I voted for myself when I ran for chief executive of Butte-Silver Bow in 2024. But I have to say, it wasn’t the obvious decision.

Rayelynn Brandl also ran for chief executive that year. She got into the race a few months after I did. Had she announced she was running earlier, I might not have filed to run at all.

Getting to know her and hearing her ideas during the campaign convinced me that she would be an outstanding chief executive. I really hope she runs again.

After the election, Rayelynn showed that her reason for running was true when she ran to be a member of the commission to review the charter of our local government.

She is part of a great group of civic-minded individuals who have been working for well over a year to make recommendations to voters of Butte-Silver Bow. Those recommendations included possibly moving away from the chief executive model to one with a city manager. The recommendations include dropping the number of county commissioners from 12 to four and to also possibly solve the dispute between our volunteer firefighters and our career firefighters once and for all.

It is a tough and thankless job, and you can learn more about the work the group has been doing tonight at 5:30 at the Butte Brewery. If you cannot make the meeting, there will be more opportunities to learn more about and weigh in on these possible changes.

Earlier today, I met with Rayelynn inside the Vault at the Metals Sports Bar & Grill for a fun conversation. Listen in as Rayelynn talks about these potential changes.

Listen in to hear her qualifications and to learn where she picked up her love of trap shooting. Listen in to see why I hope Rayelynn runs again, whether it is for chief executive, city council or mayor.

Today’s episode is presented by the Jewelry Design Center. Let Brian Toone and Co. be your jewelers for life.