Election 2015: Caleb Hutchins, Ward 3

Imagine being a young husband and father to a 3-year-old as well as a newborn baby, working full time and going for a master's degree. Now, add a campaign for City Council and you get the life of Caleb Hutchins.

Hutchins, 32, an instructional designer at Montana State University-Northern, is running for the open Ward 3 seat held by Allen "Woody" Woodwick, who is retiring. Hutchins will face off against J.D. Cass in the elections. Ballots will be mailed out today.

Having spent all but about four years of his life in or around Havre, Hutchins is no stranger to the community he calls home. He went to elementary school in Havre and Chinook, and was later home schooled. In 2008, he graduated from Northern with a Bachelor of Arts in graphic design, and briefly worked as a communications specialist at the college, before taking a job as a page designer with the Havre Daily News.

Since 2014, Hutchins has worked as an instructional designer, while studying for his master's degree. His wife, Samantha, is Northern's grants manager. The couple has two sons, one is 3 years old and the other is 3 weeks old. Hutchins has been an active member of the Van Orsdel United Methodist Church, where he used to teach Sunday school.

Hutchins said he doesn't have lofty political ambitions, but he has long considered a run for council as a means of becoming more active in the community. Now that he has a family, the young father said he feels he has "skin in the game" when it comes to Havre's future.

Despite his heavy schedule, he said, he believes he will be able to attend the twice-monthly meetings, committee meetings and other events required of council members. But being on council, he added, is about more than being present at meetings.

"Mostly I think it's just being available to the people of Havre when they have questions or concerns," he said.

In the past, city leaders have at times had a tendency to wall themselves off from the public, Hutchins said, adding that if elected, he will make his email address public and be available in person as well as through Facebook and other social media.

"I want people to be able to contact me with anything they need at anytime," he said.

Though there are two contested races on the ballot, a proposed 20-year mill levy increase will command much attention. If approved, it would bring in an additional $1.5 million a year that would be used to reconstruct the city's deteriorating streets and infrastructure.

Hutchins said he backs the increase because ,for years, Havre has adopted a policy of deferred maintenance, putting off needed repairs rather than tending to them when it would have been cheaper.

"I understand it's going to cost a lot of money and people aren't happy about that, but, I mean, what's the alternative?" Hutchins said.

He added that if this program is not enacted now, the costs needed for repairs will just be more later on and the streets will continue to crumble.

Making Havre a more vibrant place, through beautification efforts and a more lively scene is also something he said could help the city, especially young people.

"It would be nice if Havre had more nightlife, and not just going to the bar getting drunk," said Hutchins.

There have been some such activities as of late, such as the creation of the Bullhook Bombshells Roller Derby Team, outdoor movie screenings put on at Northern and some local stand-up comedy, such as a show held at the Eagles Club in July.

Hutchins said he thinks the city could play a role in encouraging such activities. This could include: providing space, covering the cost of insurance to sponsor an event or getting the Parks and Recreation Department to sponsor an outdoor movie screening.

The city needs to revitalize its neighborhoods and beautify its downtown areas. Beyond property tax credits, Hutchins said, he doesn't have any specific ideas. He praised ideas such as one pushed by the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce to place art wraps around utility boxes

Hutchins said the city's east end could be another place with economic opportunity.

"I've heard horror stories from people who cannot find a place to live in town," said Hutchins, adding that many of the run-down properties would be a perfect opportunity for landlords to invest in and provide housing to individuals and young families.

In the coming weeks, Hutchins said, he will begin the time-honored ritual of knocking on doors in search of votes.

"I don't have the answers," Hutchins said. "But I would like to be a person they (the people of Havre) could ask so they can get those answers."

Voter Information

• Voting will take place by mail ballot only. Ballots will be mailed to registered voters Wednesday.

• Ballots must be returned by Tuesday, Nov. 3. County officials urge people who have not mailed them by Monday, Nov. 2, to deliver them by hand.

• People can register at the Clerk and Recorder's Office at the Hill County Courthouse in downtown Havre. People can cast their ballot when they register.