The Yellowstone County Board of Commissioners interviewed three candidates for the District 1 vacancy on July 22: Chris White, Kirk Bushman and Charlie Loveridge. The candidates each gave opening statements and answered a standard set of questions from commissioners about priorities, public‑service experience, conflicts of interest and availability to assume office.

Chris White described a long career in retail management and said he sees substance abuse and shoplifting as pressing local problems: "The most pressing issues that I see today are, the substance abuse ... and the shoplifting," he told commissioners, and said the proposed 72‑hour holding facility will be a needed tool. He said he would retire from his current employer if appointed and be prepared to meet the time demands of the job.

Kirk Bushman cited prior public‑service experience on the Public Service Commission and experience with large infrastructure projects and regulatory processes. He described the detention facility and housing as top issues, saying elected officials must evaluate need and funding and be prepared to explain proposals to the public. Bushman said he would prioritize learning county issues and working with staff and stakeholders.

Charlie Loveridge said his background running a local business and nearly a decade on the Metropark advisory board prepared him to weigh fiscal responsibility and community interests. He called public safety and the jail study pressing matters and said he planned robust community outreach for any major public projects. Loveridge said he could assume duties immediately if appointed.

Commissioners said they expect to vote on the appointment at a meeting the following week. Candidates were sequestered during portions of the process so each answered the same preset questions in turn.