Author: ECB Staff

The Real Clear Politics polling average gives GOP challenger Tim Sheehy a 7 point lead over Democrat incumbent Jon Tester.

RCP also gives Ryan Zinke (R) a 6 point lead over Monica Tranel (D) in the MT 1st District House race, and Troy Downing (R) a whopping 21 point lead over John Driscoll (D) in House District 2.

Editors note: Candidates on the November 5 ballot for Great Falls/Cascade County HD23 are Republican Eric Tilleman and Democrat Sandor Hopkins. Tilleman did not respond to our request for a candidate profile.

Who I am: I grew up in an Air Force family, yet have lived most of my life in Great Falls. I graduated from CMR High School in 2005 and Montana State University – Bozeman in 2013 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, and a focus on International Relations. I currently live with my wife on the lower south side of Great Falls, and enjoy spending time in my community and on our public lands.

What I do: I am a project manager for a land surveying company that does business across Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. I have been a Certified Floodplain Manager since 2018, a Trustee for the Maclean-Cameron Animal Adoption Center since 2020, and a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners since June of 2023. I have worked on both the public and private side of land-use planning, and understand the challenges and limitations faced by landowners and renters seeking affordable housing.

Why I am running: Foremost, I believe that Montanans in Great Falls and across the state are feeling the strain of an inadequate housing supply and soaring costs of living, impacting every aspect of daily life. I was privileged to be a part of a working group that drafted Senate Bill 382, known as the Montana Land Use Planning Act, which was approved with broad bi-partisan support and signed by Governor Gianforte on May 17, 2023. I want to ensure that this Act becomes a reality and improves the lives of everyone who chooses to live in our great State.

I also would like to work towards limiting government involvement in private medical decisions between healthcare professionals and their patients, advocating for the conservation of our public lands, striving towards energy sustainability and independence, and investing in our future through a robust educational system, and quality of life through adequate mental and physical health care. My goal as a Representative is to improve Montanans’ quality of life, not just in Great Falls, but across our beautiful State.

What I plan to do: Ensuring quality affordable housing at all income brackets is a good first step to lowering the overall impacts of cost of living in Montana, but that is only one piece of the puzzle. Our City and County governments are required to work within tight budget constraints, while the State of Montana maintains a substantial budget surplus. It is the Legislature’s responsibility to invest these funds back into services and programs that benefit ordinary people, and the source of this revenue restructured in a way that lessens the burden on renters and residential property owners. Some of the services I would advocate for include mental and behavioral health services, child care services, funding for public schools, and healthcare access in underserved communities, and resources for those who provide these services. I am running a campaign based on optimism that prioritizes people over party politics, divise rhetoric, and meaningless culture wars. I look forward to serving all citizens of House District 23

Editors note: Candidates on the November 5 ballot for Great Falls/Cascade County HD19 are Republican Hannah Trebas and Democrat Jane Weber. Trebas did not respond to our request for a candidate profile.

Jane Weber
Candidate for House District 19

I have lived in HD 19 for over 35 years. Like most people, I want our grandchildren to grow up in a safe, beautiful Montana with boundless opportunities for a better life. That’s why I am running for Legislative House District 19, so I can be a voice in our kids’ future.

I was a Cascade County Commissioner for ten years, so I know the cost to provide the needed services to taxpayers.  I enjoyed working with county residents, Department Heads, other county elected officials, and city officials developing policy. 

Prior to the county commission, I worked with the Forest Service in a variety of hands-on positions. I became the Public Information Officer and worked with the Great Falls community to build the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center which I managed for ten years. I learned the importance of community engagement, volunteer contributions, budgeting, and business management.

At a minimum, the legislature needs to address these three issues:  

Prosperity and Equity.  Montanans deserve opportunities to prosper. Hard work, grit and determination only gets you so far in these economic times. Laws passed in 2023 did not help working Montanans. Instead of long-term solutions to fund the services we need, the legislature passed short-term fixes that benefited wealthy corporate interests. The legislature did not spread the expense of government equitably. Legislators did not adjust tax formulas that had been successfully used before to stabilize homeowner property taxes; instead homeowners shouldered a disproportionate share of the tax burden while tax breaks for out-of-state corporate interests cost Montana millions in tax income.

