Raised in Big Sky, Blechta served on the Resort Tax board for eight pivotal years
By Jack Reaney SENIOR EDITOR
To celebrate her final day of service to the Big Sky Resort Area District, Sarah Blechta was given a pink sash with the mantra that guided her eight years of leadership: “Better Together.”
During the Madison-Gallatin Joint County Commission meeting on May 13 in Big Sky, fellow Resort Tax board members wore pink in her honor. Blechta was thanked by leaders from local nonprofits like the Big Sky Community Organization and Wellness In Action. “Thank you for all that you have done for our community. Your honesty, your insight, your sass… Thank you for asking the tough questions,” said Madeleine Feher, CEO of BSCO.
Resort Tax board member Kevin Germain said the community truly is better together, and the Resort Tax board will continue to use that phrase for many years to come.
“Sarah, thank you… You’re going to be missed on this board, but your legacy is going to live on for a long time,” Germain said.
Daniel Bierschwale, BSRAD executive director, presented a plaque that will hang in the Resort Tax office.
“It’s been a wild ride. Eight years. And we’re so thankful for everything you’ve done. You have left a lasting impact on our community, and as Kevin said, while Big Sky is certainly better together, Big Sky is better because of you, Sarah,” Bierschwale said.
Blechta gave parting words at the end of Wednesday’s meeting, noting that she’s been proud not only to serve the community where she grew up, but to grow alongside it during those years of hard work in the public eye. She said she’s most proud of the way the Big Sky community collaborated and challenged each other to achieve many goals.
“There’s relief, there’s sadness, a whole lot of pride,” Blechta said. “… Serving in local government— community politics—isn’t always easy… what has always made it worth it is this community, and everyone who keeps showing up, believing in this community and believing that we’re better together.”
Following the May election, Blechta’s seat will be replaced by a new trustee in Taylor Kissell; incumbent Michelle Kendziorski retained her board set during the election.
