Well, it’s the day after Election Day 2018 and most observers of the national election results are calling it a “split decision”. Being a big boxing fan I have to disagree a little bit – a split decision means that on two of the three scorecards one of the pugilists scored higher than the fighter on the one other scorecard and is therefore the winner.
Nationally I think this midterm election was a draw, with neither side getting a split decision win. There was no “blue wave” with huge majorities coming out to affirm their hatred and displeasure at President Trump by sweeping all Republicans and Trump supporters from office as many in the “resistance” and the mainstream media punditry had hoped.
But neither was there a “red wave”, or an “orange wave”. The GOP could not beat the odds and hold on to the House in Trumps first term midterm, losing around 30 seats as of this writing. Losing control of the House is a big deal, but so is adding seats to a GOP Senate majority which could go from 51 to 54 by the time the counting is done.
By comparison, in Obama’s first midterm election in 2010 the Democrats lost a net of 63 House seats and 6 Senate seats. As for Clinton in his first term, 1994, the Democrats lost 52 House seats and 8 Senate seats.
Even though there’s been a lot of acrimony and division in our country during this election season I think it’s a positive sign that so many people, especially younger folks, were involved, engaged and excited about the process. This bodes well for our Republic.
We have many challenges here and our biggest enemy has always been citizen and voter apathy when it comes to our city and county governments and public officials.
I hope that kind of interest and engagement can grow locally as well. Now that this national election cycle has come to an end I’m looking forward to once again focusing on local Great Falls and Cascade County issues of importance. We have many challenges here and our biggest enemy has always been citizen and voter apathy when it comes to our city and county governments and public officials.
Let’s change that by paying attention and getting involved in our own local hometown and neighborhood issues, like our school board and city and county commissions and boards, at least as much as we do with the sexier national issues. Please.
With Election Day only a week away we are publishing what we hope will be some useful information for local voters about local and statewide candidates. We’re listing grades and endorsements for candidates from organizations which align with both the left and the right based on the most recent information detailed on the national Vote Smart website.
In addition, we’re adding our own grade based on whether a candidate responded to our questions regarding state and local issues. The criteria for our grade is simple – if a candidate responded they get an ‘A’, if not they get an ‘F’. We did not send questions to U.S. Senate or House candidates.
Montana’s mining industry is a bright spot in our state economy. While our state has been facing growing concerns about declining tax revenue and budget shortfalls, mining continues to be one of the largest employers and taxpayers in our state—supporting over 12,000 jobs and generating nearly $200 million in revenue for Montana.
But environmental groups like the Montana Environmental Information Center have introduced a ballot initiative (I-186) that will effectively stop all new mining in Montana, as well as the jobs, tax revenue, and economic benefits that would come with it. Supporters of this initiative are trying to hide the negative impacts of I-186. They are deliberately misleading Montanans by claiming that this initiative is about fixing our mining regulations and promoting clean water—but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
But environmental groups like the Montana Environmental Information Center have introduced a ballot initiative (I-186) that will effectively stop all new mining in Montana, as well as the jobs, tax revenue, and economic benefits that would come with it.
Montana is home to some of the world’s most stringent and thorough environmental regulations when it comes to permitting mines. As I have followed the efforts of the Black Butte Copper Project and the proposed mining operations in Northwestern Montana, I have seen our permitting process in action. Not only have each of these companies spent years diligently working to meet and exceed every aspect of Montana’s environmental requirements and permitting regulations but they have spent millions of dollars in the process.
Despite the years of effort and large financial investment, a major mine hasn’t been permitted since the East Boulder Mine in 1992, which runs along the East Boulder River and whose sister mine, the Stillwater Mine (permitted in 1986), runs along the Stillwater River. Black Butte Copper would be the first copper mine permitted since the Troy Mine, which was first permitted in 1978.
Instead of looking to these mines as examples of the balance Montana has achieved between protecting our environment and developing our mineral resources, the supporters of I-186 point to bygone, gold-rush era mines that have been out of operation for decades. Our high standards for remediation and strict environmental protections ensure that mines operating in Montana leave our landscape and waterways in better condition than before mining took place.
