Brad Abel says he plans to bring a “blue-collar worker” perspective to the Flathead County Commission if elected.
Abel, a Republican, is seeking to replace retiring District 1 Commissioner Phil Mitchell.
Abel has worked as a heavy equipment operator for Plum Creek/Weyerhaeuser for over 30 years. He told Interlake that in Flathead County, “there are a lot of people who are struggling to make a living here.”
He added that he wants to do everything he can to promote business in Flathead County and “ensure that our children and grandchildren live here and can afford to buy a home.”
Abel believes that government and bureaucracy can be an obstacle for private business. He said people in the Flathead Valley, especially young people, are being “priced out,” and much of that has to do with government regulations and costs.
“Politicians need to get out of the way and let private companies flourish,” Abel said.
Abel explained that he knows of a developer who had to pay about $54,000 in fees before building a subdivision. Much of that cost was related to county rules and regulations.
“We have to make sure we don’t lock people out of the housing market.”
But he said subdivisions need to be “done properly” and growth needs to be supervised “so we don't lose the main farm”. Growth must also be managed to avoid “unintended consequences” that leave residents without essential services.
Abel said he doesn't like the valley's inevitable growth and development “any more than the next guy,” but added that he's a staunch supporter of private property rights.
He said the impact of COVID-19 was “probably not as severe as has been advertised” and that as a result of public health measures and restrictions, many young people have lost their jobs and are struggling to pay their utility bills. He said he was facing a payout. And rental.
“I think a lot of our elected officials think they can solve the problem” through the pandemic, Abel said. “But I think the problem will be solved with the businessman's own cash.”
Abel believes the county should build a new jail, especially since “the costs are going up every day.” But he said a “no-in-my-backyard attitude” was ruling out potential prison sites.
“It should be in someone's backyard,” Abel said, adding that “we need to build it” before the costs get out of hand.
But what Abel wants most is to make sure the county's money is “spent responsibly.”
“We know how hard our people work for their money,” he said.
