Author: ECB Staff

In House District 25 GOP candidate Steve Gist is running against Democrat incumbent Jasmine Krotkov. Here is Gist’s response and profile. Krotkov did not respond to our request.

Steve Gist for Montana House HD 25

I am a Montana native who has lived in Montana my whole life. I grew up on a farm and ranch in North Central Montana. I moved to Great Falls in 1985 to begin a career in the Healthcare field. I have worked EMS as a first responder, in both ground and air ambulance. I have worked in Emergency Rooms as a Paramedic and then now as a Registered Nurse. My wife and I also run a wildland fire contracting business based in Cascade, MT during the summer months. I have worked wildland fires in Montana and across the West since 1987.

As a conservative Republican, I support financially responsible government. I am interested in supporting law enforcement officers and finding ways to make and keep our communities safe. I am in favor of limiting taxes, limiting the size of government, and holding our governmental agencies accountable to the people they serve. I believe it is in our best interest to find ways to support the success and prosperity of our small businesses, who must often face seemingly impossible bureaucracies on the road to their success. I favor responsible forest and land management with the dual purpose of managing for fire and allowing for a return of income on the school trust lands. I also favor allowing for safe and responsible mineral extraction. Modern mining practices have come a long way and can be safe and environmentally sound.

I favor finding creative ways to get our healthcare costs under control. What we have now is not working for many families. I believe there are some good ideas out there that we need to explore. I also believe a quality education is key to having a quality work force. Our children deserve to have access to an education that will allow them to go into adulthood with a set of skills that allow them to be productive citizens. Not all students need or want college. Higher education options must include Trade Schools, College or University learning, as well as distance/remote learning. Our children need quality learning opportunities.

I feel that these values most align with the Republican Party, but I am very willing to work in a bipartisan way. I hope to see the return of compromise and negotiation to government.

I believe the residents of Great Falls and Cascade county would all benefit from gains we make in encouraging small businesses, which in turn will create job growth, reducing or limiting state taxes, cutting wasteful spending, and eliminating or modifying poorly enacted or outdated laws and policies. As a small business owner, I have worked to support changes in the state laws that would allow small businesses to survive and thrive in Montana.

As a private citizen, I have worked with both our State Legislators and our Congressional Staff Members, on topics including reducing abusive/wasteful spending, transportation issues (ELDs), workers compensation coverage for Volunteer Fire Departments and EMS First Responders. I also have worked on legislation updating Montana laws on ethics in government agencies. I

feel it is time for me to step up and take a larger role in the working on these and other issues. I encourage all citizens to get to know their governing officials and let their voices be heard.

I believe I have the set of skills and the common sense it takes to be your representative in Helena. I look forward to serving the people of Montana and advancing sensible solutions on the issues that face all Montanans, but especially those in Cascade County.

SteveGistforMontana.com

In House District 19 Libertarian Party candidate George Shultz is running against Republican incumbent Wendy McKamey. Here is McKamey’s response and profile. Shultz did not respond to our request.

Talk a little bit about your background, family, work, and hobbies/interests.

Currently, I am representing House District 19 and serving my third term. During the 2019 session I was honored to serve as a member of the Agriculture Committee, the Education Committee, vice chair during the Session and then Chair of State Administration and Veterans’ Affairs committee during the Interim.

For the past 39 years my husband, Les and I have been co-owners of a sheep and cattle business, located in south east Cascade County, where we raised our children and remain actively involved in our communities, continuing my life-long passionate commitment to the advancement of agriculture, business, education and family. My interests and hobbies are many and varied, but count being an accomplished pianist as well as being an avid reader and collector of books among them.

Why are you running for the office?

More than ever, Montana needs stability and leadership in the legislature and I can help provide that in large part due to my previous experience as a legislator. The voters of Cascade County know of my integrity and commitment to listen to them and to work with and for them. This I will continue to do unflinchingly.

Why are you running as a Democrat, Libertarian or Republican?

As a Republican, I support free market capitalism, economic and social conservatism, gun rights, lower taxes, limited government regulation and involvement, private property rights, and traditional values. Always, I will work to ensure opportunities to strengthen these.

What are a couple of issues in the state legislature that you could work on to help Great Falls and Cascade County grow and prosper?

As in the past, my priorities will continue to be in protecting you, your family and your livelihood, and in providing opportunities to build a prosperous life.

What makes you the best candidate in the race?

