Portra, Romo Seek Bainville’s Mayor Spot
Incumbent Dennis Portra and challenger Toby Romo are seeking the office of mayor of Bainville.
Municipal elections in Montana are scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 2.
Portra and Romo provided the following answers to questions from The Community News.
What is your profession, education and how long have you lived in Bainville?
Portra: Truck driver/mechanic. Technical school graduate. I’ve lived in Bainville since June 1983.
Romo: I have been a construction supervisor in the oil and gas industry the last eight years. Before that, I was self-employed and built houses in the area. I graduated from Bainville and have a BS degree from MSU Bozeman in landscape design. I have lived in Bainville most of my life. In my 46 years, I spent five years in Bozeman and three in Minneapolis.
Activities/boards that you have been involved with: Portra: In the past, I was a volunteer fireman, chairman of the Trenton Indian Housing Board and basketball coach. Romo: Bainville School Board for nine years, Bainville Faith Fellowship board member for six years, girls basketball coach for six years, Youth Group Leader for six years, volunteer fire department and Town of Bainville Government Study Commission.
What do you feel are the biggest issues facing Bainville and Eastern Montana?
Portra: For Bainville, the oil and ag industries are our main employers. Both are in difficult times right now. Both will return to more profit, hopefully soon.
Romo: I think as a whole Bainville and Eastern Montana are doing well. People including myself have seen the benefits of small town life during a global pandemic. Each entity in Bainville made their own decision on how to deal with COVID and we are enjoying those freedoms and can trust in one another to know when to stay home. One thing that seems to be a common theme in Bainville and the area is a lack of workers. I was called by local ranchers and farmers several times this summer looking for some part-time help. Other business owners in the area have said the same. I wonder if there is a program we can be involved with to help find workers for these situations. If we work together and come up with a schedule of needs between local businesses, it may lead to some improvements for this need.
How as mayor can you help improve the conditions for Bainville’s residents?
Portra: I’ve been in Bainville for many boom and slow down phases. Oil will boom again and we need to be ready for the growth when it happens.
Romo: I enjoy seeing a plan put in place and working towards a goal. One thing that I’m excited to work on would be our infrastructure. Planting trees and setting up a watering system is a simple improvement that can last for decades. New sidewalks, improved streets and developing the undeveloped streets in town will allow people to see the lots that are available and stimulate
more growth.
How do you feel that Bainville can grow as a community?
Portra: As ag and oil grow so will Bainville. We have an excellent school so families with school aged children like to live in the area.
Romo: In the town of Bainville Policy Book, there is a Standing Committees section. 2.04.020. There are five standing committees that the mayor appoints in January of each year. 1. Committee on Sewer & Water, 2. Committee on Streets, 3. Committee on Fire, 4. Committee on Police & Public Safety, 5. Committee on Community Development. To me this is exciting that the town can put together a group of people who are passionate and most likely experienced in these five areas. I would be looking for a council member and then anyone in the 59212 zip code to participate on these committees. Getting community involvement in these five areas would be a great way to create growth in our community.
Any other comments you would like to share: Portra: This is a great place to raise a family. I have little doubt that it will grow again.
Romo: I am excited for the opportunity to help lead our town in a mayor’s role. I am ready to find ways to improve and highlight the benefits of small town life. Although people are looking for workers around the area, I see so many locals working on our fire departments and ambulance crews. The churches always step in to do their part when there is a need for weddings and funerals. The American Legion is always faithful to put on a good Memorial Day service and our local businesses including the school are providing summer activities and work for many people in the area. There are a lot of good things happening and I hope to keep the momentum going. Please vote for me if you are able and think about a committee you would like to serve on! Thank you!