If I-186 passes, the balance that currently exists will be upended and our opportunity to develop these resources in the future will be lost.
If I-186 passes, the balance that currently exists will be upended and our opportunity to develop these resources in the future will be lost.
In addition to the staggering economic impacts of I-186, it may also have repercussions for our national security. Our natural resources—especially mined minerals—play a key role in our ability to provide our military with the technology and equipment it needs to protect our troops. No one knows and appreciates this fact more than the members of our National Guard and Reserve and the residents of Great Falls—home of the Malmstrom Air Force Base.
In fact, the Department of Defense uses over 750,000 tons of mined minerals each year.
The proposed Black Butte Copper mine near White Sulphur Springs is home to a billion pounds of high-grade copper. The two proposed mines in Northwestern Montana have the potential to produce more than 500 million ounces of silver and 4 billion pounds of copper in their lifetime.
For the sake of our economy, and our national security, we simply cannot afford to let I-186 keep our mineral resources in the ground.
Vote NO on I-186 to protect the future of mining, and the future of Montana.
Roger A. Hagan is a retired Chief Master Sergeant of the Montana Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force and served as the State Representative for House District 19 in 2013. He currently represents veterans and military members as a lobbyist.
As part of E-City Beat’s continuing effort to help our readers make informed decisions as voters, last month we sent questionnaires to all local legislative candidates in the upcoming general election informing them that we would publish their responses without editorial comment.
Here are the four questions we asked:
What do you see as the top two issues facing Montana and Cascade County in the next 5 years and why are you the best candidate for the district you’re running in to tackle those issues?
Identify at least one issue you see as an opportunity to work across party lines on and describe how you will do that to accomplish what’s best for your constituents.
Why is Cascade County/Great Falls so far behind other Montana cities and counties in growth and economic development and what do you plan to do about it as a legislator?
Do you think we need some form of a sales tax or other solution in Montana to help offset property taxes and why or why not?
Democrat Bob Moretti, Republican Brian Hoven and Libertarian Kevin Leatherbarrow are the candidates in Senate District 13. Moretti and Hoven did not respond to our request.
The top two issues facing Montana and Cascade County concern the educational system and the high crime rate. First, the education system in Montana, and Cascade County in particular, is in need of a full overhaul – financially and systematically. Although many would argue that Great Falls is within the national average for math and reading proficiency, data provided by GEM shows students are missing the mark, particularly for the population size. In addition, graduation rates are low, and administrators have been questionable with their decision-making abilities. Due to my expertise in education, and as the owner of a private tutoring firm in Great Falls, these issues are not foreign to me. I work with families (and taxpayers) daily who have expressed their frustrations with the local school systems, and I understand first-hand the importance of effective education and education reform. As a representative, I would make it a priority to ensure school districts are accountable for their spending and their performance by working with state and local officials to write meaningful legislation that is ACTUALLY for the kids.
The crime rate in Montana and especially in Cascade County is unacceptable. A recent poll was released in the Great Falls Tribune (as well as the Washington Post) that labeled Great Falls as the highest poverty-stricken city in Montana. Neighborhood Scout rates Great Falls as a 5 out of 100 for safety and your chance of becoming a victim of property crime is 1 in 20. Those are “it’s not if but when” numbers. I believe this is directly tied to the fact that it is a dumping ground for parolees across the state. I think the structure of the pre-release center has caused more harm than good for the surrounding neighborhoods, and the drug problems have funneled into the hands of our young people – and so the cycle continues. I don’t exactly live on the “nice side” of town, so I have a front row seat to a lot of the action I speak of. Not to mention the fact that our prisons have had to stop accepting non-violent offenders. Again, when the size of Cascade County and Montana is considered, a full prison is a very concerning issue. As a representative, I would be aggressive in working with officials to find solid solutions to lower the crime rate starting with the pre-release center in Great Falls.
I would work across party lines to establish more school-choice options that best fit the needs for Montana families. I have already had the opportunity to speak to the senate with Democratic Senator Jonathan Windy Boy to promote school choice in the form of bringing charter schools to Montana that would address the needs of various learners across the state including on the reservations. It is important to me that taxpaying families have the chance to use their money the way they see fit for their children, since they know what’s best and are not subject to conforming to the “one-size fits all” mindset found in our current public system.
