Mahlum, Marottek Seek Commissioner Position

Dean Mahlum and Douglas Marottek are seeking the district 2 Roosevelt County commissioner position. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 5. Ballots will be mailed to absentee voters on Oct. 11.

The candidates answered the following questions from this newspaper.

1. What experience do you have that you feel would benefit you if you are elected to this position?

Mahlum: I have spent my entire life in public service. As a retired Roosevelt County sheriff, I was responsible for creating and living within a nearly $2 million yearly budget. That also included supervising a staff of over 40 employees. I retired as a captain of the Wolf Point City/Roosevelt County Rural Fire Department. Those duties included establishing training classes, helping with budget preparation, and command duties at every major fire that we dealt with during those 20 years. I currently serve as a council person on the Wolf Point City Council. In that position, we have been faced with decisions on establishing rates for city services, establishing and approving yearly budgets for city operations. We are currently in the process of moving forward with large infrastructure projects. Our sewer/waste water project is projected to cost nearly $20 million when completed. In order to fund this project, the city has to find and rely on federal and state funds that can be utilized to assist with payment. All of these have provided me with experience to meet the challenges of the position of Roosevelt County commissioner.

Marottek: My time in law enforcement, as that is a major concern for the surrounding area, managing a business for the past few years, the fishing tournaments that my family and I have put on over the years, which have grown to be major events drawing people from as far away as Alaska and Canada.

2. What do you view as the biggest challenges facing the office?

Marottek: Funding is always a big issue with anything, finding money that is easily available to the county would be a major plus.

Mahlum: Being able to generate funding that allows Roosevelt County to provide services that citizens need and want. That means by being conservative in fiscal decisions. We must also be pro-active in monitoring the Montana legislature to ensure that their decisions do not adversely affect Roosevelt County. Crime and the proliferation of the sale and use of narcotics, especially fentanyl, are a huge concern that has to be addressed. I know that our law enforcement officials have worked at this, but I feel that our elected officials have to take a strong supporting stance in these efforts. Tools must be provided for our law enforcement and we must also demand that state and federal elected officials address this issue.

3. How many hours a week do you feel that elected officials should commit to the position? How many hours should they spend in the office?

Mahlum: The Roosevelt County commissioners are responsible for over 50 county buildings, 1,350 miles of county roads, have 110 employees who work for the county, a monthly payroll of $826,000, and in addition of the elected officials’ offices have 12 departments that they directly supervise. Property and liability insurance premiums of over $400,000 are also paid. The 2024-2025 budget for this county is nearly $20 million. With cash reserves that are mandated that figure is close to $30 million. That in my mind is BIG business. Each individual elected as a commissioner has to make the commitment to be a full-time commissioner. That means 40 hours a week. I make that commitment to the citizens of District Two and to all of the citizens of Roosevelt County.

Marottek: Honestly not sure, just really depends on the business at hand, some issues may take days to resolve, other may take minutes. As far as hours in the office, I feel that getting out and visiting with the people of the county is just as important was being in the physical office, basically hours in the office are on a demand basis.

4. What partnerships or relationships are important to the office?

Marottek: Tribal, City and State relations are a must to make the county a better place for all the residents.

Mahlum: I feel that as a commissioner, it is imperative that close working relationships be established with the Fort Peck Tribal Council, and the city councils of Wolf Point, Poplar, Culbertson, Froid and Bainville. I realize that not always are agreeable decisions going to be possible between officials. But I know that if we are not working with each other where possible, we are working against ourselves. If you consider the resources available if all of the above are working together, it is staggering. We also need to have strong relationships with our state and federal elected officials. So many of their decisions can directly affect this county in either a positive or negative manner.

5. How would you attempt to serve all parts of Roosevelt County?

Mahlum: If elected as a commissioner, I will make my cell number available publicly. If a citizen has a concern or hopefully wants to offer a “job well done,” I will be available and take that call. It is also my intent to regularly attend meetings of tribal and local city councils in my district. If invited, I would also be available to meet in other districts. Additionally, I plan on traveling the rural areas in my district to speak with the area farmers and ranchers about concerns they might have. That would also be my intent with citizens who live in Poplar and Wolf Point. I strongly feel that the public has a right to have an involved and transparent elected commissioner and I full intend to be just that.

Marottek: Make myself available to all the residents of the county.

6. How can commissioners improve the area’s economic development efforts?

Marottek: Look for and apply for grants to improve facilities and infrastructures, or build attractions to keep residents in the area and bring new residents to the county.

Mahlum: I think this will be one of the most critical issues that will face the county commissioners over the next decade. It is essential that opportunities like the proposed fertilized plant on the east end of the county be supported. Ways have to be found to support our agriculture community. They have been the life blood of Roosevelt County since

this county was started. We need to also work with the energy field in an effort to promote safe, clean, production of oil and natural gas. That will mean working with the Montana legislature to provide a tax structure that promotes activity in eastern Montana. A strong relationship with the Fort Peck tribal council and the local city councils is also very desirable. Working closely together provides us with a much stronger base to promote ideas at the federal and state level.

7. What role do you see the position should play in improving the quality of life in the area? What are strengths, challenges of area?

Mahlum: Marlene and my sons are the fourth generation of Mahlums that were born and raised in Roosevelt County. We have people that have strong roots here who call this home. They are proud of what those who came before us endured to make Roosevelt County one of the best places in Montana to live and raise a family. That is a strength that we must nurture. If elected, I fully intend to do just that. I was born and raised in Roosevelt County. I have served the citizens of this county for my entire life. I am not going anywhere and truly desire to be able to continue that service to the citizens of this county. I know that experience counts in electing a commissioner. I have a lifetime of experience that has prepared me for the position of Roosevelt County commissioner, District Two. Your vote and support would be appreciated.

Marottek: To not only maintain the county but make any improvements that can be made to increase the population of the county. A major challenge for the area is the “Ruralness”, which can lead people away from the area.