by Evelyn Pyburn
Naarah N. Hastings was sworn in by Judge Ashley Harada. (Courtesy photo)
Small business owner, Naarah Hastings, was selected by Yellowstone County Commissioners on Tuesday to represent House District 50 in the Montana Legislature, replacing Mallerie Stromwold (R) who resigned the position a couple of weeks ago.
The commissioners interviewed Hastings and two other candidates recommended to them by the Yellowstone County Republican Central Committee on Monday. The committee received ten applications for the position. They interviewed the applicants and then forwarded the names of their nominations of Hastings, Anthony Nicastro and Denis Pitman, to the commissioners.
Commissioner Mark Morse was not present for the commissioners’ weekly meeting when they voted, but he left a proxy in support of Hastings. Commissioner Don Jones first nominated Anthony Nicastro, a Billings attorney, but with no second, John Ostlund nominated Hastings, who then received all three commissioners’ votes.
Seeming somewhat bewildered at the rapidly unfolding events, Hastings was sworn in by District Court Judge Ashley Harada, within a few minutes after being selected. She seemed startled when the commissioners told her that people were expecting to see her, yet, that day in Helena, but Hastings quipped, “I’m packed.”
Hastings will complete Stromwold’s term. She has never before held public office, though she has worked on campaigns. In her interview with commissioners Hastings revealed that she and her husband moved from Washington state to Billings, which is her husband’s hometown. She said that they came seeking Billings’ lifestyle for their four children, and that they vowed to play a part in the community to maintain its lifestyle.
She and her husband own Proof Donuts, and Hastings has also founded her own business, a talent acquisition firm, 6H Talent, Inc. Hastings is a champion Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitor.
Anthony Nicastro is a civil attorney and managing partner of Knight, Nicastro and McKay. Nicastro is a husband and father of three. He has assisted with political campaigns and served in Congress as an intern and worked for the Republican Senatorial Committee.
Denis Pitman is former Yellowstone County Commissioner, having been defeated in the General Election in November by Mark Morse. Pitman has also served on the Billings City Council. Pitman is a small businessman and entrepreneur. He is a licensed mortician, property owner, manages commercial and residential properties, and is a licensed Realtor.
Others who submitted applications for consideration were Greg Brittain, Conrad A. Caron, Heidi C. Jensen-Christison, Rudolf Mikeal Haden, Joel G. Krautter, Alex Schimke, and Curtis Schomer