It is critical you send someone who is prepared, who will represent you, not a personal agenda. You know who I am, that I’m prepared and that I’ll continue to represent you by listening first to my conscience; second, my constituents and third, my caucus as I make decisions. You can call me at: 406-866-3300

In House District 21 Democrat Jaime Horn is running against Republican Ed Buttrey. Due to an email glitch Buttrey’s response, which was sent before the deadline date, wound up in the wrong email folder. Here is his response and profile. We apologize for the mix up.

Talk a little bit about your background, family, work, and hobbies/interests.

I was born, raised and educated in Montana. I own and have owned businesses in real estate, lodging, manufacturing, retail, food and beverage, financial and consulting industries and am proud to employ and support Montanans. I have been a State Senator, State Representative, Fire Department Captain, Search & Rescue Director, Dive Rescue/Recovery Team Member, Military Advocate, Coach, and sit on various community boards. I am blessed with a beautiful wife Jessica, daughters (Kenzy, Macy and TayLee) and mother Joan all living in Great Falls. I love sports, the outdoors, fishing, camping, coaching and living in Montana.

Why are you running for the office?

I have been honored to serve as your State Senator and State Representative. In these roles I have passed critical legislation in the areas of workforce development, healthcare, military, employment, education, telemedicine, veteran benefits, prescription drug reform, liquor/gaming law, tax reform and in many other areas to benefit those that I represent. I understand complex policy and have been in leadership in each of my legislative sessions. I work hard each day for my constituents and to ensure a better Montana for each of us, our children, and generations to come. There is more work to be done, and I am asking for the honor to continue as your Representative.

Why are you running as a Democrat, Libertarian or Republican?

I am a Republican and have been a job creator throughout my entire professional career. I believe that responsible government should be run like a business, focusing on efficiency and performance, with accountability at all levels. Government must exist to support, not obstruct our businesses and citizens. I am not an ideolog, or someone that believes that anyone has the best solution, before listening to those that are affected. I know that by listening more than talking, we can come up with great solutions. Conservative ideals, thoughtful consideration of issues, hard work, and holding all parties accountable are the cornerstones of my party and are why I am proudly running as a Republican. As a Legislator, however, I have and will always respect and honor my duty to represent all those that live in HD21, regardless of political affiliation.

What are a couple of issues in the state legislature that you could work on to help Great Falls and Cascade County grow and prosper?

Due to the pandemic, we will have dramatic reductions in State revenue and will need to make corresponding adjustments to our budget. The answer is certainly not to increase taxes, but to focus on efficiencies, technology and innovation to provide services to those most in need. We need to take advantage of the opportunities created by the pandemic to market Cascade County as the best and safest place to create and grow businesses and to raise families. With Conservative leadership in the Legislature, we can weather this storm, rebuild our financial reserves and generate economic activity in the State and Cascade County. I will continue to work with local leadership to find ways to grow our area with good paying jobs, safer streets and better opportunities for our families.

What makes you the best candidate in the race?

Simply put, I know how to get Legislation across the finish line. I am a policy Legislator and have carried some of the most complex legislation brought in front of the Legislature during my tenure. I have passed legislation creating jobs, and fighting for education, businesses, Veterans, infrastructure, and our military missions. I will listen to all viewpoints, will fight hard for you, and will succeed for you. In this time of change and pandemic, it is important to elect representatives that can hit the ground running, that can get the job done, and will work hard for all the people they represent. I am honored to have represented you, and hope to continue to serve as your Representative for HD21.

In House District 26 Democrat Helena Lovick is running against Republican Jeremy Trebas. Here is the Trebas response and profile.

Ms. Lovick didn’t respond to our request.

Background information

I am 36, am married to Hannah, and have 3 kids, Ryan, Kaylyn, and Aidan. I have been working for the Great Falls Rescue Mission as the controller (accounting and human resources) for over 8 years, since April 2012. I am a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and have a small tax and accounting business too. I’ve been in the Legislature before, for a two year term that covered 2017-2019. In that role I served on the “Business & Labor”, “Local Government”, and “Transportation” standing committees.

Why are you running for the office?

I’m running because I believe being involved in setting good state policy is important, and it is so important to me that I have ran, and am now running again to be directly involved in its formation. The protection of everyone’s rights as citizens often hinges on the decisions made by the State Legislature. It takes active involvement as citizens and “citizen Legislators” to preserve our Republic.

Why are you running as a Democrat, Libertarian or Republican?

