Mike Nelson’s success is the result of many factors; honesty, fairness, teamwork, leadership, positive communication, experience, desire, and engagement to name a few. City government is often referred to as “ground level” its citizens expect their voice to be heard, transparency, and their tax dollars to be used wisely.

Mike Nelson is a solid individual; he possesses all the above qualities and more. Mike Nelson began at ground level and has excelled in his endeavors. This success is also realized by engaging others, being a good listener, and not being an “I” person, however a “you” person.

Mike’s professional presence and level of high energy are extremely important for the demands of a successful mayor. Promoting Billings to “your” expectations means a very hectic schedule, always on the go, always being available, important categories that no other mayoral candidate is capable and can compete with.

Crucial times are facing Billings, which means this is a critical time for strong, effective leadership and a positive balance within. Now is the time to focus on better stability, less radical changes, improved employee morale, and restoration of taxpayer faith. Mike Nelson is the best candidate to address “our” present and future needs.

Voting for Mike Nelson is not a political decision; it is the “right” decision, the style of leadership we need, leadership that Billings needs.

I’m supporting Mike Nelson for mayor of Billings. Mike and I were board members at Big Sky Economic Development and our paths have crossed in our work with the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Billings, and other community activities. Mike is a natural leader.

I especially appreciate his decision, after many years as an executive with large hotels in Las Vegas, to come back to his home town and revive the historic Northern Hotel. His experience with large numbers of employees has given him insight about human resources that will benefit the city of Billings.

Mike and I had a conversation about his policies of providing excellent customer service while developing among his employees a culture of kindness and respect toward each other.

This is especially relevant today as we are seeing some of the city’s top managers either leaving or looking for positions elsewhere.

City employees have been recognized for their performance locally, regionally, and nationally. It is incumbent upon our leaders to create an atmosphere of goodwill and common purpose, which in turn helps recruit and retain top employees.

Mike Nelson has already given generously of his time and talent to make Billings better. He has built a successful business that is recognized for its excellence. He will bring the dedication, enthusiasm and leadership to make Billings the best it can be.

I invite you to join me in voting for Mike Nelson for mayor.

Nelson’s commitment to Billings is clear

Mike Nelson is the right choice for Billings mayor. Mike brings years of successful business experience and has a vision to make our city safe, affordable, and prosperous. Mike also respects the nonpartisan values of the office and is committed to working for everyone. He doesn’t have time for the distraction and dysfunction that we see too often in Helena and Washington, D.C. Mike just wants to get things done for our community.

Sadly, at least one mayoral candidate appears to be making sly partisan appeals, signaling that toxic political fighting could infiltrate our local government. Personally, I’m exhausted with Democrats and Republicans fighting with one another and refusing to work together for the common good. Billings deserves better than that. Mike Nelson won’t get himself embroiled in those petty political fights. He’s ready to work with anyone who has good ideas, integrity, and a willingness to collaborate.

I’m also concerned that one candidate may use the office of mayor as a temporary stepping stone to higher office. Will their decisions be motivated by what’s good for us, or will Billings simply be a political stage to make grandstanding appeals to political insiders in Helena or beyond?

Mike Nelson, on the other hand, has made his commitment to this community clear. He’s in it for the long haul with a thriving downtown business built right here in his hometown. I’m casting my vote for Mike Nelson, a true civic leader who is in this race for all the right reasons.

I’m supporting Mike Nelson for Billings mayor. He is the only candidate that has a private sector background — as the owner/manager of the Northern Hotel where he is known as a good employer who employs scores of Billings residents and respects them. Before buying the Northern, he had years of experience managing some of the largest hotel complexes in Las Vegas with employment rolls larger than those of the city of Billings.

He has deep roots in Billings — having grown up and received his primary, secondary and college educations here. His father was a deeply respected legislator from Billings and his mother chaired the Yellowstone County Republican party — at a time when it was far less doctrinaire than it is now.

His opponents have little if any private-sector experience, having largely spent their working lives as government employees. Mike listens to all sides, works well with employees, has deep private-sector experience, proposes good ideas, and will do a great job as your mayor. Please join me in voting for him.