Nonpartisan Havre election plan goes to voters

There is bipartisan agreement that nonpartisan municipal elections are best for Havre.

City Council Monday unanimously agreed to put the matter on the fall ballot this year. Councilmen said they heard mostly positive comments about the proposal.

“I’ve heard only one negative comment — from my house” said Ward 1 Democrat Bonnie Parenteau, whose husband, Joe, opposes the idea.

“I’ve heard some negative comments, but mostly positive,” said Mayor Tim Solomon, also a Democrat.

Councilman Andrew Brekke, who is also Hill County Republican chair, proposed the idea, saying it would be easier to attract candidates if they didn’t have to get involved in partisan politics.

Havre is one of only three cities in Montana to have partisan elections, he said.

Council elections this year will be partisan, although Democrats are unopposed in all but one council race.

Over the years, Democrats have controlled City Council.