I would also fight for Montana’s standing constitution that must be adhered to, and protect citizens from being subject to things like permanent levies. Such matters have been recently suggested from across party lines.
Economic growth cannot and will not happen in a city where schools are performing poorly and residents are more than likely to be a victim of crime. These factors need to change first before we can begin to hope for a steady rise in business, arts/entertainment, restaurants (Olive Garden), etc.. The next step is to substantially minimize the amount of non-profit organizations which not only hinder growth for private businesses but also find security in the impoverished. As a legislator, I would examine the effectiveness of these non-profits and their contributions to the growth of the community as well as their employees and those who receive services. Additionally, I would start campaigning to promote a revived spirit of pride within the Electric City.
Does Montana need more tax solutions? I don’t know, ask Dominos.
Really though, I truly believe that a community can be supported by We the People. We the People who know and care for our neighbors. We the People who are business owners and wish to contribute to the community in which we live. We the People who work hard for what we earn and hope everyday that it’s going to be enough without 40% being taken first.
I truly believe Great Falls can be the best city in Montana and I will do my best to see that through to reality. Vote Libertarian for Senate District 13.
As part of E-City Beat’s continuing effort to help our readers make informed decisions as voters, last month we sent questionnaires to all local legislative candidates in the upcoming general election informing them that we would publish their responses without editorial comment.
Here are the four questions we asked:
What do you see as the top two issues facing Montana and Cascade County in the next 5 years and why are you the best candidate for the district you’re running in to tackle those issues?
Identify at least one issue you see as an opportunity to work across party lines on and describe how you will do that to accomplish what’s best for your constituents.
Why is Cascade County/Great Falls so far behind other Montana cities and counties in growth and economic development and what do you plan to do about it as a legislator?
Do you think we need some form of a sales tax or other solution in Montana to help offset property taxes and why or why not?
Democrat Casey Schreiner and Republican Michael Cooper are the candidates in House District 26. Schreiner did not respond to our request.
Q #1. My concern is mainly on infrastructure-maintain roads (pot hole free) sewer and water issues. Infrastructure is a way for the people, to have a system of service’s to accommodate the life style of the taxpayer, with clean drinking water, an effective and safe water and sewer system. To maintain bridges and on main highways and secondary roadways, A good maintenance program working with the funds that are available to work with. To keep property taxes as low as possible. To work with established businesses who want to build or rebuild their business to accommodate the convenience to the consumer and create more jobs in the community. Support our law enforcement and fire fighters. Keeping Cascade County drug free and safe. Supporting the exploration of our natural resources which creates good paying jobs.
Q.#2. I believe we could begin working together, with health care issues, assisted living facilities issues and support of these institutions, and infrastructure, how to curb the run away medical and drug use and abuse in our county. Work with the mental health organizations get the treatment to those who need treatment, and train law enforcement and medical personal how to recognize the symptom of a mental health disorder and which mental health agency to contact. The housing issues. Actually a long list to numerous to mention.
Q.#3. This question is one to think about. Just how far behind is Great Falls behind other cities and why do we need to compare our city to others? If people want a metropolis then move to Chicago or Seattle, Portland etc. A city can only grow as the population grows, and as the population grows the city and county commissioners should be on top of this and try to attract industry, and business to take and interest in our area. Q.#4. Sales tax. This subject has surfaced many times over the years and has been voted down every time. I have seen many states that have a sales tax and a property tax and even a personal property tax you have to pay each year. What an atrocity. Sales tax you pay on each purchase, property taxes (house and land) and even a personal property taxes on (your house hold goods-vehicles-4 wheeler’s-motorcycles and there net worth) they pay each year. When a tax is mandated or voted on it never go away, and in time that very tax is increased and it seems like there is no end to the raising taxes on consumers and home owners, in short I would have to say (no) to a state sales tax.
