Schend files to run for second term on council

Larry Kline

Havre Daily News

[email protected]

Terry Schend, the sole Republican on the Havre City Council, has decided to seek a second term in Ward 2.

Annexation and the First Street reconstruction project are two issues Schend said he wants to be involved in. "I have a feeling that there's some items that are coming up that I would like to play a part in," Schend said today. "The annexation issue that I brought forth is probably a big one. It will require some coordination between the city and the county, and I hope to assist in that."

At Schend's request, the city is considering the annexation of properties outside the Havre limits that use city services. The largest chunk is the commercial land west of town, which includes property Wal-Mart is considering for a new store.

Schend, who was born and raised here, said Havre is on the cusp of economic growth.

"With the increased volume that the railroad's experienced, they'll probably be bringing people forward to work on the equipment and such," he said. "The management of the college has been very progressive and updated. They've been working to make life on campus more appealing," and may soon see an increase in students and programs, Schend added.

"The medical facility offers a good quality of care, and of course you can't downplay the oil and gas exploration's impact on the community," he said. "All of those things are positive things. We maintain good services. We have quality personnel in our police and fire departments. Those are assets that companies look at when they decide to move."

Schend also noted the quality of the public school system and the hard work of the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce.

He said economic growth doesn't necessarily mean attracting large factories to employ hundreds of people. A new business that employs three or five people and provides quality products or services can have a ripple effect throughout the community, Schend said.

"I think we have a premier community to present to (interested companies) outside of the city," he said. "I think we just have to blow our horn a little more."

Schend was one of four council members who attended a Montana League of Cities and Towns conference in Billings last week, along with Havre Mayor Bob Rice and city clerk Lowell Swenson. Those in attendance discussed liability issues and the latest legislative changes. The gathering showed Schend that Havre is no different from other Montana cities and towns in some aspects.

"One of the things I gleaned out of that process was that the city of Havre's concerns and ongoing problems are no different than any other city in the state," he said. "There are pretty much the same concerns statewide."

He said the meeting was positive and informative.

Schend said council members generally work well together. The need to stay on top of issues affecting the community and gaining the knowledge of how to deal with them is an ongoing process, he said.

"The council runs fairly efficiently, and I think personality-wise, we get along relatively well," Schend said. "With any council, there's always a need for more education on government issues, taxation issues, and business issues. Education and contact with the community is paramount to doing a good job."

Schend is a master electrician with Schine Electric, which is owned by his daughter and son-in-law. He filed for re-election last week.