Fifty-four-year-old Chris Heffern, who grew up in Great Falls, is hoping to be elected to his third term on the St. Ignatius Town Council to continue making the town a better place.  

Heffern is married to Councilwoman Janis Heffern, and the couple has raised three children and is now raising three nephews. While he works full-time at Jackson Contractor Group, in his off hours he helps fill potholes around town. 

Some of Heffern’s top priorities are infrastructure improvements. St. Ignatius is currently undergoing a sewer project that will be completed in four phases. Heffern said the $3 million to $5 million project is the biggest challenge the town is facing. 

“It’s 80-to-100-year-old clay pipe, so it’s barely hanging on,” Heffern said. 

With phase one completed and just enough funding for phase two, Heffern is excited to see the project through and calls phase one a huge step in the right direction. 

He is also passionate about improving the local park. Heffern explained that last year the town was able to raise money for a mural, but he hopes to continue improvements by adding a covered structure or a water park for kids. 

With St. Ignatius Town Council ‘s small budget, Heffern wants to push for more annexation to raise the town’s population and bring in more tax money. Heffern has served on the council for the last two terms and believes this has prepared him for another. 

Other priorities for Heffern include building an emergency plan for the community to access on the town website. This would help residents know where to meet in case of an emergency. 

Heffern enjoys the small-town community where he recognizes everyone when he walks his dog. “I hope everybody knows that I care about the town and try to do the best I can to represent them,” Heffern said.