Brockman sees need to diversify Flathead economy

Tony Brockman said he hopes to offer a “newer, fresher prospective” to the Flathead County Commission if he becomes the next county commissioner. Brockman, a Republican, seeks to replace Phil Mitchell, outgoing commissioner of District 1.

Brockman said with the county growing so quickly, the office will have crucial decisions to make in the near future.

“We really have an opportunity … to plan out the next 30 years of our community’s growth,” Brockman said, and he wants to be a part of developing the future of the county.

He is a 34-year-old content manager for Sky Vault Media and has served as a board member for the Flathead County Economic Development Authority since 2014. Through this position, he helped work with the city of Kalispell on developing the Glacier Rail Park.

“It will have a huge impact” on the community, Brockman said, especially the planned linear park that will provide a trail system through Kalispell in place of the old railroad tracks.

Another project that would have a major impact on the community would be a new Flathead County jail, a hot-button issue for the county commissioners over the past several years.

Brockman sits on Sheriff Brian Heino’s Citizens Advisory Council, and is in favor of a new jail. He said the commissioners need to set a firm plan for a jail “that would adequately serve the community for the next 30 to 40 years” and would not just be a “Band-Aid solution.”

He said a new jail will cost in the range of $60 million to $75 million, and the potential cost will only continue to increase, so Brockman wants the commissioners “to find a plan and stick to it” after receiving sufficient public input.

Brockman said he believes the Flathead Valley needs to diversify its economy, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic rattles the travel and tourism industries.

“For the longest time our community has been dependent on tourism dollars,” Brockman said. “If we further develop our economy, we will insulate ourselves more and provide good-paying jobs to our residents”

He said to do this, the county needs to grow its manufacturing and technology sectors, as well as “engage in more public-private partnerships.”

Brockman said he is also “a firm believer in accessibility and transparency in government,” and as commissioner would help increase the communication coming from the commissioners’ office. He would like to see meetings held at more accessible times, and bring video capabilities into the proceedings.

He also pledged to be an active participant in the community.

“I think it’s the responsibility of our local officials to be out there in the local community as much as possible,” Brockman said. “I look forward to being out there and talking to residents.”

He said he wants to help people become more engaged in county government. Before the restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, he was looking forward to campaigning, door-knocking and interacting with voters.

“I’ve had to rethink my strategy,” Brockman said, which includes being more active on social media. He said he wants to be as accessible as possible under the circumstances.

“I encourage anyone to reach out to me with their questions and concerns,” Brockman said.