I also realize there are exceptions to this, in case of catastrophic things that can happen.—fires, earthquake, volcano’s, flooding, etc. that the state emergency agencies have to act on. Lets try to stop the government waste and have the state government live within the budget designated to follow. When the economy starts to fall, then the state should start cutting some programs to accommodate the short fall that is about to come about, instead of waiting until critical mass then say there is and emergency and raise taxes, again which will never go away. Levy’s that are voted on for numerous things never go away, where a bond can be paid off. Lets see what we can do to keep our tax rate low enough so the citizens of Montana can afford to keep living in this beautiful and wonderful state.
As part of E-City Beat’s continuing effort to help our readers make informed decisions as voters, last month we sent questionnaires to all local legislative candidates in the upcoming general election informing them that we would publish their responses without editorial comment.
Here are the four questions we asked:
What do you see as the top two issues facing Montana and Cascade County in the next 5 years and why are you the best candidate for the district you’re running in to tackle those issues?
Identify at least one issue you see as an opportunity to work across party lines on and describe how you will do that to accomplish what’s best for your constituents.
Why is Cascade County/Great Falls so far behind other Montana cities and counties in growth and economic development and what do you plan to do about it as a legislator?
Do you think we need some form of a sales tax or other solution in Montana to help offset property taxes and why or why not?
Democrat Barbara Bessette and Republican Mike “Mac” McNamara are the candidates in House District 24. Bessette did not respond to our request.
1. Lagging economic growth and rising crime are the two issues that will most affect Montanans. Economically we rank 41st in state domestic product and 37th in personal income. Worse, almost 12% of Montanans live in poverty! Every neighboring state, except Idaho, is doing better. That’s scandalous. I’ll champion cutting regulations, and ease the burden on businesses looking to start or move to Montana, especially in the manufacturing industry. I want jobs that pay well, will support families and keep our youth in Big Sky country.
From a crime perspective, drug offenses, aggravated assault, rape, and motor vehicle theft are at all time highs. Violent crime, robbery, larceny, and burglary are increasing. Murder has doubled since 2013. DUI’s are relatively unchanged, but at unacceptable levels. Why the people of Montana don’t scream for a solution, I don’t know. The legislature must act now. We must focus on serious crimes and drug interdiction. We must reform sentencing, diverting some offenders to DUI, Drug and Veterans courts where we are seeing good results, and increase penalties for several serious crimes.
As a retired Army officer I have a reputation for being tough on crime and I’ll fight to enact legislation that will make all Montanans safer.
2. I’ll work across the aisle with legislators who will help create jobs and combat crime.
I have over two decades of experience developing cost-effective solutions to tough problems, negotiating and implementing them. Experience is what voters want and I’ll deliver it.
3. Great Falls and Cascade County lag behind other Montana cities in growth and economic development. Why? Our area’s growth and economy has been relatively static. Our city had sixty thousand residents back in 1970. Since then we have lost the jobs at the smelter in 1980 and the Air Refueling Wing in 1992. On top of that we have a lagging birth rate, the average age of our people is getting older, fewer couples are married, children move away to attend college or find work, the list goes on.
In 2007 we reached our highest median household income at $49,721. In 2016, we were at $45,138, while the rest of Montana was at $50,027. The city and county must streamline permitting. Numerous companies have looked at Great Falls and turned their noses up at us because of long delays getting permitting approved. Other companies have stated that they would like to see the I-15 interchange at NW Bypass fully developed. Brett Doney and the Great Falls Development Authority are doing yeoman’s work trying to attract businesses that offer higher-wage jobs and we need to support them. MSU Great Falls has also done a fantastic job in tailoring its curriculum to our local needs. We need to see more of that. As a legislator I’ll fight for all of Great Falls and Cascade County to bring prosperity back.
4. Implementing a sales tax has been a controversial issue for several years. Look, I’m a pragmatist. I’m open-minded and I research and look at every issue through a variety of lenses before deciding. And given the information available, coupled with my discussions with many experts in the field, implementing a sales tax might not be the wise thing. Even the Washington Post, back in September 2014, ranked Montana as having the fairest tax system in the United States. In contrast, one of our neighbors, Washington, was ranked least fair, because of its reliance on sales tax.
This first step in this process, before we even begin to think about taxation, has to be controlling spending. I believe government should be a small as it can be to get the job done. According to our Department of Labor and Industry about 18% of Montana jobs are government jobs. That’s almost one in five! We can find places to cut. We should outsource tasks the government does not do well to the private sector.
