My name is Kisha Cornell. I am pleased to introduce myself and hope to earn your vote this June for the position of District #1 County Commissioner.
My work ethic began at an early age. I was spending my summers, “chipping slag,” for my father who was a welder. He worked long hours in the oil fields of Wyoming and Montana to support his family. I learned the value of hard work from my parents and have never forgotten those early lessons. Following college, I worked as a realtor, small business owner, and a mom. I have called Montana my home for nearly 30 years and have been a resident of Stillwater County for 20 years. During this time, it has been my pleasure to enjoy all that this County has to offer. We are blessed with locality and grandeur.
The diversity of opportunities in how Stillwater County citizens earn a living is what I feel makes this the best place to live. It is important to listen to every perspective and then gather more information to make sound decisions. While working in city and county government over the past 15 years, I have been responsible for listening to the public, investigating the issues, researching the laws, and providing the best information possible for the decision makers (City Council and County Commissioners). I have been the primary support person to those responsible for those elected in city and county governments. While working for the City of Columbus, and now for Stillwater County, I have been responsible for fiscal budget management. I have been in local government during major fires, major floods, pandemic closures and business downsizing and closures. I have worked to assist with the aftermath of these issues. I have been here when wages and the costs of housing was low and when those same costs and availability have become an issue. Wind farms, solar farms, and data centers are knocking on the door claiming to be the “cash cow,” that the county can rely on. It is going to take a County Commissioner that will look at the proposals with a skeptical eye on behalf of the ranchers and landowners. This takes someone that has been here through both the highs and lows. Now I would like to take the experience and knowledge gained in these capacities to help make sound decisions that will benefit future generations.
I began working for citizens at the entry level and worked my way up to my current position as the Finance Director and Administrator to the County Commission. I am keenly aware of the services that the county provides to its citizens. I often field complaints from citizens, and I know who to contact to get the answers that people come to expect from their officials. I have also had the opportunity to simply help out our citizens; either with a question about how they can get access to a service from the county, or with something that is the responsibility of another government entity. I work to give people the answers that will help them solve their problem, even if it is not something the county is not responsible for.
With this next step, as your County Commissioner, I can utilize the wealth of knowledge and experience that I have gained to better assist the taxpayers and citizens of Stillwater County. My budget management and fiscal knowledge will allow me to put in place the accountability piece that is required of a County Commissioner. I am aware of the seriousness of responsibility and accountability to taxpayers. The establishment of mills the county levies on its citizens is an enormous responsibility and should not be taken lightly. I understand the direct effect of this, and other duties required of a County Commissioner in setting and administering the county budget.
I welcome your questions. I want to have an understanding of the issues important to you. I extend this now and would always be approachable and willing to listen. Thank you for your time and I would appreciate your vote.
My Timeline of Experience that Matters to you.
Why I’m Qualified to Be Your Next Commissioner
Experience timeline
2011-2016 - City of Columbus - Utility Billing and Accounts Receivable.
2016 – Promoted to City Clerk Treasurer with full responsibility for Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Payroll, Human Resources, Employee Benefits. and Budget for the City. Accountable to the City Council and Mayor. Attended every City Council meeting and served as a supervisor.
2022 (November) – Present
Applied and was selected for the position of Administrator to the County Commission. On my 4th day, the Human Resources Director resigned, and I was temporarily assigned HR duties to complete onboarding and recruitment. By my 3rd month, the Payroll Clerk laterally moved to another position and I assumed payroll duties. In March 2023 (my 5th month), an HR employee was hired and I helped train them on the payroll software and county process. (HR remained under Finance; I stepped up because I had the knowledge.) A contractor was also hired to assist with payroll.
On June 4th, the Finance Director resigned—seven days before the preliminary budget was due for public viewing. The Commissioners and I completed the document on time, and I continued through the summer to finish the budget with the Commission to meet the September deadline. A new Finance Director was hired in late September and began rebuilding Finance (HR, Payroll, and Accounts Payable) with the Clerk and Recorders Office.
On December 4, 2023, the Finance Director resigned. I again stepped in to complete year-end payroll reporting (W-4s, 1099s, 1095s, etc.) after the contractor stepped away and the HR employee did not yet have experience with these requirements. In January 2024, I asked the Commissioners to change the process and allow me to manage Finance. I requested one employee for claims processing while the HR employee continued payroll and employee files; the Commission agreed and I hired one employee.
By mid-summer 2024, the HR employee was overloaded, so I requested their duties be reduced to HR only and moved payroll processing to the claims clerk. I then recused myself as HR supervisor to focus on claims, payroll, quarterly and year-end reporting, and audit needs. The HR employee handled open enrollment and updated employee files.
By February, after multiple attempts and performance reviews, the HR employee was terminated, and HR duties again fell to me and one employee. We have used limited outside contract guidance, and my employee is working on HR credentials.
Throughout this time (except for about a month), I have managed the Commissioners’ schedule, meeting minutes, and agendas; prepared letters and contracts; and handled daily administration of the Commission Board. I have created budgets—this is my fourth year doing so with Department Heads and Elected Officials. I work directly with the auditors and take accountability for the work.
I have also served as Secretary of the Airport Board since 2017, assisting with paperwork, leases, and construction projects. My current title is Administrator and Finance Director—and I’ve earned it.
I am prepared and know how to keep County spending under control.
Cornell for Commissioner: Core Values
Paid for by Kisha Cornell for County Commissioner Republican P.O. Box 18, Columbus, MT 59019.
Vote on June 2nd - Primary Election
Remember to Vote for Kisha Cornell
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