Thanks to Councilman Denis Pitman, for helping arrange the parking spot, to help Brookstone Monument, access to park their truck near the Montana Purple Heart memorial, in order to inscribe new names, Tomy Parker, Corey Sherwood, and many others, thanks to Marlene and Dennis of Brookstone.
to find the best in others; to give of one’s self;
to leave the world a bit better,
whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition,
to have played and laughed with enthusiasm
and sung with exultation;
to know that even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived -
this is to have succeeded.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
SUPPORTING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS WITH DISC GOLF PROJECT!
LIGHT AT ST. ANDREWS AND WICKS LANE
FINISHING TRAILS UNDER MAIN STREET, ARONSON AND ALKALI CREEK!
The students in Skyview High’s advanced-placement government class are trying to practice what they’ve been preached.
The students are meeting with the Billings City Council later this month to propose building a disc golf course at High Sierra Park in the Heights.
“In the spring, second semester, I tell my students, the community has done a lot for you, now it’s time for you to do something for the community,” Jerry Jette, Billings Skyview High School government instructor, said. “The reason I do this is so they understand” how city government works.
Jette’s class got together earlier this year and came up with a plan to put a disc golf course in the Heights. It was an idea fraught with potential setbacks.
Last fall, after complaints from residents, the City Council voted to remove disc golf from the Pioneer Park Master Plan. The move caused an uproar in the community, and the council put disc golf back in weeks later.
Jette reminded his students of the controversy and told them he didn’t think proposing a disc golf course was the greatest idea. But his students persisted.
And he’s glad they did.
“We haven’t had anyone say this is a bad idea,” Jette said.
In fact, when the students made their presentation to Mark Jarvis, the city’s park planner, he was pleasantly surprised.
When the Pioneer Park Master Plan was revised by the council, members asked the parks department to look at other places in the city where a disc golf course could be built to alleviate some of the pressure on Pioneer Park.
“Turns out High Sierra Park is No. 2 on the priority list,” Jarvis said.
The students met with the Heights Task Force last week and then held a community meeting at Skyview High on Tuesday night. The response was positive at each gathering, Jette said.
Denis Pitman, one of the council’s two Heights representatives, was at both meetings and praised the students’ efforts.
“It’s a great civic lesson for the students,” he said.
Like Jarvis, Pitman believes High Sierra Park is just the place for disc golf.
“This is a park where there aren’t a lot of neighbors,” he said. “It’s an easy fit.”
Students will meet with the parks board next week and then the City Council at its May 24 planning session. Pitman believes they’ll get a positive reception from council members.
Jette is just pleased his students are learning how local government operates. They’ll live in towns and cities their whole lives, and it’s important they know how government functions, he said.
Jarvis agreed.
“I think that it’s great civic acumen,” he said.
Contact Rob Rogers at rrogers@billingsgazette.com or 657-1231.
BILLINGS- If you were new to Billings and were driving around Metra Park, any evidence of the Father's Day Tornado of 2010 could easily be confused with maintenance work or road construction.
Heights City Council representative Angela Cimmino said a little more than a year ago, the current appearance of Main Street post-tornado would be considered fantasy.
But the fantasy came to life today, as it has several times in the recent past, as two stalwart Billings businesses broke ground on a new location Thursday at Main Street and Hansen Lane.
The Brewer Dental Center plans to open their new dental office in March of 2012, and Dr. Kevin Brewer, D.D.S., hopes his new building's tenant, City Brew, can open its doors before spring.
For Brewer, the move to the heights seemed like a smart business decision.
"Well, it's the fifth largest city in Montana is what I'm told," said Brewer. "And we've got Lockwood not far away, which is they say, is the seventh largest community in Montana. So, it's just a huge population base. If you look at dentist ratios, how many thousand people there are per dentist in a location, this location is pretty good."
According to Rick Leuthold of the Big Sky Economic Development board and Sanderson/Stewart, that's really the story of the heights.
"There are several locations, even right along Main Street, where this was an old dilapidated corner, it had a car lot on it, and could be used in a better fashion," said Leuthold.
But even with the prime real estate, Brewer noted the difficulty of establishing a brand-new cliental base, calling the move "risky" while also describing it as "exciting".
Leuthold says some of that risk is due to the Billings heights historically being behind the curve when it comes to development-but recent and anticipated growth in the area is catching the massive neighborhood to speed--mostly due to the regional pull of Billings enjoyed by the community at-large.
"We benefit a lot from the natural resource industries in and around the area," said Leuthold. "Of course, we have a strong medical community, a strong agricultural community and services sector."
And it's the services sector heights city councilman Denis Pitman hopes the continuing development of amenities helps to expand.
"I think we're looking at hoping to, at some point, attract the movie theaters, some more restaurants, family restaurants that'll accommodate larger groups, things like that," said Pitman.
But both Pitman and Cimmino say a big part of that development will depend on the ability of a roadway like the inner belt loop or the Aronson Bridge project to take the pressure off of Main Street.
