Rocky Mountain Magazine & Meeting Place

By: Jophiel Silvestrone

Where did you grow up?
Born and raised in Miles City, my parents still live there. I was raised in town however have very close connections t the rural areas of Miles City. I have 3 sisters, 2 older, and 1 younger.

What brought you to Billings?
Throughout my “growing up” years I was always excited for the opportunity to travel to Billings, whether it was for medical appointments, sports activities, shopping or whatever I would get very “pumped” about it.

Each time I traveled to Billings, I imagined it being a place I would like to live. When it came to college plans, I chose to attend Eastern Montana College (EMC). I have always been intrigued by the magic of Billings.

What did you go to college for?
I started studying Business, however switched to Sociology and Communication Arts.

What’s interesting to you about sociology?
I find the different social backgrounds and philosophy of life very interesting. Sociology helped me to better understand the different personalities of people which helped me greatly with my law enforcement career.

How long did you serve for?
I was a Police Officer for the City of Billings for 20 years, retiring as a Lieutenant in 1996.

During my career I served in most all divisions of the department. Starting in the mid 70’s, I had a walking beat and walked the downtown and south side areas of Billings. I progressed to Uniform Patrol, Public Relations and from there to Detectives. I was a Firearms Instructor for 16 years, active on the Tactical Team for 16 years and certified as an Instructor for both local and regional training.

As a Mentor for the D.A.R.E. program I was also an Instructor and recognized within the region and nationally for my accomplishments with the program.

Thank you for serving. Would you say that education is one of your passions?
Education is very important; however, my real passion is working with people. I have always enjoyed people and working in the “people” business is something I have done for as long as I can remember.

Do you feel like what you have accomplished in law enforcement carries on into your term as Mayor?
Absolutely, and in many ways, not just the law enforcement background of understanding people, their personalities and working with the public, but also it’s helped me to grow in a sense of earning the trust of the people.

I have always been a strong advocate of treating people with respect; you treat people how you would like to be treated. Many times I have had to make contact with a person that I had to place in jail for one reason or another, but I could still look that person in the eye knowing that they were treated fairly.

How has your life changed now that you’ve been elected Mayor of Billings?
Well, let’s put it this way, my phone seems to ring a bit more these days! (Tom chuckles) It’s not that it didn’t ring before, but it’s picked up some.

But, as I have vowed from the very beginning, I will do my best to meet the needs and the requests of anyone who contacts me. So far, I haven’t had anyone be disappointed regarding a lengthy wait for questions or concerns, and that’s the way I intend to do business.

Can you give us a general overview of some of the goals you plan to accomplish during your term?
As I have said throughout my campaign, what I’m bringing to the position is a very positive, optimistic and enthusiastic attitude. One that can deliver good, strong communication and display to the citizens that a positive council can do “A LOT” for the community.

As Mayor of the largest City in Montana, what is your take on the current state of affairs in the Big Sky Country?
Well, that’s very interesting because just yesterday, Veteran’s Day, I had the opportunity to visit with some of our very good leaders: Denny Rehberg, Jon Tester, and Brian Schweitzer, all three of which I have a lot of respect for.

Obviously the economic situation is a primary concern, and I recognize the value of the relationship in regards to the City of Billings. As far as Billings being the largest city in Montana and actually the largest in a multi-State area, what we need to focus on is what we can do to help stabilize the economy.

What I intend to do is work with not only our local businesses and citizens, but reaching out to other communities within the State, other States and with the assistance of our National leaders.

We have to realize were connected.
Absolutely, a lot of smaller communities throughout the region look at Billings as a leader of the area, whether it is for retail business, medical or technology, whatever it might be, a lot of communities rely on us.

Who historically, and from a political standpoint, do you draw inspiration from, and look to emulate their leadership abilities in your current role as Mayor?
That’s a good question. I’m going to start at the top with the presidents, and choose President John F. Kennedy. I was young when he was in office, but I think that he was an extremely good leader and was on track to do an exceptional job as our President. He was a very good communicator, and when he spoke, he spoke with words of wisdom and people listened.

You’re now a part of the lineage and heritage of Billings, how would you like the citizens to remember what you have accomplished as a legacy?
One of my main intents, and what I would like to accomplish, is to develop a city council in such a way that the citizens would be very proud to have representing them.

To bring together a team of council men and women, who will be known for doing a great job for the city of Billings. What I would like to help make possible when I’m done, is that the Mayor who follows me, will be able to lead Billings in the best way possible. I plan to improve what is already in place, and to leave Billings as one of the best places to live in the Northwest.

In one sentence what would you like to tell the people of Billings as you enter into this position?
I assure the citizens of Billings and outer lying areas that they will be proud to have me serve as Mayor.