The best representative is one who has knowledge and experience, courage to do the right thing even when no one of looking, a strong desire to serve the people, practicality and good communication skills. I have exhibited these characteristics as an Army Special Operations officer and financial planner. See my website at Mac4Montana.org.
As part of E-City Beat’s continuing effort to help our readers make informed decisions as voters we have sent questionnaires to all local candidates in the upcoming general election and will be publishing their responses starting today.
First up are the candidates for Cascade County Commissioner, Jane Weber (D) and Josh Eli (R). Here are the three questions we asked each of them:
Why are you the best candidate for the position you’re running for?
Please identify three specific goals you want to achieve if you are elected and how those outcomes will benefit Cascade County citizens.
What is the biggest challenge facing Cascade County generally and the biggest challenge facing the specific department you are seeking to lead and how will you address that challenge?
Jane Weber, Democrat Candidate for Re-Election to the Cascade County Commission
1.) Why are you the best candidate for the position you’re running for?
The decisions before a county commissioner are local and direct how our communities grow. The work requires attention to detail, budget experience, objectivity and the ability to listen and respond to constituent concerns. Learning the complexity and vast responsibility that comes with serving as a county commissioner takes time – learning the intricacies of nearly twenty departments and multiple divisions can be a challenge. Establishing a budget in excess of $70+ million can be challenging.
Having served Cascade County citizens for nearly eight years, I have a solid grasp on the challenges we face and the solutions available to advance our county. I provide seamless continuity of service as an experienced Cascade County Commissioner. I work well with the Department heads, my fellow commissioners, and both business and government leaders throughout our community. I serve on the Business Advocacy and Military Affairs Committees at the Chamber of Commerce, and as a board member for the Center for Mental Health, Gateway Community Services, Board of Health, and a board hoping to establish the first National Heritage Area in Montana. I work well with the Black Eagle community, Expo Park Advisory Board, Great Falls Turf Club, and City staff.
Every day, I learn something new from colleagues in our towns, city and neighboring counties, from county staff and our citizens. New ideas intrigue me, hard work exhilarates me, and honesty and integrity drive me.
2.) Please identify three specific goals you want to achieve if you are elected and how those outcomes will benefit Cascade County citizens.
I would like to complete several projects initiated under my tenure:
* Implement the 10-year road maintenance and reconstruction schedule to ensure school bus routes, missile roads and high travel roads are properly maintained;
* Advocate for federal cleanup of the Black Eagle, Neihart, and Carpenter-Snow Creek Superfund sites and initiate the citizen-based plans for re-purposing the former Anaconda smelter site;
* Review and revise county zoning to ensure future industrial development is properly located within the county;
* Implement a county-wide Capital Improvement Reserve policy to methodically plan and budget for county infrastructure improvements and reduce longstanding deferred maintenance projects;
* Expand the 24/7 program for DUI offenders to keep them working and financially supporting their families;
* Pursue options to divert individuals with mental health issues from jail to treatment options by supporting the Crisis Intervention Team and strengthening the Local Advisory Council on Mental Health;
* Support creative ways to implement pre-trial services to reduce the number incarcerated in the County’s jail, while ensuring community safety;
* Strengthen communications and coordination between city and county for greater efficiencies;
* Continue working closely with Volunteer Rural Fire Departments, City/County officials, and Emergency Services employees to provide services for citizens during times of disaster, like flooding and fire.
3.) What is the biggest challenge facing Cascade County generally and the biggest challenge facing the specific department you are seeking to lead and how will you address that challenge?
Cascade County faces three major challenges:
1. Developing a strategy to deploy limited funding to meet the operational needs of the county and remedy the longstanding/growing deferred maintenance of county infrastructure – buildings, roads, bridges. Working with Department Heads, I propose implementing a capital reserve policy and begin repairing and/or replacing the prioritized backlog of deferred maintenance. I would continue the interactive budgeting process with Department Heads to equitably and efficiently distribute funds and seek ways to work with the State Legislature to discontinue unfunded mandates and find alternative supplemental financing through grants and donations.