Public Education. Our kids went to public schools. When everyone has a good education, everyone benefits. Public education is the great equalizer upon which our nation was built. State government should be a partner with parents, educators, and local school boards in making sure that all kids have safe schools where they can find their strengths and learn skills for a prosperous future. The state should do their part to fund our schools, but the school funding formula for public education is not keeping up with inflation. Montana’s schools are having a difficult time recruiting and retaining quality educators who can give the individualized attention each child needs. Teachers deserve competitive wages and opportunities for advancement, just like the rest of us. 

Healthcare Access.  When people are sick, they should be able to go to the doctor. Getting health care when it is needed can be a matter of life and death, and is also critical to keeping costs low for insurance companies, the state, and Montanans. When an employer can only provide insurance with high premiums, high deductibles, and co-pays, one emergency room visit can derail a family’s path out of poverty. Over 90% of Montanans with Medicaid Expansion coverage are working people who can seek medical care early and continue to work to support their families. Medicaid Expansion keeps our rural hospitals and nursing homes viable. Renewing this program is the fiscally responsible decision.

Editors note: Candidates on the November 5 ballot for Cascade County Commission are Republican Eric Hinebauch and Democrat Don Ryan. Ryan did not respond to our request for a candidate profile. Republican Rae Grulkowski has filed as a write-in candidate.

I am 5^th generation Montanan, that grew up on the Hi-Line near Chinook, MT. My family continues to operate the farm I grew up on. After graduating from the University of Great Falls, I ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing my own business, in 2011. As the owner of an insurance agency, with multiple employees, I am deeply rooted in our community. My vision is to help create a supportive environment in Cascade County, one that nurtures small businesses, fosters a prosperous economy, values a safe environment, and promotes sensible growth. At the age of 38, I bring a unique perspective. I strive to ensure that when my business journey concludes, Cascade County remains an affordable and thriving place to call home.

I believe in active community involvement. I love to support the people and organizations working to make a difference in Cascade County. Wrestling has always been a big part of my life and had the privilege of serving as the CMR Assistant Wrestling Coach and Great Falls Central Catholic Head Wrestling Coach spanning a decade.  I have proudly served on several community boards in the past including the Heisey Youth Center Board, Saint Ann’s Parish Council, GF Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee and Great Falls Development Alliance. I continue to be involved as a Rotary Club member and serving on the Benefis Foundation board and as University of Providence Trustee.

I served as a Great Falls’ City Commissioner and dedicated that time to effecting positive change. I helped clear encampments in downtown areas. I advocated for diversity of viewpoints on various city boards, ensuring fresh perspectives were represented.

Public safety has always been a top priority and I’ve actively sought ways to support our safety services, even when faced with budget constraints.

I collaborated with the City’s planning and development department to simplify processes, fostering a culture of exemplary customer service.

Yet, the challenges facing Cascade County transcend city boundaries. It’s imperative that we rebuild trust in our county government. Effective communication is key, ensuring that citizens are well-informed and involved in decision-making processes. Operations within the county commission office are in disarray, necessitating improved methods for daily decision-making are a priority. As our county experiences growth, meticulous planning is essential, not only from a developmental standpoint but also concerning public safety.

Amidst the turmoil in the Elections Office, it is essential we move forward. It’s incumbent upon the county commission to ensure that Terry Thompson receives the necessary support and training for success. Decisions have been made, and despite personal reservations, we must forge ahead, endeavoring to regain the trust of voters.

Why choose me? The relationship between the city and county has been strained for years. However, my rapport with Mayor Reeves presents an opportunity to mend this division, fostering collaboration for the betterment of our community. Unlike many newly elected officials, I am prepared from day one. I possess a comprehensive understanding of budget intricacies and municipal governance responsibilities. My approach is proactive and resolute, with a singular focus on realizing Cascade County’s full potential.

Cascade County must prepare now, with sensible growth planning, so when the anticipated population boom from Malmstrom’s missile upgrade comes, we are ready. We have many opportunities in the agri-processing sector, but we need leaders who will ensure our land and waterways are protected, while we maintain our Montana ways.

I’ve got the energy and tenacity to work hard every day to help lead Cascade County through the coming opportunities. If you’re ready for fresh leadership, I’d appreciate your support.

Eric Hinebauch

______________________________________________________________

Hello Cascade County!

I am Rae Grulkowski, your Cascade County Commissioner and I am running again in November as a write-in candidate.  My husband and I own a multi-generational business in Great Falls, we own residential rental properties and we make our home south and east of Stockett.  Therefore, my representation on the Commission always carries thoughts for the influences of government on our rural constituents.  I am an advocate for bottom-up leadership.  That means encouraging citizens to speak up and be heard.  I take a very conservative position regarding taxpayer funds.  I support safe communities and effective emergency response.  Adhering to and enforcing policies and laws puts me on firm ground and ensures all employees and staff are dealt with fairly and equitably.

