2022 MACo Annual Conference

One year ago we were in Kalispell and I was sworn in as your MACo President. It is cliché to say that the time has flown by, however as I look back on the last twelve months, it has been very active and I would like to say productive.

I want to say thank you to all the Commissioners that have committed to participating in the MACo Committees. Those appointments were made last fall and this is an annual process, so remember to fill out your bios and express interest for the committees on which you would like to serve. As you are aware these committees are an integral part of the resolution and policy process leading up to a legislative session.

When we come together during our annual conference it is a great time to network, discuss issues, and learn from each other. I am sure all of us will have stories to share from the past year and these opportunities only make us stronger as an association. I believe the Conference Planning Committee has brought forward some worthwhile speakers and topics that should be informative. Thank you to these committee members for their commitment to planning a top-notch conference, and thank you to MACo Staff for all your hard work making these plans come to fruition. Please give a thank you to the MACo staff when you see them—their daily hard work is what makes our association run smoothly.

It has been an honor and a privilege to be your president this past year. This is a tremendous association, and being selected by your peers to be part of the leadership is very humbling. I look forward to seeing all and thank you to the Yellowstone County Commissioners for hosting our conference.

Commissioner Juanita Vero is a fourth-generation partner of the E Bar L Ranch in rural Greenough, one of Montana’s oldest family-owned and operated dude ranches. In addition to running her family business she has served on numerous community conservation-focused boards and committees, including as chair of Montana Conservation Voters, Missoula County Open Lands Committee, Big Blackfoot Chapter Trout Unlimited, Swan Valley Connections and Sunset School Board.

Vero has a bachelor’s degree in English from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. She enjoys horses, snowboarding, and backcountry wandering after game with her husband and his llamas. She used to play lacrosse, rugby and ultimate frisbee but is now relegated to spending more time on her yoga mat.

In June 2019, Vero was appointed to fill the remainder of Nicole Rowley’s term, which ran through December 31, 2020. She was elected for the open seat in the November 2020 election, and is now serving her first six-year term. Currently Vero is chair of Missoula County Board of Commissioners and will be up for re-election in 2026.

Fellow Commissioners,

For those of you who do not know me, my name is Joette Woods. I am in my sixth year as a Liberty County Commissioner and looking forward to another term. I have met most of you in person, however, some of you are new.

I would like to announce that I am running for 2nd Vice President of MACo coming up at the Annual Conference. Some qualities I feel I possess are; hardworking, teachable, common sense, conservative, and faith based. I currently serve on two MACo committees:

Co-chair Health & Human Services; and
Serve as a member on Justice & Public Safety.

I am also honored to serve at a national level on the Agriculture & Rural Affairs Steering Committee for NACo.

Why did I become a commissioner? The answer is simple: I have served voluntarily on a local community level as an EMT for the last 18 years, volunteered at our local blood drives, proudly served as an election judge, and worked at our local food bank (just to name a few). When the opportunity to serve as a commissioner came about, I felt called to step up and serve on a county level. I still continue to volunteer wherever I can.

Some things I stand for: I believe family comes first. I believe in law enforcement and justice. I believe in doing the right thing even when it’s not popular. I believe our health system is undervalued and anyone needing medical treatment should have access to it. There is no place for politics in health care. I believe in this country and State being energy independent.

What I’ve learned as a commissioner: The items that cross your desk, may or may not pertain to the commission. I have learned that the most important road is the road of whoever is currently in the office complaining about theirs at the time. I have learned to answer most conversations with “here’s what’s not going to happen.” I have learned that the wisdom I glean from conferences I attend is not all my own; however, I use it anyway giving credit where credit is due. I have learned that the best possible outcome, in any given situation, is to simply take time to think things through and do my best to make an educated decision.

Ultimately, the responsibility commissioners have to their county when they take office is integral to our local and State patrons. We are their voice. We are their advocates. We are their hands and feet. The decisions we make every day affect the people in our communities and their confidence in us as elected officials.

What will I add as the 2nd Vice President? I will put Montana first. I will commit to being the best representative I can be for all Montana counties. I will be committed to the appointment.

I would appreciate your vote in at the Annual Conference in Billings.

Respectfully,

Joette Woods,
Liberty County Commissioner