I am running as a Republican because I believe in their (the State GOP) platform of ideas including the right to bear arms (reiterating the 2^nd Amendment), their philosophy on economic development including natural resource extraction for jobs, energy, and royalty taxes, and supporting law & order among citizens, within  communities.

I believe in due process and the right of people to protest (1^st Amendment) but also know it needs to be balanced when things get out of hand such as with the riots and arson occurring in other cities, essentially turning the right to protest into an unlawful occupation of many neighborhoods and downtowns across the nation.

Further, beyond those constitutional topics, on the issue of taxes I want to highlight three positions. One, I’ll support broad and low taxation that is fair. I’ll support the repeal of income taxes on your social security income, and I’ll always oppose a sales tax.

What are a couple of issues in the state legislature that you could work on to help Great Falls and Cascade County grow and prosper?

Right now top of mind for me is getting government out of the way. That could be overly complicated regulations (think about the building code for example), overbearing property tax rates, and bureaucratic processes and departments that slow your progress as a citizen and business down from doing what you would like. I’ll always be open to suggestions about how to cut the “red tape” of bureaucracy while balancing the need to protect the general public.

What makes you the best candidate in the race?

I like to answer this sort of question by simply saying, if the voters think I’ve been listening, and am proposing the right ideas, some of which are highlighted above, they’ll determine whether I’m the best candidate in the race for them. I believe the community needs to solve some problems to move forward, and I’ll do my best to be a part of that in the scope of a state legislator if given the chance.”

Today we’re starting our series on local legislative candidates.

In House District 22 Democrat Jasmine Taylor is challenging GOP incumbent Representative Lola Sheldon-Galloway. Here is Rep. Sheldon-Galloway’s response and profile.

Ms. Taylor didn’t respond to our request.

Representative LOLA Sheldon-Galloway House District 22

I have lived my entire life in Cascade County. Growing up in Vaughn until my parents Earl and Irene Sheldon moved to the Greenfield bench in 1978, I was given so many opportunities to live in a safe and community-oriented environment. I work hard as an elected official to keep our communities safe and financially sound. My voting record will show that I stand behind the USA Constitution, the Republican Platform, and that I vote for what is best for the future of this state.

I give back to this community through volunteering wherever I can. I have helped organize the 4th of July parade since 2006 and have found great satisfaction in the working with individuals and local businesses that are so generous in our city. I look forward to a great parade in 2021. I have worked with local citizens in cleaning up the Sun Prairie area. In areas that need attention we get out our rakes, fill garbage bags with weeds and trash and then haul the garbage to the dump. I am currently working with the group “Citizens for Sun Prairie Park Improvements”. We would like to have a safe fun place for our families to come and entertain themselves.

I do not believe in putting the next generations in debt. I personally practice the law of save and then buy. My husband Steven and I have remodeled both our Dairy Queens, Great Falls Lumber and rental units after we have saved the money. (Northside 9th Street 2003,2019; Fox Farm 1990,2017; GFL 2001; rentals continuous). This practice gives us the leverage to pay our bills, thus, eliminating the pressure of guessing what our financial future will be. I believe government should do the same. Montana’s budget has the ability to pay cash and not have to borrow through bonding. This requires the practice of putting priorities/needs in place, not wants.

There is too big of a gap between relying on the government for assistance and being able to afford the same level of benefits to be self-reliant. Government handouts hold citizens down, preventing those that need help from taking an independent leap because they could risk losing their benefits. This ultimately limits citizens from prospering freely. Being self-employed, benefitting from one’s own hard labor and being able to keep as much of that profit for ourselves and our families is the best way to becoming self-reliant and free.

I support small business, free enterprise and capitalism over “government funded” projects. I have ideas on how to lift the income level in Great Falls and have tried

to solve this but have hit many roadblocks with federal requirements in their programs. Government needs to get out of the way, allow citizens to give their unique contribution to our communities and not tax us so bad that we feel like all we are doing is feeding the government coffers. I would encourage anyone who has ideas to talk to me. Together We can Make A Difference.

Leave Our Liberties Alone is the theme of my campaign. I believe our greatest threat is the climate in our country trying to change the freedoms that we enjoy. I am a freedom fighter. My 14 grandchildren’s future, living in a free country governed by constitutional law is at stake. Please join me in this battle.

We are a citizen government, a Republic. I encourage you to reach out to me on what is important to you. I can help you with your concerns.

750-4721
www.LOLASheldonGalloway.com

I would appreciate your consideration and VOTE to represent HD22.