Montana's News Leader, Two newcomers vying for Yellowstone County commission seat

Mike is originally from Montana. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Montana State University, a master's degree in international relations from Salve Regina University, and a third master's degree in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College.

Mike is a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and former Air Force pilot. He worked as an assistant professor of political science at the U.S. Air Force Academy and as a military professor at the U.S. Naval War College. He worked as a business development consultant for Career Education Corporation, a contract instructor with Convergent Performance, and with the Region 8 Veterans Business Outreach Center. 

Mike Waters' campaign for county commissioner is his first run for public office. 

As of October 2, 2024, Mike Waters’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Public Services

Energy & the Environment

Candidate website

Believes workforce shortages are a widespread issue.

- Believes workforce shortages are a widespread issue.

Economy

Believes in reducing crime and supports expanding jail capacity.

Believes in having an adequate number of law enforcement officers, prosecutors, public defenders, and mental health evaluators to effectively remove criminals from the streets.

- Believes in reducing crime and supports expanding jail capacity.
- Believes in having an adequate number of law enforcement officers, prosecutors, public defenders, and mental health evaluators to effectively remove criminals from the streets.

Public Safety

Believes in reducing county government regulations to promote healthy growth in Yellowstone County.

- Believes in reducing county government regulations to promote healthy growth in Yellowstone County.

Housing & Urban Development

Transportation & Infrastructure

Healthcare

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Mike Waters

Mike Waters is a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and former Air Force pilot. He worked as an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the U.S. Air Force Academy and as a Military Professor at the U.S. Naval War College. After his military career, he worked as a Business Development Consultant for Career Education Corporation, a contract instructor with Convergent Performance, and with the Region 8 Veterans Business Outreach Center. He also served as the Director of Veterans & Military Affairs for Congressman Greg Gianforte and as a Military and Veteran Liaison for Senator Steve Daines.

As of October 7, 2024, Mike Waters’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports developing MetraPark and advocating for Montana's agricultural heritage.

Believes in providing strong leadership to improve public services.

Promises to provide "transparent, accountable, conservative leadership for Yellowstone County."

Supports the development and maintenance of public services, including libraries, parks, and recreational facilities.

Worked with the Region 8 Veterans Business Outreach Center.

Worked as a Military and Veteran Liaison for Senator Steve Daines.

Believes in supporting public services, including education and healthcare, to enhance community well-being.

Supports sustainable energy practices and environmental conservation efforts.

Endorsed by U.S. Representative Matt Rosendale.

Supports strong military funding and ensuring veterans receive economic support and job opportunities.

Wants to maintain the current rate of the county’s portion of property taxes.

Opposes raising property taxes, believing it burdens young families and fixed-income seniors, and only supports such increases if deemed necessary for their well-being.

Believes in supporting veterans and military personnel through economic policies that ensure financial stability and job opportunities for these groups.

Supports strong leadership in economic matters, drawing from military service and veteran advocacy.

Supports veterans and believes in strong public service for their benefit.

Believes in enhancing public safety measures.

Believes every aspect of the criminal justice system contributes to public safety issues and is committed to finding solutions.

Believes in "principled conservative" values, citing President Reagan as a key influence.

Believes in improving public safety and being responsive to community concerns.

Supports strong public safety measures, including comprehensive gun control, criminal justice reform, and immigration policy.

Believes in strong leadership, extensive experience, and unwavering integrity to guide transportation and infrastructure decisions.

Supports the development of transportation and infrastructure.

Supports access to affordable healthcare.

- County Commissioners create and pass laws at the county level. These laws show up in tangible ways, such as determining how much you pay in property taxes, providing recreational amenities, and maintaining county property.
- County Commissioners are responsible for preparing and passing the county budget. The budget determines how much funding goes to various public services, such as public transportation, law enforcement, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commissioners oversee the administrative duties of your county’s government, such as personnel management, communications, and appointments for advisory boards.
- County Commissioners in Montana are typically elected to 6-year terms in staggered years. Counties may change the Commissioners' term length if they wish. Typically, you only vote for the County Commissioner that represents your county commission district. 