2. Rebuilding trust with constituents on zoning and subdivision regulations and processes established by Montana law and County policy. I propose refining zoning regulations to appropriately identify light and heavy industrial building sites by working with County Planning, city and town officials/staff, developers, and economic development entities to identify business needs and compatible land uses and locations. I would also establish/participate in community listening sessions to initiate citizen-driven changes to county zoning.
3. Identifying practical solutions to resolve the overcrowding issues in the Adult Detention Center. In collaboration with the new sheriff, I propose creating a public-private taskforce of government law enforcement officials and citizens to define the problem and identify options to rectify the situation. Explore pre-trial supervision solutions enacted in other Montana counties to reduce the number of people incarcerated while keeping our communities safe. Other solutions may involve a combination of innovative ways to assist citizens struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues; as well as expanding treatment courts; and/or upgrades to the 20+ year old Adult Detention Center.
Joshua J. Eli Republican candidate for Cascade County Commissioner
1.) Why are you the best candidate for the position you’re running for?
I have never been a politician before. I do however have a background in multiple disciplines that has afforded me a well-rounded set of skills. I have worked in engineering, agriculture, manufacturing, construction, education, and sales. I am able to communicate and cooperate with people from all walks of life. I grew up here in Cascade County, and I feel personally vested in our future. I do not have any conflicts of interest that would keep me from doing the job in any unbiased manner, with the possible exception of the current rendition of the proposed food park. This does not fall into what I would consider “sustainable” growth. I want to be able to grow and cultivate opportunities in our community that inspire our children to stay.
2.) Please identify three specific goals you want to achieve if you are elected and how those outcomes will benefit Cascade County citizens.
3.) What is the biggest challenge facing Cascade County generally and the biggest challenge facing the specific department you are seeking to lead and how will you address that challenge?
I see this as two parts of the same question. It is my goal to solve these three main issues/challenges.
The biggest issue facing Cascade County right now is communication. A more open and effective line of communication between the county and its constituents would take care of the majority of the county’s issues. There needs to be a better way to explain decisions to the people in a manner they can understand. We need to move public meeting times to a more conducive time frame where people are available to attend. With video recorded meetings for review, our politically active constituents can stay up to speed on what was actually said, and not what was perceived. I believe by getting active with online forums (modern day letter to the editor) the commissioners could keep the people up to speed.
The next big issue with the County is the lack of sufficient funds. There are many shortfalls within the current budget. There are never enough funds for roads, education, or public works. You can only tax and levy the property owner’s so much to pay for all of this. I believe that we are past that point. We need to seriously get into cutting wasteful spending, and the unnecessary expenses. This would not be accomplished by deferring maintenance. That is a horribly short-sighted way of trying to save money.
My other top issue is the current state of our infrastructure, more specifically roads. I do not agree with the current process of deciding which roads receive maintenance while others are left to entirely deteriorate. There is currently a computer program designed to decide maintenance schedules… A computer cannot factor in common sense. I would look to re-establishing a board or panel to oversee the results of this program, and give them the authority to adjust it accordingly.
As part of E-City Beat’s continuing effort to help our readers make informed decisions as voters, last month we sent questionnaires to all local legislative candidates in the upcoming general election informing them that we would publish their responses without editorial comment.
Here are the four questions we asked:
What do you see as the top two issues facing Montana and Cascade County in the next 5 years and why are you the best candidate for the district you’re running in to tackle those issues?
Identify at least one issue you see as an opportunity to work across party lines on and describe how you will do that to accomplish what’s best for your constituents.
Why is Cascade County/Great Falls so far behind other Montana cities and counties in growth and economic development and what do you plan to do about it as a legislator?
Do you think we need some form of a sales tax or other solution in Montana to help offset property taxes and why or why not?
Democrat Leesha Ford and Republican Ed Buttrey are the candidates in House District 21. Ford did not respond to our request.
1. What do you see as the top two issues facing Montana and Cascade County in the next 5 years and why are you the best candidate for the district you’re running in to tackle those issues?
