Why Does No One Want to be Sheriff in Gallatin County?

We live in a nice place. We have beautiful mountains and low crime rates. We even have a Costco and a WinCo! So how come no one wants to be our Sherriff?

Earlier this year it was announced that Gallatin County Sheriff Brian Gootkin would be leaving to head up the Montana Department of Corrections. That meant we had to find a new sheriff here in Gallatin County. Now, I get that no one wants to replace a legend. Gootkin had been Gallatin County's Sheriff since 2012 and was well-liked. But come on! Everyone's moving here! - Like seriously!

According to a press release from the Gallatin County Commission, they only received one application to fill the remainder of Gootkin’s term, which ends at the end of 2022.

The sole candidate is Dan Springer, who was the Undersheriff under Gootkin and has been serving as Interim Sheriff. Springer is well qualified for the job and has many years of experience right here in Gallatin County.

Truth be told, I hope he gets the job! I just can't believe no one else wanted it. Maybe they didn't know one of the perks of the job is that you get to come on the XL Morning Show.

Originally, the Gallatin County Commission planned on narrowing their search to the top three candidates. With just one applicant, seriously only one candidate, the Commission still has to hold a public interview which is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. in the Community Room at the Gallatin County Courthouse, located at 311 W. Main St. The public can also watch online here.

Commissioners are then expected to make an appointment at their regularly scheduled public meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 23. I wonder how they will decide who our next Sheriff will be?