Please vote yes on Havre's infrastructure mill levy vote

We both serve on the Havre City Council and work hard to make sure the decisions we make are in the best interest of our community and its residents. We have enjoyed working together in the past and will continue to do so in the future. However, we also have legitimate differences of opinion on certain issues. When we have disagreed on policy or other issues, we have always done so respectfully and tried to find common ground when we can.

One issue of major importance to the city of Havre, its citizens and its future on which be both agree is the infrastructure mill levy that appears on this year’s ballot. If you have already voted and returned your ballot for this year’s city election, thank you. It is only through an informed, involved electorate that government gets its legitimacy and operates at its full potential. If you have yet to complete the ballot that was mailed to you, we urge you to take the time to exercise your right to vote and to vote for the mill levy that will be used to rehabilitate the streets in our community and the critical infrastructure that lies below them, primarily water and sewer lines.

Our current infrastructure and how long it has lasted is testament to the vision and forethought that previous generations had for Havre. People made smart decisions decades ago to invest in this community by funding the construction of our community’s water system, sewer system and paved streets. It’s precisely what modern, forward-thinking communities do to make themselves attractive for business growth and as great places to live, work and raise a family. We salute those past civic leaders and informed residents who stepped up many years ago and made Havre the wonderful community it continues to be today.

Now it’s our turn. As we all look to the future of this community, we have a golden opportunity to make an investment now that will have a lasting impact on future generations of Havre residents. Please join us in supporting and voting for the infrastructure mill levy that appears on the Havre city election ballot this year. The actions we take today will benefit the community we love for years to come. Vote yes on the infrastructure mill levy.

(Brian Barrows is a retired educator, lead pastor of Abundant Life Ministries and a member of the Havre City Council representing Ward 2. Pam Hillery is a staff member at Montana State University-Northern and a member of the Havre City Council representing Ward 1)