The top issue affecting both Montana and Cascade County is our spending as compared to revenues that can be collected without overburdening the taxpayers that pay for governmental services. Montana’s sources of revenue is dynamic with changes due to e-commerce, natural resources, agriculture pricing and others. We must be adaptable and ready to find new innovative ways to collect revenue to use for the most critical governmental services. Cascade County is not growing, which means when government spends more locally, the same number of taxpayers have to pay more. I believe that we need to make Cascade County and Great Falls more attractive for growth, more responsive, and require government to control costs and minimize any increases to taxpayers. The other key issue is how to address the out of control costs of healthcare. This will require efforts at both the State and Federal levels. I know healthcare, economic development, the economy and how to stimulate jobs and revenues, which makes me the best candidate for HD21.
2. Identify at least one issue you see as an opportunity to work across party lines on and describe how you will do that to accomplish what’s best for your constituents.
Most of what we deal with in Helena is not partisan. In fact, Republicans and Democrats vote together the majority of the time. It is when we come to the hot political issues where the battles are fought. The truth is that with a Republican controlled Legislature, and a Democrat in the Executive, one party will never be able to completely control what laws are passed. To truly address complex policy issues, a Legislator must know how to show members of both parties the merits of a policy and convince the majority of members and the Governor that the solution is good for Montanans. My motto is “Passion, not Politics”, which means that I will work as hard as possible to get good Legislation across the finish line for the people of Montana and HD21, no matter their political affiliation. That is my job, and I know who sent me to do it and what they expect me to do.
3. Why is Cascade County/Great Falls so far behind other Montana cities and counties in growth and economic development and what do you plan to do about it as a legislator?
Our City and County have fallen behind the other larger population areas in Montana for growth, mainly due to policies that are not seen as business friendly, and the inability to quickly adapt how we do business as government. We are not flexible and as such cannot compete with other areas for business opportunities. We continually increase taxes to pay for growing government while the same numbers of taxpayers foot the bill, making our area unattractive for new business. We must become adaptable, efficient and find ways to make our community attractive for business, and a place that our youth and new families want to live. As a State Legislator, I work to ensure that State government stays out of the way of local growth. It is, however, the duty of our local citizens, including me, to demand that our City and County run efficiently, and are flexible and attractive for new business and families. Growth and increased population remains the only way to afford any increased costs of services.
4. Do you think we need some form of a sales tax or other solution in Montana to help offset property taxes and why or why not?
I have not and will never support a sales tax for Montana. We simply can’t trust government in any type of deal where we substitute one tax (sales tax) for another (property tax). While it may seem attractive in the short term, in the long term we would end up with two types of taxes that will increase to pay for more government. Once a tax is created, it will exist in perpetuity. We need to embrace new revenue models, including ones that realizes gains from e-commerce. We need to continue to reduce government waste, and reduce or remove government caused barriers and unneeded regulation in order to help our businesses and people become more successful. More success results in growth, additional work and business opportunities, and ultimately additional revenue for the State of Montana.
As part of E-City Beat’s continuing effort to help our readers make informed decisions as voters, last month we sent questionnaires to all local legislative candidates in the upcoming general election informing them that we would publish their responses without editorial comment.
Here are the four questions we asked:
What do you see as the top two issues facing Montana and Cascade County in the next 5 years and why are you the best candidate for the district you’re running in to tackle those issues?
Identify at least one issue you see as an opportunity to work across party lines on and describe how you will do that to accomplish what’s best for your constituents.
Why is Cascade County/Great Falls so far behind other Montana cities and counties in growth and economic development and what do you plan to do about it as a legislator?
Do you think we need some form of a sales tax or other solution in Montana to help offset property taxes and why or why not?
Democrat Laura Dever and Republican Lola Galloway are the candidates in House District 22. Dever did not respond to our request.
Being on the Judiciary and the Law and Justice Interim Study committees has given me a depth of understanding on these issues. I have heard testimonies of people from all over the state. I have built relationships with citizens and professionals on both ends of the spectrum. I am one of the only current legislators that personally understands how violent crimes continue to affect our families and communities. I have been a strong voice in these committees speaking for victims and drilling the pardons and parole board on their policies and procedures. I know what to ask. I am currently pushing hard to fix our correctional and justice systems.
2.) Identify at least one issue you see as an opportunity to work across party lines on and describe how you will do that to accomplish what’s best for your constituents.
