Columbia Fall city council election: Shepard brings experience to the city council

Incumbent Mike Shepard brings a wealth of experience to the Columbia Falls city council as he seeks another four-year term.

Shepard was first elected in 1996, took some time off to handle a family emergency in 2002 and has been on council since 2004. He grew up in Pennsylvania and was an “Army brat” traveling around the country as his father, Henry, served as a colonel in the military.

Shepard is also an Army veteran, having served in the Vietnam era from 1970 to 1973. Retired since 2005, he formerly worked at the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. plant, was a history teacher and then finished his career in the plumbing supply industry.

He’s stayed active locally with veteran issues, rebuilding the local American Legion Freedom Post 72 from four members to more than 100 in just a few years. He recently stepped down as commander of the post, but continues to serve as one of three legislative representatives for the Legion across the state.

As a councilman, Shepard said there’s some projects he’d like to see completed in the city, including a fishing pond at River’s Edge Park. The park could also use a pavilion, for things like weddings and other events, he noted.

He’s been an active member of the CFAC community liaison panel, which meets twice a year to go over the Superfund site cleanup and he’d like to assist in forming an independent citizens group — known as a technical advisory group — to further examine the cleanup from an independent standpoint.

He said he’s concerned about the city’s growth, but notes the city does have the infrastructure to accommodate it. It has capacity to at its sewer treatment facility take on more housing and the city is considering drilling another well to boost its water supply.

The city will likely completely infill in the next few years — it only has about 100 lots left. Growth will likely go to the east or the west — the river poses a barrier to the south. He’s also a member of the 911 board and would like to see that countywide system finally get secure funding.

Because he’s retired, he sits on many of the daytime committees that other members can’t attend.

“I’m always available,” he notes.

Shepard has also revitalized the veterans wall at Marantette Park, organizing the names for the wall and making sure the plaques are made correctly.

He also puts together a ceremony each Memorial Day and at Heritage Days to recognize local veterans.

On the county jail proposal, he said he had to oppose it in the end, because the county didn’t put together any firm numbers on the cost and impacts.

“It didn’t do its due diligence,” he said.

Shepard said the city shouldn’t annex land before being asked to by a landowner.

“I don’t like forced annexation,” he said.