Municipal Elections come to Northeast Montana Cities

On Nov. 3, voters across the county will elect a host of men and women to represent their respective townships. Some of the faces are familiar; others are rosy, unseasoned in the political realm. Each is assured, certain of his or her purpose and the benefit his or her election would bestow upon the citizens. The Courier provides an inside look at the contested races and the candidates vying for the seats.

In Fort Peck, incumbent Mayor John Jones runs unopposed. Justin Schaaf, Kirsten Marie Holte, and Mark Sullivan, too, are unchallenged in their bids to extend their terms as Aldermen/women.

In Opheim, too, Michael Roberton and Les Redfield run unopposed for seats on the city council.

Glasgow’s Ward 1 and Ward 3 seats, currently held by Nanci L. Schoenfelder and Rod Karst, respectively, will not change hands unless one decides to drop out of consideration.

Glasgow’s Ward 2 election, though, pits Butch Heitman against Doug Nistler in the bid to fill the seat vacated by the retiring Dan Durell.

In Nashua, Robert I. Zeluff and Michael Stingley, both incumbents, aim to retain their seats on the council under challenge from Judy Boyum.

Glasgow Contested Election

Ward 2 – One Seat

Doug Nistler

Political Background: None

Education: Lewistown HS ’88; B.S. in Electronics from North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton.

Work: Came to Glasgow in 1995 and has spent the past 16 years as a Biomed at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital.

Why He’s Running: “I love the community, and want to improve the city — clean it up a little, get rid of the rundown houses.”

Miscellaneous Experience: Softball Umpire; Volleyball and Football Official; Jr. High girls’ softball coach

Message: “I’m looking forward to serving the city of Glasgow.”

Butch Heitman

Mr. Heitman could not be reached for comment.

Nashua Contested Election

Alderman/woman – 2 seats

Robert I. Zeluff (inc.)

Political Background: 3 years on Nashua City Council

City Involvement: President of the Lions’ Club, 3 years; involved at Fire Department, 13 years; Athletic coach, 10 years

Why he’s running: “I’d like to see our town thrive. I will continue to make the changes the town needs to move forward. I have a vested interest in town life, having kids. I want to see us doing well when my kids go on and new kids come in.”

Judy Boyum:

Why she’s running: “I was asked by several Nashua residents to run for Council person. I have years of experience in local government to represent our town as we face future growth and improvements.”

Political Background: “I served on the Valley County Refuse board in the ‘80s into the ‘90s and as its chairman for a few years. I served on the Nashua town council for two terms. I was employed by the Town of Nashua from April 1998 to January 2010. During these years, I worked with federal, state and local grants to improve and update our community. Projects were housing rehab, building of the water storage tank and construction of an updated sewer lagoon with an improved collection system. I was certified as a clerk/treasurer and as both water and sewer operator for the Town of Nashua.”

Nashua Background: “I have been a resident of Nashua since 1967. I graduated from Nashua High School as Salutatorian then attended Northern Montana College majoring in Political Science. I took several years off from school then graduated from the College Great Falls in 1992 with an associate degree in Human Services. I received a certificate from the Montana Synod ELCA as a Lay Pastor Associate in 2012. I worked at several Nashua businesses throughout the years and owned a business with my husband Larry from 1986 to 2003.”

Job Status: “After retiring in 2010, I have been able to travel and visit family in Iowa and Virginia. I have fulfilled my childhood wish of being a teacher at Wolf Point Schools as a substitute in my spare time. I am currently a substitute driver for contract mail delivery. I am a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and enjoy the quilting group. I have been a member of Nashua American Legion Auxiliary for several years.”

Campaign message: I have close connections to everyone in Nashua and would be honored to serve as their councilperson again.

Michael Lee Stingley (inc.)

Mr. Stingley could not be reached for comment.

Two positions on the North Valley County Water and Sewer District’s board are also up for vote. Four candidates vie for the positions: Charles K. Daniels, Rebbecca M. Daniels, Roger A. Davis, Sr., and Leon H. Pearce (inc.).Leon H. Pearce (inc.).