J.B. Howick for Mayor
Author: JB Howick, Mayoral Candidate
J.B. Howick for Mayor
Let me tell you a little of what I’ve learned about Townsend. It’s an amazing place with a colorful history and it’s filled with amazing people. To poke a bit of fun, I’ve never before experienced a city where it can hail on one city block, but not another. More seriously, I’m proud that our veterans will hold an impromptu parade to honor our freedom and those who have died protecting it. And I am deeply moved by the willingness of our residents to band together to support one another through tragedy. Townsend is a gem, a place to be proud of and full of people to love.
But change is coming to our town. Pressure from the state will change our utilities, our roads, and our taxes. Pressure from new housing will increase traffic, draw upon our services, impact water availability, and fill our schools. Pressure from aging infrastructure will compel us to make difficult decisions about what kind of city we want our children to inherit. And pressure from the nation is raising the cost of living and threatening the American Dream — a dream that is as fragile as it is valuable.
Yet change can be managed. Many of you have never known my full legal name, so please allow me to introduce myself. I’m Edward Keith “JB” Howick, Jr. My family and I own Townsend Hardware on Broadway. With the help of many, I’ve restored the aging hardware store, located on Broadway since 1953 and yet on the verge of closure, to a thriving asset of our community. I’ve done that by embracing my customers — yes, you! — as family. I listened to your advice and met your needs. I did this by planning for change and seeking continual improvement without compromising the rich past the store enjoys. I’ve done it by managing change... and I believe I can bring that same success to the city.
I would like to be your mayor, a person you can talk freely to about both the good and the bad you experience. A person who, I hope, you will trust to compassionately hear your thoughts and then work, if necessary, toward a reasonable compromise when we can’t all agree. Years of experience in business, engineering, and community involvement have taught me problem-solving skills, resource management, compassion, budgeting, coordination, planning, negotiation, and above all, communication skills. And I believe these skills would make me a good mayor!
If given the privilege of serving you, the first of my five priorities entering the office is to protect our quality of life by working with our citizens, local non-profits, and all levels of government, to plan for changes such as the widening of Highway 287 and the increasing need for security as the region’s population grows. Above all, to protect our lifestyle in the face of change.
Second, to address the rapidly changing housing needs in our community.
We need to provide for our children, for our workforce, and protect our elderly, all in a market that’s becoming too expensive, too quickly.
No one wants the growth problems that have plagued Bozeman and Helena to happen here, but they will without prudent planning.
My third priority will be transportation. Our aging roads are handling greater traffic and medical services are dependent on the quality of our airport. Parking has been a problem for decades and an ongoing effort to restore the southern route for passenger rail service needs careful consideration.
Next is my desire to embrace and enjoy our city’s culture. From our early railroad beginnings through agriculture, ranching, and mining, our town has developed a character that reflects both peaceful days of fishing and the rough-and-tumble days of spurs and hoglegs! The untamed independence of the West still beats in our hearts. It’s who we are — and what’s worth protecting.
Finally, and by no means least, is a focus on our local economy. Where “quality of life” focuses on our lifestyle, “economy” focuses on our livelihoods. No matter how needful, every tax dollar is a precious gift from you and must be used wisely to the best effect for our city. It’s more than just managing a budget. It means listening to you, keeping you informed, and being accountable to you.
You can learn more about me and what I stand for on my website:
JB4Mayor.com. You can call or text me at (801) 690-5462, I would love to hear from you! Above all, I hope to have your vote on Tuesday, November 7th. It would be an honor to be your mayor!
JB Howick, Mayoral Candidate
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Photo Credits: JB Howick
