Juanita Vero, Part 2 - A Deep Desire to Serve

If you're a long-time listener, then surely you remember Juanita Vero. Juanita is a fourth-generation Montana rancher, conservationist, community leader, and all-around inspiring woman. She's also a devoted public servant, serving as a Missoula County Commissioner, where she gets her hands dirty with the critical and often not-so-glamorous work of county government. Juanita's name will be on the ballot in Missoula County this November, where she is hoping to win a six-year term to continue her service as a Commissioner. - Juanita joined me on the podcast back in 2018, then again on stage at last year's live podcast in Bozeman, so her personal story is probably familiar. I wanted to have her back on the show as we approach the election because her story serves as an inspiring example of how citizens can push outside of their comfort zones to lead the communities they love. As you'll hear, Juanita had never considered assuming a public office—but when the opportunity presented itself, and she was encouraged to pursue it by fellow community leaders, she jumped at the chance. Since then, she has gone all-in and has thrived in her role as County Commissioner. - If you're like me, you are probably overwhelmed with the negative, inflammatory news regarding politics and the upcoming election. But Juanita's campaign and her desire to serve stands in stark contrast to much of our national discourse—she's driven by a love of place, humility, a sense of duty, genuine curiosity, and a desire to find common ground. I think it's important to remember that there are committed public servants in every county and city—good people who are driven not by the desire to accumulate power but by a desire to leave their communities better than they found them. Wherever you live, I hope that Juanita's example will encourage you to engage with your local elected leaders, truly understand the candidates running for local offices, or maybe even run for office yourself. But at the least, I know you'll enjoy listening to Juanita's story, which will hopefully make you feel better about the world during these crazy times! --- Juanita Vero for Missoula County Commissioner Juanita's first M&P podcast episode Full Episide Notes: https://mountainandprairie.com/juanita-vero-2/ --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 3:30 - Why and how Juanita decided to enter politics 9:30 - Specific experiences that let Juanita know she was ready to be a commissioner 13:30 - Importance of talking to her Grandfather 19:15 - What exactly is a county commissioner? 22:15 - Example of how commissioners can influence development 25:30 - Why she's running for office 28:30 - Commissioners as true public servants 32:30 - COVID's impact on Missoula County 34:30 - Positive effects of the "new normal" of COVID 36:00 - Transition from working on the land to an office job 39:20 - Advice for citizens who want to work productively with local government 42:30 - Greatest challenges and opportunities in Missoula County 46:15 - Smaller issues worth considering 48:00 - Climate change & Missoula County solutions 52:00 - Importance of community leadership 53:30 - Favorite books 57:15 - Favorite films 58:30 - Funny and surprising activities 59:30 - Parting words of wisdom --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie Podcast Mountain & Prairie SHOP Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie