Commission candidate: Brad Livingston

Brad Livingston, 61, and is a retired brigadier general with the Montana Air National Guard and the former administrator of Montana Disaster and Emergency Services.

He’s involved with The History Museum and has been a Great Falls resident for 56 years. He listed no political affiliation.

Q: What are your thoughts on investing in city parks to upgrade amenities and make the parks what Paris Gibson envisioned them to be?

A: Parks are the “beauty” of a community — a venue for fun and relaxation. While few oppose upgrading park amenities; how to pay for the operation/improvements is the challenge. Great Falls has a long history of non-profit organizations supporting our parks. Community engagement and groups working together with the city is the key in improving our recreational opportunities. Equally, collaboration involves residents in the ongoing design, planning and management which results in informed and engaged residents that feel better connected to their parks.

Q: Do you believe the general fund should subsidize all city services? Or to what level should they be self-sustaining?

A: City services provide value to the community — with some services more valued by certain residents than others — and address a compelling need. Today, the general fund alone does not support the city’s current services; so how do we seek additional revenue or cut spending? Numerous cities are conducting a core services review which is a comprehensive review on the city’s corporate structure, service delivery and staff resourcing. Defining core services means aligning what services citizens expect with what we can afford. As a community, we should define core services, set specific goals and marshal all resources to provide for quality city services.

Q: How would you fund the Natatorium, or would you close it as some have discussed?

A: Residents need recreation and relaxation activities and the city provides some but not all of those activities. Again, we need to rethink the city’s involvement in pools, golf, etc. Whether it is our households or local government, resources are balanced towards essential needs; then recreation activities. Finding the right balance between city funds and service fees is essential in keeping the Nat and other recreational programs running.

Q: For years, the business community complained about the cumbersome city development process, which has since been streamlined and simplified, and now some are saying the process is too fast. Which system would you prefer as a commissioner and how would you engage with the planning department?

A: I believe we have great city staff who get up every morning to do a good job for their fellow citizens. I’m a Ready, Fire, Aim person. Often we spend too much time aiming and lose the opportunity. We can develop a process that is smart, quick and responsive. Additionally, engagement is important to be an effective commissioner, so I will be involved at all levels.

Q: How would you approach major votes, what would be your process in gathering information and making a decision?

A: Educate myself before making a decision. Now, there are several ways to educate oneself. I prefer the “ground truth” method. You listen to those who are going to be affected. We have some smart citizens who frankly know more about the various city processes than I do. Therefore, I intend on seeking their counsel in conjunction with city staff and other interested parties.

Q: In terms of growth, how do you think the city should approach it and why?

A: While growth is important to me for several reasons, one primary reason is this: Great Falls exports its greatest treasure — our young people. There are many reasons why they leave Great Falls — job opportunities are one. To listen to Great Falls parents on how they missed the opportunity to interact with their children/grandchildren on regular basis only spurs my interest in the further development of Great Falls.

Q: What do you consider core services in Great Falls and how do you believe they should be funded?

A: There are three types of city services: core services (have to do); important (should do) and added value (nice to do). Cores services have a broad public benefit and should be supported by general fund-taxes (police/fire/public works). Important services broadly supported and utilized by the community and should be subsidized-taxes and fees (planning/community development, library, etc.). Added value (quality of life) are more individual benefit and should be support by user fees (recreation/quality of life activities).

Q: How would you work with city staff to understand needs, resources and plans for operations, growth, etc.?

A: Again, for me to make good decisions for the community, I need to understand the process and the rationale behind the recommendation. I have a history of not only understanding the 50,000 foot level picture, but also the picture from the ground. Ask people the question and then listen — you can learn a lot when you show people respect.

Q: What do you think is the City Commission’s role in economic development should be?

A: As ambassadors of our great city. If we are not excited about Great Falls, if we are not cheering for “home team,” if we are not positive about Great Falls’ future; then how can we inspire anyone in or out of Great Falls to “invest” their time, funds and life to further develop Great Falls?

Q: Why are you running for mayor/city commission?

A: I’m Great Falls Proud! For the past 42 years, I had the opportunity to serve our great nation and state. Recently, I resigned as the administrator for Montana Disaster and Emergency Services to spend more time with my family and my community. So today, my focus is on my favorite community—Great Falls. I think I bring the passion that will assist the many groups who equally are committed to making Great Falls the best community in Montana.

Q: What do you consider the city’s top needs/issues?

A: To regain our Pride. Not too many years ago, Great Falls was THE Montana city. Then we lost our way; we lost several key employers, we lost our pride. Today, I see Great Falls’ glass half full. I see an opportunity for our community to return to its former Greatest. For this to happen, we must once again be proud of Great Falls and work as TEAM (together everyone achieves more).

Q: What do you see as that biggest challenges facing the city currently?

A: Candidly, the ghost of ECP. Mistakes were made — the city lost millions of dollars. It has set the city back financially. So we have a choice — continue to “beat up” the city staff and commissioners or we can learn from the past and focus our energies on the present and future. I chose the latter.

Q: What would you do to better educate city residents about city business and major issues?

A: Until recently, I did not attend neighborhood council meetings. Today, I’m a believer. The opportunity for neighbors to meet and discuss local concerns and have an active voice in their government is important. Equally, the meetings are an excellent forum for updates/briefings on subjects concerning neighborhoods/community. For example, our police department does an excellent job attending the council meetings and providing updates on law enforcement issues.

Previous profiles

Monday: Brian Shepherd for mayor and Rick Tryon for commissioner

Tuesday: Mike Winters for mayor and Bill Bronson for commissioner

Wednesday: Bob Kelly for mayor and Kenny Volk for commissioner

Thursday: Mike Trueman for mayor and Neil Tredray for commissioner

Friday: Jacob Schaak for mayor and Tracy Houck for commissioner

Online

All of the profiles are available online at gftrib.com with more questions and expanded answers.