Time to work together

I'd like to address an occurrence from last month's city council meeting, in which a time for public comment was, in my perception, seized as an opportunity to intimidate and bully.

I became a member of TF city council in January 2020, a year no election was held, as all three candidates were running unopposed. This was also a time when Thompson Falls began experiencing inconsistency in the mayor's position. I will be serving another four years, as this year, I was uncontested.

The document that was referenced last month, was the Sanders County, Montana Housing Needs Assessment & 5- Year Housing Action Plan. I was asked by Lisa Fried de Reyes, the Executive Administrator of Sanders County Community Housing Organization, if I would represent the city as a task force member. This task force was a collaborative effort with representation from elected officials, businesses, nonprofits and school districts.

It was during this same time that I was asked by Jen Kreiner, who was the Executive Director of Sanders County Community Development Corp., if I would serve on the Steering Committee for the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities grant. This was another collaborative effort of governing agencies, non-profits, business owners and many volunteer groups.

And in contrast to these two examples of community engagement that were time limited, I presently serve on the board of directors for Kaniksu Land Trust. Eleven years ago I was introduced to KLT. It was a requirement, in my job description as Director of Land Services with Sanders County. Today it is my choice to serve.

KLT was originally founded in 2002 as the Clark Fork Pend Oreille Conservancy with the purpose of supporting the land conservation needs of Avista Corporation as required under the Clark Fork Settlement Agreement.

KLT has since transitioned to a stand-alone 501c3 non-profit organization, operating in Idaho and Montana and has also diversified its land protection and community engagement programs. It is my privilege and joy to serve on a board with others who also align with KLT's vision and mission.

My actions speak of who I am, a person of service, who steps up when I see a need and who answers a call for help. And as I begin my second term on city council, I invite and welcome an opportunity to come together in mutual respect to collaborate for the well being of our community and all who live here.

Katherine Maudrone,

Thompson Falls, City Council Ward 2