I have been blessed to call Great Falls my home. It is an outstanding community with excellent education opportunities, world-class hunting and fishing, the River’s Edge Trail, and unlimited year-round outdoor activities. Community service has always played a vital role in my life. 

My background includes military service with the U.S. Navy, and numerous entrepreneurial ventures. I am also an Inc 500 award winner, America’s 500 Fastest Growing Private Companies. 

Additionally, I served our community as a four-term lawmaker with the Montana House of Representatives and currently serve as a Great Falls City Commissioner. These lifetime accomplishments combine to allow me to bring a wealth of knowledge and proven leadership to our community. I’m eager to do my part in moving Great Falls forward.

My passion lies in addressing key issues that will benefit our community. My goals are simple, but not necessarily easy. 

They include: 1) More Housing, 2) Safe Neighborhoods, 3) Economic Growth and Prosperity. It will take community collaboration to accomplish these ambitions.

All city commissioners, including the mayor, have equal authority under the city charter.  As a city commissioner, I will work vigorously to encourage communication and collaboration among our community leaders and organizations. 

A city commissioner is not a 'Lone Ranger' but both a coach and a member of the team. We are fortunate that many smart and creative people have chosen to live in our community. The key is getting everyone together in the boat and rowing in the same direction.

Our city is growing, and our needs are many. As we grow, we require housing of all types, including multi-family housing, affordable housing, workforce housing, single-family housing, and more. 

Moreover, our public safety departments, such as courts, fire, and police, are woefully understaffed and underfunded. It is critical to properly fund public safety. 

We want a city commission that can see through the morass of red tape and lead the community, focusing on the bigger picture of more housing, safe neighborhoods and economic growth.

It’s important that the goals of individual commissioners and the group have an open and frank discussion to move forward as a united team. The plan involves addressing infrastructure issues, including road, water, and sewer, through collaboration with the city and developers. 

We should also be open-minded about zone change requests and ensure land and property rights remain a priority. 

To attract more business investment, we will work to support entrepreneurs, streamline licensing and approval processes, and cooperate with community partners in the private and public sectors to assist the business community.

I encouraged a streamlined review process for subdivisions that comply with zoning and planning regulations and have adequate infrastructure. 

It is vital that city staff have a friendly and can-do attitude when addressing these matters. Infrastructure issues, such as roads, water, and sewer, require cooperation with the city and developers, and we must find creative ways to get there.

Land and property rights are basic rights of our citizens. While zoning regulations can offer some reasonable regulation, it's important to be open-minded about zone change requests. Sometimes zoning codes are outdated, and zone change requests may be sensible. We must always focus on making things work for the benefit of our citizens and ensure that land and property rights are respected.

Attracting more business investment is critical for our community's growth and prosperity. As a career entrepreneur, I understand the importance of speed, efficiency, and certainty in local government processes, especially when it comes to licensing and approvals for businesses. Additionally, we can work with community partners, both in the private and public sectors, to support the business community. It is not the City's role to pick winners and losers but to support all legal enterprises and create an environment conducive to economic growth.

Safety is a primary duty of local government, and crime prevention and reduction are crucial aspects of this responsibility. One of my top priorities is to address the understaffing of our police and fire departments. We must work on improving our public safety organizations and facilities through a public safety levy request for personal and a capital campaign for facilities. In addition to crime prevention, addressing mental health and addiction issues can also contribute to reducing crime in our community.

Homelessness, mental health and drug-related issues often go hand in hand. To address these challenges, we should work toward increasing access to mental health and addiction services. 

It's crucial to provide support and resources for those in need. Homelessness is not always a choice, and we must be compassionate while finding effective solutions. Collaborating with community organizations and partners can help provide better support and services to those experiencing homelessness.

 My career as a successful entrepreneur and service in the U.S. Navy has taught me the importance of creative problem-solving and collaboration.

 Furthermore, my experience as a four-term lawmaker with the Montana House of Representatives and my current role as a Great Falls City Commissioner have given me valuable insights into addressing community issues, including crime, homelessness, and addiction. I believe my diverse experiences equip me to handle these complex issues and work towards building a stronger and safer community.

Our local tax system is outdated and does not meet the needs of our community. Currently, our local government relies mainly on property taxes and fees, and the property tax revenue is limited by state law from being pegged to inflation. This causes a constant funding decline and has reduced services hindering our ability to address important issues, including public safety. I believe a comprehensive study and wholesale changes to the tax system are needed, and I support efforts at the state level to achieve this.

By state law, local government may NOT increase property taxes. However, voters can approve a property tax increase for specific needs, such as parks, libraries, and public safety. As a city commissioner, my focus would be on finding sustainable solutions to funding local government without relying solely on property taxes. I would prioritize responsible financial management and explore other revenue sources before considering any tax or fee increases on property owners.

Economic growth and prosperity are top priorities for me. My foremost goal as a city commissioner is to facilitate economic development and support recruitment and expansion of Primary Sector companies. These companies not only provide jobs but also generate economic growth for Great Falls by selling products and services to customers outside the area, bringing 'new money' to our city. We must also support existing local businesses and entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the resources and support they need to grow and thrive in our community.

Elected public service is a significant personal, family and professional sacrifice. 

 The financial cost can be huge.  I’m an entrepreneur, those who disagree with my vote or opinion, will many times boycott my business and encourage others to do likewise. Additionally, sometimes I’m denied service by other local business owners who disagree with my political positions. 

However, I’m not bothered by it. The founders of our country and many of our military personnel sacrificed way more than I ever will. 

 The position of city commissioner is an unpaid position.

And I like it that way. I don’t want anyone attracted to the city commission due to a possible financial gain (paycheck). I freely give my time, talents and resources to my community. Only those willing to sacrifice ought to be on the city commission.

It is not a career move. It is ‘volunteer’ community service.

Join the movement to build a stronger Great Falls as I work for re-election. Running for public office requires resources, and while we'd prefer not to fundraise, it's impossible to achieve our goals without your help. Supporters can contribute to the campaign by clicking on this link: https://secure.anedot.com/joe-mckenney-for-great-falls/donate. Your investment will be reimbursed with a thriving community and a brighter future for Great Falls. I look forward to serving our community.