INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, July 20 — D.B. Kenner was reelected by acclamation to his second term as Chairman of the Montana State Legislative Board during its quadrennial meeting in Billings, Mont., June 22-23, 2016.
A BNSF locomotive engineer, Brother Kenner is a member of BLET Division 195 in Forsyth, Mont. He has held continuous membership since joining the Brotherhood on September 1, 2004. Brother Kenner served the Board as Secretary-Treasurer immediately prior to his election to the Chairman’s office in 2012.
Also reelected by acclamation to their second terms were: 1st Vice Chairman Jim S. Cowan, Division 262 (Missoula, Mont.); 2nd Vice Chairman Rob C. Davison, Division 499 (Whitefish, Mont.); and Secretary-Treasurer Kris L. Melone, Division 504 (Great Falls, Mont.). Brother Tyler D. Partridge of BLET Division 298 (Glasgow, Mont.) was elected by acclamation to his first term as Alternate Secretary-Treasurer.
“Congratulations to Brother Kenner and all officers of the Montana State Legislative Board,” BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce said. “I thank them for their willingness to serve our Brothers and Sisters in the great state of Montana. I also wish to recognize Brother Craig Gilchrist. Thank you for your years of service as Chairman of the Montana State Legislative Board and best wishes on your upcoming retirement.”
Elected by acclamation to serve as members of the Audit Committee were: Barry E. Green, Division 180 (Glendive, Mont.); Paul A. Slater, Division 232 (Laurel, Mont.); and Jerry D. Hedalen, Division 392 (Havre, Mont.).
Brother Cory L. Runion, Wyoming State Legislative Board Chairman, was a guest speaker during the meeting. He is a member of Division 115 (Cheyenne, Wyo.) who also serves the BLET as Region 4 Chairman of the National Association of State Legislative Board Chairmen (NASLBC).
Additional guest speakers included: Amanda Frickle, Director of the Montana Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee; Ken Naylor, Chief Inspector from the Federal Railroad Administration based in Billings, Mont.; and Zachary Zagata, Operating Practices Inspector with the FRA out of Great Falls, Mont.
Members of the Board and delegates recognized and thanked Craig Gilchrist in advance of his pending retirement. Brother Gilchrist began serving the Montana State Legislative Board Chairman in 1989 and served as its Chairman for 16 years (1996-2012).
The delegates also discussed a number of issues impacting the health, safety, and working conditions of BLET members in Montana. They discussed the upcoming national elections and voted to endorse candidates running for various elected offices in the state.
The BLET’s Montana State Legislative Board was founded on May 17, 1904, and represents approximately 1,200 active and retired members in eight BLET Divisions.