Beach and Kent Vie for City Council Seat Tuesday

Two candidates are on the ballot for the Ward II City Council seat which Robert Erickson vacates as he completes his final term. Both Jack Beach and Karla Kent filed for the seat during the filing period in January. The Election will be held on Tuesday, June 11^th  at the Fallon Convention Center from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Only those people living in the City of Fallon in Ward II are eligible to vote in the election for this seat. Jack Beach and Karla Kent offer some insight into who they are, why they are running, and what they hope to achieve. Jack Beach is a lifelong Fallon resident. He attended Churchill County School District schools and graduated from CCHS in 1968. From there, Beach attended Western Montana College and graduated in 1973 and with a Bachelor of Arts in secondary education. During his 30 years with the CCSD, Beach taught math, coached various sports, and served as athletic director at CCHS. He retired from public education in 2003 and moved into private education by teaching at Logos Christian Academy for eight years, and then served as principal for six years. Beach has two grown children, Jeremy and Kasey, and one grandson, Logan. What made you decide to run for City Council? I decided to seek a council seat because I have always had a desire to be in service to my community. As by my past involvement in different causes, I thought this would be a great opportunity to continue serving the city that has been so good to me. If you are elected, what would you like to see changed or implemented during your term? If elected, I would go in with an open mind looking for opportunities to improve Fallon. In walking around Ward II, people have expressed concerns about conditions of some city streets, lack of affordable housing in the area, and the abundance of tagging taking place in the area. Is there anything else you would like to convey to the public? I would like to let people know I would always be available to hear their concerns and make every effort to do the best for the community. I am retired and have the time and energy to be an effective councilman. Karla Kent is a 4th generation Kent and grew up in the family business, Kent’s Supply, working side-by-side with her father from 1978 until his passing in 1993. Kent considers herself fortunate for the opportunity. Kent also had the chance to work with her mother at the store along with other family members. She became President of the company in 1984 and became sole owner in 1996. What made you decide to run for City Council? I decided to run for City Council when I heard Bob Erickson was ending his final term.  I have worked with the public and in this community all my life. I am hardworking and passionate about Fallon. I feel I have a lot to offer and could make a difference. If you are elected, what would you like to see changed or implemented during your term? If I am elected, I would like to bring more businesses into the City, being aware of what businesses fit well in certain parts of our community. I would also like to help continue the successful revitalization of Maine Street as well as see the Fallon Community Theater remain open and see it fully renovated. Is there anything else you would like to convey to the public? As a Councilperson, we do not legislate; we follow state and federal laws. So, I really want to understand the financial aspects of the City; the revenue, expense, and the budgeting process. Also, I would like to be a conduit between the citizens of Ward II and Fallon’s city government. Voting for Ward II takes place at the Fallon Convention Center on Tuesday, June 11^th from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. This will be the last city election held on an odd-numbered year. Due to recent changes in legislation, city elections will now be held on even-numbered years during the state election cycle.     Support local, independent news – contribute to The Fallon Post, your non-profit (501c3) online news source for all things Fallon. Never miss the local news -- read more on The Fallon Post home page.