BUTTE — Thursday’s Butte Chief Executive’s debate featured incumbent Dave Palmer touting the positive economic gains in his first term, while his challenger Parks and Recreation Director J.P. Gallagher said he will try to bring high-paying jobs to Butte.
“You would be shocked with the number of meetings with have with corporations and different company’s looking at Butte. There are buildings being sold in Uptown Butte that have been vacant for many, many years,” said incumbent Dave Palmer.
Challenger J.P. Gallagher said, “But retail not going to show up on our door unless we have people that can spend money, you know, we have high poverty, we have a senior population that doesn’t have expendable income that’s out there so we need to create an environment that people want to come and relocate to Butte.”
Both candidates differed when asked what they would do if COVID-19 cases continued to spike in the community.
“I’m not in favor of shutdown, I think we can protect ourselves with having limitations to what we’re doing, I think that wearing a mask is a small sacrifice that we have to do to keep people safe,” said Gallagher.
Palmer said, “I’d hate to have to make that decision again, but if it’s to protect the health of the Butte people then we’ll do it.”
The candidates say they both have the leadership skills necessary to guide Butte in what they believe are better days to come.
“I think we’re on the right track and I just appreciate everyone’s support for another four-year term to keep the momentum going,” said Palmer.
Gallagher said, “We’re in a great position in a tragic time to move forward and really have some economic boom here in Butte. “
