Ken Montgomery

A seventh candidate has filed to run for Park County Commissioner. Ken Montgomery of Clark is running for one of three open seats on the commission.

Montgomery, 55, moved to Wyoming from California about two years ago, but he made clear Wyoming is a way of life for him now.

“I love Park County,” Montgomery said. “I may not be from Wyoming but I was born a Wyomingite.”

The technology communications professional, who works for Innominds in California, named property rights as a key issue in his decision to run for a commissioner seat.

“I believe in the idea of property rights,” he said. “When you buy land, that’s your bedrock. I moved to Wyoming to get away from NIMBY (Not In My Backyard).”

Park County Commission incumbents Dossie Overfield and Lloyd Thiel have filed to run in the 2022 primary. In addition, Angie Johnson, Scott Steward, Matt Scott and Keith Dahlem have filed with the county elections office. All seven commissioner candidates, including Montgomery, filed as Republicans.

Montgomery cited one current commissioner who successfully lowered the speed limit on a road near the commissioner’s property despite public opposition to lower the speed limit from 65 miles per hour to 45.

“That’s one of the things that upsets me,” Montgomery said, “when legislators run roughshod over the will of the people. I think it’s emblematic of what’s going on all over the place.”

Montgomery, who also is principal of his own technology consulting firm, said he’s concerned about a recent decision on the part of Park County commissioners to raise the salaries of high-level elected officials, including the county attorney, clerk, assessor and treasurer. 

The most important reason Montgomery gave for entering the race to run for commissioner, however, is his commitment to the state and the community.

“I think Park County is such a special place — the local people, the businesses,” he said. “I want to make sure we have a smart future, with smart people.”

The global head of Brand Engagement for Innominds also cited the county’s education system as an area he supports passionately. Although he’s a California transplant, Montgomery said he has learned farming and ranching, and employs local students to help him.

“One of my favorite things is, I [hire] kids from Powell High School to come work for me,” he said. “I am so impressed with their work ethic. I’m just impressed with their attitude toward life. These kids are hard working and they’re fun.”

Hard work and fun are two of Montgomery’s highest priorities, he said. 

“I feel passionate about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” Montgomery said. “And inalienable rights. I feel like I’ve been reborn here.”