Robert Pasha faces off in Chouteau County race

Robert Pasha said he hopes to serve a second term as Chouteau County commissioner, but he will first need to fend off a challenge from a former commissioner.

Pasha faces former Chouteau County commissioner and now state Rep. James O'Hara, R-Fort Benton, in the June 5 Republican primary.

No Democrat filed to run for the seat, so the winner of the primary will be unopposed in the general election.

Pasha said he is running for a second term because he appreciates the chance to serve the people of Chouteau County.

A long-time self-employed farmer and rancher, Pasha said he has brought to the position of commissioner an ability to make sound financial decisions. A self-described people person, Pasha said he also possess the communication skills needed to deal with other county employees and the general public.

He added that as commissioner and a business owner in his agriculture operation he has demonstrated that he has the administrative skills needed to be an effective commissioner.

Chouteau County has faced many cuts in state funding for appraisal and social services programs, Pasha said. If re-elected, he said that he will be focused on finding creative ways to provide those services to county residents. He also looks to find a way to maintain roads in the county which has a small tax base but lots of roads.

Pasha said that in a second term he also wants to continue to find ways to use the county's money and workforce more effectively.

--

Robert Pasha

Date and place of birth: March 18, 1952; Great Falls

Education: Master's degree in animal science, Montana State University, 1975; Highwood High School, 1970

Family: Ann Pasha, wife; three grown children

Work history: Farmer and rancher

Previous political experience: Chouteau County Commissioner, 2013-present