The Bigfork Fire District board election is May 5. There are three candidates for two open trustee positions.  

The Bigfork Eagle reached out to candidates, who were invited to provide voters with information pertinent to serving as a trustee regarding their education, background, experience, reason for running and their priorities for the district. 

Information provided by participating candidates was lightly edited for grammar and length.   

ROBERT “MICK” BORGES (I)

Occupation: Veteran firefighter with a career starting in the 80s. 

Education: I graduated high school in 1967 spent 4 years in the military. Two of those 4 years in Vietnam. I got out Labor Day weekend 1971. I went to work the next week as a mechanic. 

Family: Wife Cathy (married 53 years), with children and grandchildren who live in the community as well. 

Background: I have served on the Board of Trustees for Bigfork Fire Department for over 12 years with the last 10 being consecutively. Between my first few years on the board and my last 10, I served as the Assistant Chief and Chief of the Bigfork Fire Department. 

Why are you running? 

My wife and I moved to Bigfork in 2006. We became members of Crossroads Christian Church and started retirement. Then one day I walked into the Bigfork Fire Department just to talk to the chief. Little did I know I would be back in the fire service. The chief at the time, Wayne Loeffler, talked me into being the assistant chief. Then Wayne retired and I became interim chief. Bigfork hired a new chief, and I took 10 months off and then came back as a volunteer. I have been on the trustee board for the last 10 years. 

What are your priorities for Bigfork Fire District as the population grows and the fire department responds to more calls each year? 

I am seeking re-election to the board so that I can continue to be a sound voice not only for the department but for the community as it grows. I am looking forward to help serving the people of Bigfork as long as I can. 

RAYMOND L. THIBODEAU 

Occupation: Managing Director, Cantor Fitzgerald (2006-2019). Executive Director, CIBC World Markets (2003-2006). First Vice President, Merrill Lynch (1987-2003). Chief Investment Officer, Sacramento County, CA (1984-1986). Assistant County Treasurer, Yuba County, CA (1982-1984). Commercial Loan Examiner, Comerica Bank (1976-1982) 

Education: Bachelor of Science, Economics & Management with Concentrations in Accounting and Finance 

Family: My wife and I have settled in Eagle Ben where we enjoy everything around the Valley. I’ve been flyfishing in Montana for the last 40 years. 

Background: My background consists of over forty years of finance experience, primarily in sales and management of fixed income securities. I specialized in the coverage of state and local government accounts and corporations for all financial products from deferred compensation plans and dedicated portfolios to sophisticated asset/liability modeling and structured products. 

Why are you running? 

I first got involved with the Bigfork Fire Department when they had an open house to explain the Levy and Bond issues to the public. I was very impressed with their knowledge and determination to bring the Department up to the standards this community deserves. With my background in municipal finance, they invited me to be on the Finance Committee to oversee and provide input in the bond issuance process. We achieved an ultra successful issuance that will save taxpayer money while updating the department’s ability to serve the public. 

What are your priorities for Bigfork Fire District as the population grows and the fire department responds to more calls each year? 

I believe it’s my responsibility to continue working with the department, as a Trustee, to insure proper usage of the bond funds in the construction of the new facility. 

CHARLIE YOUNG 

Occupation: I am recently retired from a 45 year career in the construction industry.  My experience includes director of operations at a hard rock mining operation and project / contract management for civil engineering contractors. 

Education: High school graduate, with 3 years of extended education at a junior college majoring in civil engineering and construction management. 

Family: I have been married to my wife for 39 years and have a 24 year old son. 

Background: Have never served on other boards or committees such as this. 

Why are you running?

I have always had the idea of giving back to the community in which I live.  Now that I am retired, I can devote ample time to serve on this board. 

What are your priorities for Bigfork Fire District as the population grows and the fire department responds to more calls each year? 

With the building of the new fire station, my priority is to see that the facility is constructed on time and within the current construction budget.