports School through March 2020, organized and was President of Aspen Groves Owners Association for 12 years, elected member of Big Sky County Water and Sewer District Board for last 20 years.
Reason for running for this position: I have served on the Big Sky County Water and Sewer District Board of Directors for the last 20 years, both as Secretary and Treasurer. My focus on the Board has been to represent our customers and ratepayers and to ensure that development in Big Sky reflects and respects our water resources and disposal capabilities. Protecting the environment we enjoy here is paramount and will continue to be my primary goal if reelected this year.
Kent Volosin, MD
Relevant involvement(s) in the Big Sky community: Currently on the board of Aspen Groves Owners Association and a member of Big Sky Search and Rescue, has spent years on the board of BSOA, and the Shoshone Owners Association and still active on the BSOA advisory board.
Reason for running for this position: I have been a Big Sky owner since 2003. I live currently in Aspen Groves with my wife. In a previous life I was a marine biologist studying the effects of discharge effluent on freshwater marine life. I also care significantly about proper and fair use of our freshwater resources. I firmly believe that strategic planning will allow for appropriate resource conservation management. We should manage capital improvements with fiducial responsibility and community involvement.
Mike Wilcynski
Relevant involvement(s) in Big Sky community: Currently serves on the Big Sky County Water and Sewer District Board, and works as general manager of Moonlight Basin. Mike’s wife Jenny, daughters Josie and Maddie, have been full-time residents of the Big Sky community for 20-plus years.
Reason for running for this position: I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the BSCWSD board. The district is constantly evolving: new leadership, new treatment facility, we have more tools in our arsenal for water and wastewater management, and talent that can position us as a regional leader in this space. I believe my background and institutional knowledge can benefit the district as we enter a new chapter of managing these resources.
Big Sky School District
Four candidates for two seats—four year term
Matt Kidd (candidacy withdrawn)
Reason for withdrawal: Given the other highly qualified candidates who have chosen to pursue serving on the school board, I have withdrawn my candidacy. I was willing to serve on the board if there was limited interest, but my intention was never to campaign against others who are engaged to help the future of our school and our community. I remain willing to help the school and the board members in any way possible and I wish all the current candidates well in their pursuits.
Maren Dunn
Relevant involvement(s) in Big Sky community: Worked at the Medical Clinic of Big Sky periodically from 2004 to 2008. Moved to Big Sky and opened Gallatin Valley Medicine, her private medical practice, in 2011. Moved to the Big Sky Medical center when it opened in 2015 and continues to work there. Served nine years on Morningstar Learning Center board: three as president and one as VP. Parent to a fourth grade Ophir Miner.
Reason for running for this position: Watching Big Sky children and BSSD grow has been impressive. I’d like to continue to put our children on the educational map with children from big cities. While on the MLC board, I learned the complexities of childhood learning and its diverse needs—especially staffing. I see hiring and retaining teachers through improved pay and housing as paramount, along with new educational opportunities in the STEAM building and growth of extracurricular activities.
Matt Jennings
Relevant involvement(s) in Big Sky community: BSSEF board member, NICA team founder and coach for Lone Peak Composite, Ophir Miners Basketball coach, BSCO trail ambassador and winter groomer member, Big Sky Biggie race crew.
Reason for running for this position: I’m excited to continue my service with the Big Sky School District and hope to continue providing students and families a school that is leading the state in academics. Having a senior this year and a soon to be freshman next year I’ve seen how important it is to have not only good academics but also administration and staff to lead them.
Danielle McClain
Relevant involvement(s) in Big Sky community: Twenty years in the Big Sky School District, holding roles as a tenured teacher, librarian, and WMPAC operations manager. Trustee for Morningstar Learning Center for seven years. Her children attended BSSD from K-12th grade.
Reason for running for this position: My blend of professional experience and personal investment provides a unique perspective. I am deeply committed to ensuring all students, whether pursuing college or trade paths, have the necessary resources and support for success. Meeting the needs of diverse learners is crucial for fostering inclusive and equitable educational environments. Equally important is ensuring we advocate for and provide support to the invaluable teachers and support staff in our community.
John McGuire
Relevant involvement(s) in Big Sky community: Big Sky resident since 2019 with three children in BSSD, Big Sky Community Organization board member (vice chair, treasurer), Friends of Big Sky Education board member (treasurer), head coach of LPHS girls basketball and coach of LPHS baseball.
Reason for running for this position: I love our community and can help our school district grow and thrive. I am a lawyer and finance professional with 25 years experience in management, budgeting and board oversight, experience that will be instrumental in creatively and responsibly navigating the fiscal challenges that will face the district over the coming years. My goal is to support our teachers, students, and administrators to maintain and enhance the precious and fragile excellence of our school district.
Ballot item: Formation of the Firelight Meadows County Water and Sewer District
Registered residents and owners in Firelight Meadows may vote to create a water and sewer district. State law requires 40% of qualified electors to vote in favor of creating a district, meaning that voters who don’t participate effectively vote no.
Concerned owners drive this effort to address Firelight’s sewer system, which does not meet DEQ treatment requirements. Treating wastewater to the new standard will require substantial capital improvements. Establishing this district comes at no cost, offers the chance to apply for grants to cover expenses, and presents a solution for enhanced wastewater treatment that will benefit the Big Sky community.
– Karen Macklin, Firelight owner
Editor’s Note: The Big Sky Fire District is not included in this section, because its election is not contested. Matthew Dodd and Debra Lewis will be automatically elected by acclamation, pursuant to Montana statute. Thomas Butler will also be automatically elected to the Yellowstone Mountain Club Rural Fire District, and Bryant Harp and Mary G. Oliver to the Madison Valley Hospital District.
For sake of space, six candidates for Ennis School District were not included.