My first two years in this office were spent battling to have transparent Commissioner meetings and refocusing Commissioner decision-making as a Board, rather than as individual Commissioners.  Business owners and citizens have laws and rules they are expected to follow, the Board of Commissioners are also accountable to follow laws and rules. 

Not being one to “go along to get along”, in my tenure, there have been many 2-1 votes.  Do you know what the difference is between a 2-1 vote vs. a 3-0 vote?  The representation.  Something I take seriously.

The County Commissioner is the highest governing official in the County.  Only the citizen is a higher authority than a County Commissioner.  I encourage you to consider your candidates thoroughly in this election.  With 3 candidates for County Commissioner who have all been Public Servants in the past, you have an excellent opportunity to view their prior accomplishments.  Do not vote for a political party.  Vote for the candidate who will be honest in their commitment to be your Public Servant.  There is freedom in your vote, Cascade County!  Make your vote count on November 5.

Please learn more at raeforcascadecounty.com. 

Editors note: Candidates on the November 5 ballot for Great Falls/Cascade County HD25 are Republican Steve Gist and Democrat James Rickley. Gist did not respond to our request for a candidate profile.

James Rickley
Composer | Musician | Producer
Educator | Teacher | Principal
Superintendent | Leader
Consensus Builder

Montana House Of Representatives District 25
Cascade County
District 25 for 22 Communities
Adel • Airport • Ashuelot • Cascade
Cascade Colony • Castner Falls • Eden
Emerson Junction • Fair Haven Colony • Fort Shaw
Gordon • Great Falls West • Hardy • Manchester
Riverdale • St. Peter • Simms • Sun Prairie
Sun River • Truly • Ulm • Vaughn

http://jamesrickleyforhousedistrict25.com

Montana is the ideal environment to nurture any creative spirit and expression. I was brought to this state as an educator for a district that contained parts of the Fort Peck reservation. I discovered that this state is a small town with just long distances. It is complete in a way that offers the stimulation in abundance above any locale in the country. Its citizens have shown an acceptance of divergent thoughts with open ears and minds.

 I have flourished as an artist here in Cascade County with encouragement from all I’ve met in this treasured state. I am able to experience activities, events, and entertainments that are always challenging. This makes for an exciting and stimulating world like none other I’ve experienced. I’ve been able to utilize my training in all types of community environments – urban to frontier and have found a life connection that fosters my growth. My presence here is my arrival home. I’m running as a legislator in response to this gift.

There is a critical shortage of mental health services in Montana, particularly in District 25. I believe that increased investment in mental health resources is essential, coupled with efforts to create vibrant, supportive communities that attract and retain qualified mental health professionals.

I advocate for a streamlined, accessible directory of services, achieved by pooling and blending various specialties. Additionally, I emphasize the need to codify and stabilize social and childcare services to provide a strong support system.

As a member of the retired community, I understand the importance of establishing a continuum of care, ensuring clear definitions of services, facilities, and decision-making processes. I am deeply committed to addressing Montana’s status as the state with the highest suicide rate, prioritizing comprehensive strategies to prevent this tragedy.

I believe that every student in Montana deserves access to a quality education, regardless of their zip code. I have a proven track record of success in improving education outcomes, having worked with the Nevada governor to ensure that students across the state could receive a high-quality education.

I believe that we can achieve success in Montana by expanding access to online learning, embracing project-based learning models, and exploring other innovative instructional methods. I am committed to working with educators and policymakers to ensure that all Montana students have the opportunity to succeed.

I understand that taxes are the lifeblood of a functioning society. They enable the government to provide essential services like clean water, reliable communication, safe roads, fire protection, healthcare, and education. I believes that everyone should contribute their fair share to the common good, ensuring these services are available to all Montanans.

I will work to ensure that Montana’s tax system is fair, efficient, and transparent, holding everyone accountable for their contributions. I believe that paying taxes is not just a financial obligation, but a demonstration of responsible stewardship towards the state and its future.

The CORE of My Creed

Believe we CAN accomplish our vision.
Exploring and finding OPTIONS to situations.
Create an atmosphere where we can exercise our RISK muscle.
Celebrating our individual spirits with ENTHUSIASM.