Atchison, Brewer file for government review commission

Two candidates have filed for the election for three seats on a commission to review Havre’s form of government, and anyone else who would like to run will have to file as a write-in candidate.

The Hill County Clerk and Recorder reports that Perry C. Atchison and David H. Brewer filed before the Aug. 21 deadline.

Other interested candidates have until Sept. 26 to file as a write-in candidate.

Havre voters in the June 3 primary election approved creating the commission, which the Montana Constitution requires asking in an election every 10 years.

The commission will look only at the form of government in Havre, as the county voters and the voters in the incorporated town of Hingham did not approve a review.

Voters will pick the three members of the commission during the Nov. 4 general election, when they also will vote on whether city elections would be nonpartisan.

The commission will review the form of government in Havre — now a mayor-city council form — and make recommendations ranging from not recommending any change to switching the form of government to another form allowed under state law, including creating a charter form of government, or even disincorporating the community.

Training is available for members of review commissions including through the Montana State University Extension Local Government Center.

Online: Montana State University Extension Local Government Center: http://www.msulocalgov.org/,

click on “Voter Review.”