Belgrade City Council

Martha Sellers 

• Works in Development for Montana Wilderness School 
• Experience with budgeting and fiscal management 
• Past employment includes mentoring youth and helping programs organize, grow and address crises

What would your top priorities be as a Belgrade City Councilmember?

Safe, efficient transportation of all types — car, truck, bus, train, bicycle and on foot. Continuing to provide homeownership opportunities for young families across all socio-economic levels. Encouraging more business growth, especially for small local businesses. Building infrastructure and services at a pace that meets demand. 

Why should MSU students vote for you? 

I would use a term other than “should” as that’s much too top down, but I would hope students vote for me because the issues I care about are the issues they care about: access and opportunity, safety, affordability and community-building.

What issue should young Montanans be most concerned about?

Again, too top down. I hope all humans, including Montanans, are supporting people and organizations that believe we all gain when those who struggle the most are able to struggle less.  

Why did you decide to run for Belgrade City Council?

I have the time, energy, and life experience to give back to my community, and I wanted to do it in a local, non-partisan arena.

What are some steps you would take to help mitigate effects of the quickly increasing population of Gallatin County?

The population is increasing dramatically in Belgrade and right now it’s affording young professionals and young families an opportunity to become homeowners so it’s not really a negative here. If we can keep increasing services to match need and if we can solve the Jackrabbit challenges and other transportation issues, I believe we will be largely okay. 

What are your favorite things about living in Belgrade?

Size, affordability, access to outdoor activities, a growing downtown, neighbors I know well, fewer absentee homeowners. 

How do you plan to create affordable housing for MSU’s college students and the Belgrade community?

Affordable housing in Belgrade is less of an issue than to our east, but I would like to see Belgrade ensure that some portion of new housing is accessible to young families, especially single-parent homes. I believe we all benefit when we support people from all socio-economic levels and help them feel they are an integral part of our community. 

As of press time, these candidates had not responded to the Exponent’s questionaire. Responses received after press time will be updated here. 

Renae Mattimoe 

• Served on the Board from 2012-2015
• Office manager for auto transport business
• Mom 

Kristine Menicucci 

• Been on the council since 2013, city ward incumbent  
• Intermediate school teacher 
• Large involvement with the Belgrade Community Library 

Eric Reinhardt

• Retired Law Enforcement Officer with 27 years of service 
• Has lived in Montana for 17 years 
• Experience with fiscal management