No third term for Mayor — Hillman seeks position

Posted 4/19/12

Though there is no term limit for mayors, Mangold said he decided against seeking another term after talking with his kids and colleagues at the KPOW AM Radio Station.

“I have always been an advocate for term-limits, and I think that the …

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No third term for Mayor — Hillman seeks position

Posted

Mangold wants fresh thinking, ideas from new mayor

After serving eight years as Powell’s mayor, Scott Mangold will not seek a third term.

The mayor posted a message on the city’s website Monday announcing his decision.“In a town of 6,300, some other people might have new ideas,” Mangold said Wednesday. “It’s time for me to step aside and give the reins to someone else.”Powell residents will elect their new mayor in November, and Mangold will complete his second term in December.

Though there is no term limit for mayors, Mangold said he decided against seeking another term after talking with his kids and colleagues at the KPOW AM Radio Station.

“I have always been an advocate for term-limits, and I think that the mayor’s job is a good example,” Mangold wrote in his mayor’s message. “There are some people in the municipalities of Wyoming who have been in office for over two decades. I admire their public service, but I still question if they are fresh in their ideas.

“I look forward to hearing some new ideas from the new guy, or gal, in charge. That’s right; city government is for women, too!”

Mangold also said he must “start concentrating on the business that pays my bills.” Mangold co-owns the KPOW radio station, and said in his message that, “We may see some big changes at the radio station, and I don’t want to be out of town when it happens.”

The mayor said city of Powell work sometimes conflicted with his radio responsibilities. Known as the Voice of the Panthers, Mangold has worked hard to make sure every football game and basketball game are on the air every season — racking up many miles across Wyoming and braving mountain passes in the winter.

But Mangold missed a day of Panther basketball in Worland in January because he was completing work for the city during the legislative session.

“Right after that game, one of the parents asked me if I was going to broadcast the next weekend’s game, which was at home. I felt very low,” Mangold wrote.

“The conflict came up, and I was given a choice that now results in me losing sleep,” he added. “There are many reasons that I took this mayor’s job and, in the most part, I have accomplished them.

“It’s now time to move on and move back.”

Hillman’s Ward 3 councilman seat up for election

Instead of running for re-election as a city councilman this year, Don Hillman will seek his first term as mayor of Powell.

The longtime Powell resident announced his decision Wednesday.

“With my work experience and over 10 years of City Council experience, I believe I can be a positive addition, and I like Powell,” Hillman said.

Hillman served on the council from 1986-93 and was elected again in 2008. His seat as a Ward 3 councilman is up for election this year. His career with Montana Dakota Utilities spanned 41 years before he retired in 2004. Aside from time spent in Billings and Sheridan, Hillman has spent his life here.

Hillman said he wants to serve the community, and he enjoys being on the Powell City Council.

He also hopes to help steer the city through some of the challenges ahead.

“One of the biggest problems the city is going to be facing is money,” Hillman said. “The economy just isn’t good anywhere right now, but if we do things right, we can survive and hopefully get to where we should be.”

The city faces a grim budget outlook this year, Hillman said.

“We just have to tighten our belts, like anyone else,” he added.

During his past four years on the City Council, the city has dealt with leaner budgets. Major projects during his current term have included plans for a garbage transfer station, funding for the Powell Golf Course and construction of the Powell Aquatic Center.

“The swimming pool has been a learning curve for us,” Hillman said. “We’ve never been in the swimming pool business until now, but as we have more years of operation, we can have a better idea of what it’s going to cost.”

Hillman and his wife, Judie, have two children, Raquel (Hillman) Schwab, who works as a dental hygienist in Powell, and Jason, who is a principal in Sheridan. Hillman is a grandfather of three.

The filing period for elected offices opens May 17. City Council seats held by incumbents Eric Paul, Jim Hillberry and Floyd Young also are up for election this year.

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