"They're looking for alternative routes to make sure that their customers have easy access in and out of the heights," said Pitman
Denis Pitman, Billings City Councilman
2007 Elected
8 years in review
“If you are not at the table,
you are on the menu!”
Father’s Day Tornado 2010
Aronson Road Opened
Bench Road, bypass in front of Metra Park, Entire Project – Silly, but colored concrete was because I was driving by and realized how ugly it was going to look, remembered what we did on Aronson….
Oasis Facility
First Phase of IBL Skyway Drive
Stop light at St. Andrews and Wicks
Dorothy Lane Paved
Reconstruction of Alkali Creek Road
Dehler Park
Billings Library
Shilo Road
Empire Garage
Airport Road Reconstruction
Castle Rock Park, Spray Park, Tennis Courts
Lake Elmo Drive
National League of Cities and Towns Energy, Environment and Natural Resources
Montana League of Cities and Towns, Billings Representative
Dog Park
Swords Park Trail system,
Medical MJ, Chair
Back yard Chickens
NDO
Shilo Conservation Area
Countless ribbon Cutting and ground breakings
Billings Bypass, SAVED MARY
Helped get infrastructure projects in the BURD, gateway
Educator for a day
Yellowstone Veterans Cemetery Board, Friends of the Cemetery, Yellowstone National Cemetery
Independence Hall, VOA
QRV’s in fire department
Landfill methane gas into revenue for city.
Shawnee approach to Main Street
Answered thousand of emails and hundreds of calls from people in the heights
Deputy Mayor ProTem
Updated web site, council email, electronic devices, attempt to move council paperless.
Learned a lot about Montana open meeting laws…. Education by Gazette Reporter Matt Hagengruber…
Babcock Theater project
In 8 years had 3 different Ward 2 members to work with Stevens, Brewster, and Cimmino, 2 mayors, and one city administrator
Appointed a City Judge to replace Knisley. Judge Kolar
Jani McCall the only person remaining on the council since I began…..
PCC alternative Representative
Priority Based budgeting
Balanced City Budget for 8 years. Leaving with 13 million in unbudgeted reserves
Reduced lawsuits for directing staff to aggressively defend city…
Toured every department in the city
Elected officials disaster training
City, County, School District meetings, didn’t happen before getting on council
City now on facebook
Hiring of additional police and 911
Community Conversations
Miles of connected bike trails
Re-Opening of Northern Hotel
Billings Hosting MLCT
Strategic Plan for Billings
Quiet Zone downtown
Lockwood Waste Water agreement
Larger Holding ponds at Airport
New MET Bus Wash
New Radio system for police and fire
Educator for a day
Storm Drain system in West Heights, Hilltop and Nutter – still go out after every storm and clear intake drains.
New Fire Station on west end
Rock removal from rims
Chairs at Cemetery
Sale of some unused public land
New and larger water reservoirs
VISTA Volunteer Program
Restroom at Cemetery, Swords Park
Redrew council boundaries,
Still in process:
IBL 2nd phase completed! 2024
Barrett Road Spring of 2016
Billings By-pass Outer Connection Bridge opened 2025
Airport remodel
911 Center
Because of being on the council, I have:
Walked in the disaster of the Metra tornado
Children have grown up with me in public life, support what I do youngest was a year old when I started now 9
Walked in parades for Toys for Tots
Got to work with many great public servants, elected officials, staff
Represented an amazing and growing community
Helped with Independence Hall, National Cemetery, Veteran Issues
Been a voice for the people of the Heights
Brought the heights from Red headed step child to full influence on council
Not done alone, but working together for the betterment of Billings….
For everything there is a season….
A time for Breaking down
Silos and sandboxes.
Campaign Disclosures
Friends of Denis Pitman
645 Main Street
Billings MT 59105
406-670-7430
Treasurer: Raedawn Pasco
Non-Partisan
City Council Ward 2, Billings Heights
Candidate for Billings City Council: A Vision for Community Growth and Progress
Your Voice, Your Advocate, Your Future
Introduction
Billings, Montana, is a city brimming with potential, and a rich heritage. As a candidate for the Billings City Council, I am committed to ensuring that our community continues to thrive, evolve, and remain a place where everyone can succeed. Whether addressing infrastructure improvements, promoting economic growth, or advocating for community programs, I promise to bring dedication, transparency, and collaboration to every decision we make.
Why I Am Running
I believe that leadership is about listening, learning, and acting in the best interest of the people. My decision to run for City Council is rooted in a deep passion for serving this community, addressing its challenges, and building a brighter future. Billings deserves leaders who care deeply about sustainable development, and the well-being of its residents. I am eager to represent your voice and turn aspirations into actionable strategies. I am committed to getting things done, and not just talking about them. I have a proven track record of having a vision and then getting it completed. Granted even Skyway Drive and the By-Pass have taken almost 20 years, it was that kind of vision and commitment that are needed on the council.
