Election 2015 forum: Unopposed candidates

The two candidates who are running unopposed for Havre City Council spoke on their plans for the next four years at the forum sponsored by the Havre Daily News Thursday night.

Brian Barrows, the pastor of Abundant Life Ministries, is seeking his second four-year term on the council.

He recalled entering the race four years ago. Fellow council member Pam Hillery had suggested that he run.

“Little did Pam know that I was already praying about that,” he said.

He decided that he would run if two other people asked him to.

They did, and Barrows ran and won.

Barrows said he has tried to represent the wishes of Ward 2, the Highland Park area, by keeping in touch with the people.

He said sometimes he isn’t able to follow the wishes of his constituents.

He cited as an example, his vote in favor the $10 million upgrade to the city’s sewage treatment plant.

Federal officials were insisting the city make the improvements to the plant to reduce pollution downstream.

Barrows said he thought the requirements were excessive, but facing federal mandates, he agreed to the change, which resulted in a large sewer bill increase.

Andrew Brekke, now the council president, is seeking his third four-year term.

He stressed his availability and willingness to listen to constituents.

Brekke said he can be reached via Facebook or Twitter at any time.

Brekke is part-owner of Erickson Insurance in downtown Havre, and said one-third of the people who come to see him are on city business.

He said he is at city hall a lot and people talk to him there.

He, too, joined in praise for retiring council member Pam Hillery.