Rod Karst, New city of Glasgow Mayor, Councilmembers Sworn In

Rod Karst was sworn in as Mayor of the city of Glasgow during the regular council meeting Monday at City Hall. Councilmembers Stan Ozark (Ward 1), Doug Nistler (Ward 2) and Dan Carr (Ward 3) also performed an oath of office for their upcoming terms.

"I guess it is 'official, official,'" Karst told The Courier following the oath of office. "I am excited about it, maybe a little nervous. But, I have been involved since 2006, so I think I know what I am getting into."

Karst won his bid for office during the Nov. 2 election. Out of 1,142 votes cast, Karst received 820 votes, or 72% of the vote, while opponent Todd Young received 322 votes, or 28%. Only 58% of eligible voters cast a ballot for the mayoral election.

Karst's term will begin Jan. 3.

Karst, 60, is a Glasgow native who has spent the vast majority of his life in Valley County. He brings over a decade of experience as a council member to his new office, and currently is council president. He also has been President of the Glasgow Recreation Board for about 20 years.

Karst previously spoke to The Courier about the biggest issues facing city residenst as he takes office - conditions of streets, water system upgrades, the city police department and taxes. The roll-out of recreational marijuana for purchase in Montana will also begin at the beginning of his term.

As to the condition of city streets, "we will continue to work towards finding the money to invest in them," Karst said.

As to water system upgrades, "our water treatment plant just underwent a major overhaul," Karst said. "The new system should continue to provide us high quality water."

Concerning the Glasgow Police Department, "our current leadership team (Chief Weber and Assistant Chief Edwards) had some positive ideas to assist in changing the reputation for the better," Karst said."

Concerning taxes, "I have heard the comment that we are taxing people out of our city," Karst said. "We have worked hard to keep our increases to a minimum - 1 and 2% increases. We will continue this practice to ease the burden on the taxpayer."