Core Values and Commitments
Transparency and Accountability
City government functions best when there is clear communication with the public and responsibility for its actions. I am committed to maintaining an open-door policy and fostering trust with the residents of Billings. Open meeting laws and being avid citizens is a priority of mine, and I have no problem stopping and visiting with people in Albertsons or Walmart, or meeting them for coffee to discus issues important to heights residents.
Economic Development
A thriving economy benefits all. I aim to attract businesses, support local entrepreneurs, and create jobs that empower residents and ensure stability for families. With the Skyway Drive and by pass operational, economic growth should be one of the benefits of those projects. As I visited with developers, they said limited access to the heights was a big concern of theirs. Now that we have united our community, promoting development should be easier. With help from the Chamber and Big Sky Economic Development, I plan to bring a case that businesses should be investing in Billings Heights.
Infrastructure and Sustainability
Our roads, bridges, and public spaces are the backbone of our city. I will prioritize investments in infrastructure that meet the needs of today while planning for a sustainable future. This has been something that Billings does well, and investments in things like the waste water treatment plant, and water storage facilities allow us to provide for growth and sustainability. Having only 8 hours of reserve water has been a concern for decades, and with vision and knowing we needed to capture our water from the Yellowstone allowed this idea to become a reality. Capturing methane at the landfill was a project that I worked on, that saved the city from paying for mitigation, and actually allowed up to make revenue from the gases produced.
Public Safety
Every resident deserves to feel safe in their home and community. Strengthening law enforcement resources, enhancing emergency response services, and addressing the root causes of crime are central to my approach. Recent events show that every time police, firefighters or other responders are called to help, they truly place their lives on the line. We deserve to make sure that have the best resources available. We need to be working closely with all our city and state counterparts to make sure that we have their support in providing treatment, incarceration facilities, and mental health care for us and for all our citizens. Just as we did with the local medical examiners office have a location in Billings, we need to look at what other State of Montana services need to be located in our community so that we do not use increasing amounts of resources just transporting people to the state prison or mental hospitals.
Community Engagement
Your voice matters. I pledge to actively engage with residents, host town halls, and ensure that diverse perspectives shape our city’s policies. Attending the Heights Task Force which I was a former chair of is an important place to voice and listen to what is happening in our community. Belonging to groups like the Heights Optimist and Heights Kiwanis also give me an opportunity to engage with our residents. I do not see this position as a passive position, waiting for people to complain about things, I am always reaching out and asking questions, seeing things and then asking questions about where, who, what and why? I enjoy going and speaking to community organizations and providing updates on what is happening in our community and what needs to be addressed before it becomes a bigger issue.
My Experience
Leadership isn’t new to me. I bring a wealth of experience in public service, community organization, and collaboration. Whether through advocating for local initiatives, serving on boards, or volunteering with nonprofits, my track record speaks to my ability to affect meaningful change. Furthermore, I have worked closely with stakeholders across sectors to create inclusive policies that benefit all residents. While I would represent the Billings Heights, we have a vast city with a variety of needs and expectations. From advocating for road projects to assisting the Better Billings Foundation with building the Oasis pool and recreational facilities to improving Castle Rock Park, and finding new routes for public transportation, there are so many issues and solutions out there, we just need to be proactive and have a plan to get things done.
My Vision for Billings
A Connected Community
Connectivity within Billings can foster unity. I envision a city where neighborhoods, businesses, and institutions work collaboratively for shared growth. It was part of my vision for Skyway Drive, and the Billings By-Pass, as well as providing trails and road improvements in areas where city and county intertwine, making I difficult to fund or get agreement on needs. Billings is entering an era of maturing and growing, just like a young family, Billings has the tradition and history of being a great city, and with the support and growth of our community, we will not only thrive, we will do it in a fiscally responsible and sound manner.
Championing Education
Education is the foundation of a prosperous city. I will advocate for programs and partnerships that enhance learning opportunities for youth and adults alike. From our local schools, to MSU B, Rocky Mountain College, and the new medical and veterinary schools we are making great strides at attracting higher education as well as promoting trade schools and internship programs.
Affordable Housing and Accessibility
Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. I will work to expand housing options while addressing homelessness with compassion and effective solutions. Sometimes it is about reducing the red tape that it takes to get a subdivision developed, or
Environmental Stewardship
Preserving the natural beauty of Billings is a shared responsibility. I will support initiatives that protect our environment while advancing renewable energy solutions.
Call to Action
Now is the time to act. Together, we can shape the future of Billings and ensure it remains a city of promise, opportunity, and inclusivity for generations to come. I invite you to join me on this journey—whether through your support, your ideas, or your vote.
Conclusion
As your candidate for the Billings City Council, I bring a vision of progress, unity, and shared growth. I am here to listen, to lead, and to collaborate. Let’s make Billings a model city where every resident thrives. Thank you for your trust and for believing in a brighter future.
Together, we can build a Billings that works for everyone.
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