Primary Profiles: Four Republicans seek county commission seat

Wes attended Ronan High School. He has three children and two grandchildren.

Wes is a rancher, business owner, and electrical contractor.

Wes Baertsch's campaign for County Commissioner in Lake County is his first entry into politics.

Said, "I have...supported local sports teams in the valley and volunteer[ed] at multiple community events."

- Wants to fix school budget issues.
- Said, "I have...supported local sports teams in the valley and volunteer[ed] at multiple community events."

Public Services

Wants to collaborate with tribal communities.

As of May 15, 2024, Wes Baertsch did not have a website or any information online.

Environment

Said, "I want to make sure we are being fiscally responsible with items that consume a large portion of the overall budget."

Supports the Western Montana Stockgrowers Association.

- Said, "I want to make sure we are being fiscally responsible with items that consume a large portion of the overall budget."
- Supports the Western Montana Stockgrowers Association.

Economy

Plans to work with the Lake County Sheriff's Office and others to improve safety, which is critical due to Lake County's growth.

Wants to decrease crime rates and drug use.

- Plans to work with the Lake County Sheriff's Office and others to improve safety, which is critical due to Lake County's growth.
- Wants to decrease crime rates and drug use.

Public Safety

Said, "Many of the issues impacting the housing costs are beyond the control of the county," but plans to evaluate current policies to ensure they are efficient and fiscally responsible.

- Said, "Many of the issues impacting the housing costs are beyond the control of the county," but plans to evaluate current policies to ensure they are efficient and fiscally responsible.

Housing & Urban Development

Plans to work with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to improve roads, infrastructure, and public safety.

- Plans to work with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to improve roads, infrastructure, and public safety.

Transportation & Infrastructure

- Wants to improve health insurance rates.

Healthcare

Wes Baertsch

As of May 15, 2024, Wes Baertsch did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

As of May 22, 2024, Wes Baertsch did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

Wants Lake County to get the best insurance possible for its employees at the best rates possible.

- Said, "I want to make sure we are being fiscally responsible with items that consume a large portion of the overall budget."
- Wants Lake County to get the best insurance possible for its employees at the best rates possible.

- Plans to work with the Lake County Sheriff's Office and others to improve safety, which is critical due to Lake County's growth.

Said, "Many of the issues impacting the housing costs are beyond the control of the county," but plans to evaluate current policies to ensure they  efficient and fiscally responsible.

- Said, "Many of the issues impacting the housing costs are beyond the control of the county," but plans to evaluate current policies to ensure they  efficient and fiscally responsible.

- County Commissioners create and pass laws at the county level. These laws show up in tangible ways, such as determining how much you pay in property taxes, providing recreational amenities, and maintaining county property.
- County Commissioners are responsible for preparing and passing the county budget. The budget determines how much funding goes to various public services, such as public transportation, law enforcement, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commissioners oversee the administrative duties of your county’s government, such as personnel management, communications, and appointments for advisory boards.
- County Commissioners in Montana are typically elected to 6-year terms in staggered years. Counties may change the Commissioners' term length if they wish. Typically, you only vote for the County Commissioner that represents your county commission district. 