Two city council races in Fort Fenton are leading to a fierce debate over a potential consolidation of the city's police department and the Chouteau County Sheriff's Office. The challengers in both races are employees of sheriff's office. Some believe that is a clear conflict of interest, while others say it's not a problem, as long as they abstain from certain votes.

Retired farmer and real estate agent Ken Knudson is one of 5 mayoral candidates in Fort Benton. He says after years of debate, it's time for consolidation between the sheriff's office and the police department.

“It has worked in other places near here,” Knudson said. “I think we need to take a look at consolidation and let the people decide with a vote."

Meanwhile, two Chouteau County Sheriff's Office employees are trying to gain seats on the city council.
Kimberly Burdick is in charge of the county’s dispatch and is married to Sheriff Vern Burdick. She is challenging incumbent Barbara Thomas. While Sheriff's Deputy Fernando Venegas looks to unseat Shawna Holskey. Some think this is a conflict of interest.

"I think it's best to keep the sheriff's office out of the city council,” said Fort Benton resident Gary Pettig. “That way it can be more honest when it comes to issues like what to do with dispatch."

But Knudson disagrees.

"I see no real conflict of interest. They would have to abstain from any votes that involve certain city/county issues.”

Incumbent Barbara Thomas told News Channel 5 through a spokesperson that “when it comes to any issue involving law enforcement, electing Kimberly Burdick is a huge conflict of interest.”

News Channel 5 tried unsuccessfully to reach Burdick and Holskey for this story. Deputy Venegas declined to comment, saying he was not allowed to do campaign interviews while on duty.