Great Falls Tribune

 

June 20, 2009

 

Retired postmaster files to make run for Great Falls mayor

By RICHARD ECKE
Tribune Staff Writer

Michael Winters, a retired postmaster who helped found the Montana Veterans Memorial in Great Falls, filed this week for mayor.

"I think we need a different type personality as mayor," Winters said Friday. "I believe we need stronger leadership at the City Commission meetings and in general."

Winters, the third candidate for mayor, filed Wednesday at the Cascade County Elections Office. The deadline to file for the mayor's position, and for two commissioner seats, is Thursday, July 2. The general election is Nov. 3.

City Commissioner Bill Bronson and Sandra Guynn, a neighborhood council chairwoman, filed previously.

Winters said he would differ from the other two candidates, although he said they are "very good people."

"I have no ax to grind," he said. "I have no agenda. It wouldn't be a continuation of what we have now."

Winters, 71, said it would be a mistake to focus too much on the city's electric utility venture and the proposed Highwood Generating Station, which have been controversial.

"I think there are many issues that need direction and attention," he said. Developers of the power plant proposed east of Great Falls have backed away from using coal in favor of natural gas.

"I think natural gas is probably going to be incredibly expensive," Winters commented. He also mentioned the possibility that Great Falls could become a test site to capture carbon from plant emissions.

"It would be an opportunity for us to find a way to burn the coal in an efficient manner," he said. But Winters said he needs to do more study before taking a firm stand on the power plant.

"I wouldn't rule out anything," he said.

Winters also suggested the City Commission set up an office in the Civic Center for a half day two or three times a week when the public could come in to talk to a commissioner or the mayor.

"I will make myself available," Winters said. Winters said he wants the city to be more active improving downtown, adding he opposed last year's increase in city parking meter and ticket fees.

Winters said he supports the police and fire departments, but he thinks people on fixed incomes might decide they cannot afford "an extra $100 on their taxes each year" for a proposed public safety levy. City voters will decide Aug. 4 whether to approve new police and fire levies.

As mayor, Winters said he would encourage members of the public commenting at meetings to show respect to the commission.

"If you're going to criticize, you should have a solution in mind," Winters said.

Winters dropped out of the City Commission race two years ago for a commissioner's seat when a family member encountered a serious health problem. He said his family is in good health now and there is "no possibility" he would leave the mayor's race.

Five candidates have filed for two open city commissioners seats so far — Kathleen Gessaman, Donna May Zook, Rolland Leitheiser, Ed McKnight and incumbent John Rosenbaum.