2024 County Commissioner Candidates

Election season is here! Mail ballots will be out soon, and November 5th is just around the corner. Voting is one of the most important actions we can take to shape our community and our future.

While this year’s national races get a lot of attention, local elections are just as critical—if not more so—when it comes to the day-to-day decisions that affect our quality of life. Local officials make decisions that directly impact growth, water management, land use, and community resilience.

At PCEC, we recently had the chance to sit down with the four candidates running for Park County Commissioner: Sabina Strauss and Bryan Wells for the District 2 seat, and Carl Berntsen and Jen Vermillion for the District 3 seat. We also asked them to answer two key questions, which you’ll find below.

Additionally, we encourage you to attend the Park County Commissioner Candidates Forum, hosted by the local chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), on October 16th at 6 pm in the community room of the City County Complex. It’s a great opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and get a better sense of where they stand on important issues.

At PCEC, we’re especially concerned about development and are focused on preserving habitat, protecting wildlife, and safeguarding water quality in the face of growth and climate change. We hope you’ll attend the forum, ask thoughtful questions, and, most importantly, make sure your vote counts.

In community,

Max

What the Candidates had to say:

Why do you want to be a Park County Commissioner? 

District 2 Candidates

Sabina Strauss

I have been thinking about running for public office for a long time, because I have enjoyed public service. I served on several boards, like the Gardiner School Board, Gardiner Chamber of Commerce, Successful Gardiner, Bear Creek Council to name a few recent ones.

And, I am intrigued by self-governance, because I was born in a communist country; participating in one’s government is a great privilege.

Bryan Wells 

I’ve started making positive changes and want to continue that momentum. My main mission is to engage the public, bringing people with opposing views together to find common ground. I love solving problems and helping people—it’s rewarding. My family has deep roots here, and I’ve always loved this place. I was told to wait a year before making changes, but I started in my second week, getting things done. Small wins like these are what motivate me.

District 3 Candidates

Carl Berntsen

I am a lifelong Park County resident.  I love this county, and no other place has ever been home. My wife, Rebbeca Swandal, and I are raising four beautiful children north of Wilsall. They are 5th generation Park County residents, but I am worried there won’t be a 6th generation. The affordability of our county greatly concerns me for all the people of the county. I will use significant public engagement to determine the priorities for our county government and ensure it does not contribute to raising the cost of living.

Jen Vermillion 

I believe in the value of community service and that resilient communities are those where everyone’s voices are heard, and needs are met. My experience on local boards, working with diverse groups of people toward a common goal, has taught me the skills to be an effective leader. My experience as a business owner, land manager, and farmer has taught me how to manage budgets, but also creatively solve problems. I believe Park County would benefit from my leadership and problem solving skills as we, as a community, address the current challenges and plan for the future.