Mike Schlegel says he learned at an early age that people can make a difference if they choose to be involved in their communities.

That’s a driving factor in his decision to run for the Republican nomination for the Flathead County commissioner position in District 3.

Schlegel wants to preserve the heritage of Flathead County, where he has a vested interest.

“The challenge gets me up every morning,” he said. “I like problem-solving and being innovative.”

A former member of the county’s road advisory committee, Schlegel said he can be an “asset to the county in a role beyond” that of an advisory committee member.

Schlegel believes in open communication with citizens, that government should be innovative, proactive, transparent and accountable to taxpayers. He also wants to promote a business-friendly atmosphere that stimulates the local economy.

“A commissioner’s job is for the health, safety and welfare of all the citizens,” he said. “It’s not about power, it’s about responsibility to the citizens,” he said.

It’s unfortunate that Flathead County is involved in litigation related to the Whitefish “doughnut,” Schlegel said. Lawsuits are under way to determine whether the city of Whitefish or Flathead County should have jurisdiction in that two-mile planning area.

“We sold some people out,” Schlegel said of the original decision to let the city apply zoning and planning regulations in the doughnut. “Giving away jurisdiction — it’s important precedents like that not be set. It’s important we don’t give up local control.”

“We’re a country of laws. I can’t believe it’s even constitutional to have done that,” he said.

“I think the doughnut people feel they were abandoned by the county,” he said.

The doughnut is “absolutely” within the county’s jurisdiction, he said.

He fears the issue will end up being decided by the Supreme Court.

Flathead County has been involved in too much litigation, he said.

To avoid getting sued, he says county commissioners need to base their decisions on accurate data and county personnel “must follow the laws.”

“I believe in common-sense government,” Schlegel said. “When we start dictating issues out of emotion we can get into litigation.”

One action that would increase the efficiency of Flathead County government would be to implement a long-term road maintenance plan, Schlegel said. County roads should be inventoried annually as part of that plan.

That document would identify the county’s plans to “cover” unpaved roads, which helps address air quality issues.

“We need to get these roads covered with a surface and ultimately save us money on our maintenance,” he said.

He said he believes the county commissioners need to provide direction for long-term planning in all departments.

Another task for the county, he said, is to determine how much gravel the county owns and how long that resource will last. Then county officials can determine if additional gravel pits need to be purchased or if the county should hire private contractors to supply its gravel.

Schlegel said he has just begun gathering information about the operation of the 911 center and doesn’t have an opinion on whether the county should assume full operation of the center. The center operates through interlocal agreements among the county and the three incorporated cities in Flathead County.

Reporter Shelley Ridenour may be reached at 758-4439 or sridenour@dailyinterlake.com.