CANDIDATE PROFILES: Commissioner, District 1

  NAME: Adam Bache

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Montana Western

OCCUPATION: Owner and Operator of Bache Cattle Company, Equipment Operator for Bache Construction, and Office Manager for Gabby Bache State Farm.

What qualities make you the best candidate for the job? Grew up in Sanders County. Motivated and see this opportunity as a long term career where I can give back to the community that has given me so much. Ten years of leadership experience in the construction industry. Managed up to 11 major contractors at one time including 20 employees. I am a team player and have a strong work ethic. In stressful situations I can stay calm and I excel at problem solving. Serving the community has always been a dream of mine and will provide me with the opportunity to listen to the residents and their needs.

What experience do you have with managing budgets? Managed a 13 million dollar monthly equipment budget for the Lake Charles Chemical Project over the course of 4 years. Collaborated with management teams to ensure we stayed on budget and created weekly reports. Created and read spreadsheets regarding budgets. Wrote, read, and enforced contracts. Chaired meetings, involving up to 50 people, while staying within the agenda parameters (despite the many different opinions).

Are you in favor of the county accepting federal funding and grants? Why or why not?  

Yes, because our county taxes do not cover everything needed to run the county to the best of its ability. I plan on utilizing grants and federal funding when it benefits Sanders County and its residents. I would be honored to guide Sanders County into the future while maintaining what makes it so special.

NAME: Daniel Moore

EDUCATION: BS Computer Science, Continuing education for finance, foreign relations, management, leadership, business ethics and standards of business conduct.

OCCUPATION: Business Owner, Non-Profit Chairman, Global Director of Regulatory Compliance, Privacy and Security for Microsoft Cloud Business Applications.

What qualities make you the best candidate for the job? I have invested my time, energy and money in Sanders County with the intent of improving the quality of life for our residents. This is reflected in restoration of the Black Bear, Chairman of Thompson Falls Main Street, participation in Sanders County Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and Thompson Falls Planning Board. I currently employ over 25 Sanders County Residents and sponsor multiple community events. I have owned businesses and managed programs that require legal, business and global expertise for more than 20 years. Every day I work to make Sanders County great. Whether elected or not, that will continue.

What experience do you have with managing budgets? I have owned and operated multiple businesses since 1985. I currently operate Black Bear Construction, Bakery, Deli, Coffee Shop and Call Center. I am fully responsible for all aspects of financial planning and management. I have been managing budgets at Microsoft for 22 years ranging from 5mil annually to 15mil annually. All aspects of planning, negotiating, administration and accountability.

Are you in favor of the county accepting federal funding and grants? Why or why not? Yes, Currently Sanders County’s annual budget is substantially subsidized with federal dollars. That was over $6mil in the 2020 annual audit. Health and Human Services, Agriculture, Homeland Security, DOJ, DOT (Airport Improvement), Schools and Roads, Waste Water Management, Domestic Violence Prevention, WIC, etc. Its popular to say, “Don’t take federal dollars. We don’t want federal influence.” In reality the county would bankrupt immediately without these funds. We need to choose carefully and ensure we understand the strings attached, but we pay federal taxes that come back to us in federal services. We have paid for these services.

NAME: Dan Rowan

EDUCATION: High School Graduate

OCCUPATION: Mayor of Plains

What qualities make you the best candidate for the job? A good Commissioner must have experience, commitment, patience, common sense and the willingness to listen to their constituents. Rather than campaign promises and polished speeches, I have a record in elected public office that establishes I have these qualities. It’s imperative that elected officials act in the best interest of the public, not their own interests. I actively listen to my constituent’s concerns, consider all sides of every issue and act in the best interests of the residents. I have abided by this principle as Mayor and will continue doing so as Commissioner.

What experience do you have with managing budgets? I have considerable experience managing public budgets. During my tenure as the Mayor of Plains, I have managed a balanced budget every single year for the past four years. Each year, I have been able to meet the primary needs of the Town, paid down the Town’s debt and have

still been able to leave money in reserve for the Town of Plains. I have reviewed the County’s budget and have the experience to fully understand it. I am familiar with the format, requirements, the budget software system and how to navigate it.

Are you in favor of the county accepting federal funding and grants? Why or why not? Generally, I’m not in favor of federal funding and grants. However, Commissioners must set aside reconceived opinions and consider all options. Any blanket answer fails to do that. I can say, I prefer that the county meet its own needs and will work to ensure that we do. However, shutting the door on accepting any funds could mean shutting the doors on the needs of residents, such as would have happened with the Heron Bridge or Plains Lagoon projects. It comes down to weighing the needs of the community against what strings are attached to the funding.