New Commissioner Emphasizes Communication As A Priority
Author: Nancy Marks, MT43 News Reporter
New Commissioner Emphasizes Communication as A Priority
Nancy Marks
MT43 News Reporter
January 8 was new Commissioner Jesse Swenson’s first public meeting at the Flynn Building. By his own admission, it was a lot like first day at school. “I was excited but I was really nervous at the same time because it was everything all at once,” he admitted.
Swenson, who defeated incumbent Darrell Folkvord in the November election, has worked with Schauber Surveying but had no experience working in government; so learning all the different boards, reading the regulations and policies plus studying the county budget has been somewhat overwhelming, he said. From the November election to his swearing-in office, Swenson has worked full time at his surveyor job, plus trying to get up-to-speed on county issues.
Swenson gave his predecessor and his fellow commissioners credit for moving toward better communication with Broadwater County residents. “Hosting meetings at the Headwaters Livestock Auction building in South Broadwater, and in Winston, has really encouraged more ideas and comments by people living in these areas. It makes them feel like they are really part of the Broadwater community,” he explained.
He said communication is his number one priority. “My plan is to be open to people’s comments and ideas and to listen. I want to make sure everyone is heard. That means making sure everyone knows when items will be on the agenda, and if an item is tabled, people know in advance, rather than coming to the meeting only to find the hearing has been tabled,” he said.
During Commission meetings, public comment was limited to time before the formal meeting began. Swenson said that policy will be changed to allow for better communication at the meetings, so interested parties can comment on an agenda item.
Swenson pointed out the new county website will help county business be available to the public. He feels the new site will help those citizens who formerly did not know where find information.
The commission has come a long way making sure the public knows the county’s business. Swenson said printed copies of each meeting agenda will be posted at the City of Townsend building in addition to at the Court House and the Flynn Building. “Changes in ways of communication with the commission, I feel, are all about educating interested people about where and when things are happening in their government,” he said.
Swenson will put his feet on the ground as a liaison on several county boards including Mosquito, Fair and Extension, Canyon Ferry Trust and Rocky Mountain Development Council boards. He began familiarizing himself with the Targeted Economic Development District in South Broadwater and Solid Waste Department’s activities. “There will be lots of activity coming up for both,” he said.
The Emergency Services Building, currently in the review process, is to be built one mile off Interstate 90 on Highway 287. The building will allow the Sheriff’s Department, fire departments and county officials to have a presence in South Broadwater County. Swenson said having a place to meet face to face with people in their own space will help with communication as well.
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PhotoCredit: Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
Image 1 Caption: Commissioners Debi Randolph, Jesse Swenson and Lindsey Richtmyer at the first meeting of 2025.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
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