Our interim study group, both Republican and Democrat members are working on the current jail overload crisis across the state. Our conversations include concerns about who and when prison releases occur and how they’re affecting our communities. Also, having no placement for people with mental illness and addictions in our correctional system for treatment. I will continue to work on this bipartisan issue with every legislator no matter what party they represent.
3.) Why is Cascade County/Great Falls so far behind other Montana cities and counties in growth and economic development and what do you plan to do about it as a legislator?
Because we have branded ourselves as a low income community. We build too many government grant low income housing projects and wonder why we fill them up with low income families.
I will Encourage Great Falls to clean up our entryways into our town through positive incentives instead of penalties and fines. Put some PRIDE back into property ownership. Quit punishing people through higher property taxes when they improve their property. Visitors see our city’s boundary clutter as they pass through not seeing our beautiful interior neighborhoods and judge us as an unsafe city of casinos and crime.
4.) Do you think we need some form of a sales tax or other solution in Montana to help offset property taxes and why or why not?
We need to capture the money going out of state to internet sales. Online sales are killing the brick and mortar businesses which are our higher paying tax base. Our tax system is antiquated and isn’t working. Sales tax? The more money you give government, the more they’ll spend. We need to do a better job on prioritizing our spending and making sure those dollars reach those individuals who they’re intended to help. Our appetite for government money is like a heroine addict. The more you use, the more you need the next time.
We need to capture the money going out of state to internet sales. Online sales are killing the brick and mortar businesses which are our higher paying tax base. Our tax system is antiquated and isn’t working.
I live in this district and live everyday with the issues that my constituents face. This perspective gives me more insight into the people of this districts’ lives. By
attending local meetings and getting involved in those conversations, I have come to know more and more individuals in this district on a personal basis. As I tell their stories in committee discussions, I truly become their advocate in our state legislature. I am the best choice for House District 22 and am their voice in Helena.
An alert reader sent us this screenshot from local novelist Jamie Ford’s Facebook page:
Fords wife, Leesha Ford, is running as a Democrat for the Montana Legislature in House District 21 here in Great Falls and the “opponent” Ford refers to is Republican Ed Buttrey.
This has us scratching our heads a little bit here. We’re wondering what in the world being invited backstage at a production of Hamilton or to Trumps inauguration has to do with the concerns of the constituents in HD 21 right here in River City?
We’re wondering what in the world being invited backstage at a production of Hamilton or to Trumps inauguration has to do with the concerns of the constituents in HD 21 right here in River City?
Maybe instead of trying to impress us with his Broadway connections and his progressive anti-Trump Resistance position, novelist Ford should have asked candidate Ford to take a few minutes and respond to E-City Beat’s local issues questions so that citizens in HD 21 could get an idea of where she stands.
Ford didn’t bother to respond to our request to let the voters know her positions but Buttrey did and we will be publishing his response next week.
We also have to wonder whether the Fords have done their voting history research. Pretentiously pointing out that your candidate was invited backstage for Hamilton while her opponent was invited to President Trumps inauguration and then suggesting that the voters in HD 21 ‘vote accordingly’ is probably not a very good campaign strategy. Why? Because in 2016 Trump won HD 21 57% to HRC’s 37% (the remaining 6% went to third party candidates).
Why? Because in 2016 Trump won HD 21 57% to HRC’s 37%…
Trump winning by 20 percentage points is considered a near landslide. So, given Ms. Fords apparent lack of concern for addressing local issues, the Fords’ disdain for a popular and successful President, and the arrogance of thinking that being invited backstage on Broadway is a compelling reason to vote for a Montana legislative candidate, we agree wholeheartedly with Mr. Ford – vote accordingly, HD 21 voters.
Editors note: In the first posted version of this story we inadvertently listed Kevin Leatherbarrow as a candidate in HD 21. Leatherbarrow is the Libertarian candidate in SD 13.
Kevin Leatherbarrow
Michael Cooper
Mike “Mac” McNamara
Jane Weber, Democrat Candidate for Re-Election to the Cascade County Commission
Joshua J. Eli Republican candidate for Cascade County Commissioner
