Category: Great Falls

In House District 20 Democrat Melissa Smith is running against GOP candidate Fred Anderson. Both candidates responded to our request for profiles.

Melissa Smith

My name is Melissa Smith; I am a Montanan who was raised in Havre. I received a first-class K-12 education there (go, Blue Ponies!). I went on to receive my BA from the University of Montana at Missoula. Growing up, I spent my summers with my grandparents in the Flathead Valley. As a result, I have a deep love and respect for Montana landscapes, from the high plains to the glacier valleys.

I am running for House District 20 because I want Montanans to thrive. I have decided to run because I have been involved in community organizing for the past four decades; however, I felt 2020 was the right time for me to step up and try for a seat at the table where laws are enacted and budgets are passed. I am running as a Democrat because I work for justice: environmental, racial, social, and economic. My campaign focuses on three core issues: conservation, education, and public safety.

Montana has a vital, multi-billion-dollar outdoor industry. The preservation and conservation of our public lands is key to maintaining that industry. Furthermore, our access to Montana’s public lands is just one of the ways we Montanans maintain our health and well-being.

To help Cascade County thrive, I will advocate for the creation of more jobs for Montanans through the development of clean energy technologies. We have everything we need here to become a national leader in clean energy: water, sun, and wind, combined with Montana ingenuity. There is an excellent program at the College of Great Falls/MSU for wind turbine technicians. We can continue to train people here in Great Falls, and then retain them in our community, with more wind farms in Cascade County.

We can also increase our prosperity by ensuring that we have good quality schools for our children. I will support public pre-school programs, dual-credit classes, as well as vocational programs leading to apprenticeships for high school students.

All citizens in Cascade County must feel safe. I support our police as first responders, and am respectful of the difficult job they perform to keep our communities safe every day. But our community must also support citizens across the spectrum of experiences they have with law enforcement; it is our responsibility to ensure that all citizens receive equal treatment under the Law.

Helping all citizens feel safe in our County also includes enforcing non-discriminatory practices, and seeking restorative justice. I support these endeavors.

Finally, food security is essential to a feeling of safety in Cascade County. I will promote food security by encouraging the sale of locally-grown food products. Right now, only 10% of the food grown in Montana is consumed by Montanans. We can change that equation, and provide good paying jobs, by supporting small scale processing plants for local agricultural products in Cascade County.

As the owner of two small businesses (Renditions Music Services and Dia Desserts), I understand the challenges facing small business owners everywhere, including those in Cascade County. I will support legislation to help small businesses thrive here.

Montana is at a crossroads. The pandemic has exposed many fractures in the ways we always thought our institutions should work: our government, our social safety net, our food security, our housing, and our educational system, to name just a few. I stand ready to work with all who would lead Montana through these difficult times.

The leaders we elect next will need to be resilient, forward-thinking, and bold. I will be such a leader.

Fred Anderson

I was raised on the family ranch in Central Montana where I developed a strong work ethic and a well-defined set of values from my family. In that setting, I learned to respect and work with diverse groups of people as well as the value of integrity. I earned a Bachelor’s degree from MSU-Northern (then Northern Montana College) and a Master’s degree and a PhD degree from Colorado State University. I have owned a small business, worked construction, operated heavy equipment and have served as a public school educator for 40+ years. My wife, Vicky and I have three adult sons. We enjoy spending time with our family, outdoor activities, sports and classic cars.

I am running for re-election as a Representative for HD #20 because I have the experience, insight and leadership to represent my constituents as well as the people of Montana very effectively.

I am running as a Republican because I believe in the principles that transcend specific policy issues. These principles derive directly from the wisdom of America’s founders, as expressed in The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of the United States. These principles have been a cornerstone in the development of my values as a business owner, public servant and family man. I am a pro-life, fiscal conservative who believes strongly in facilitating an environment that creates well-paying jobs and which is conducive to the growth of small business, private property rights, lower and more equitable taxes and governmental accountability.

Economic development is critical to Cascade County and Great Falls. Ultimately, the County Commissioners and City Council have the final say on new industry; however, the Legislature needs to work to reduce regulations and create a more welcoming climate for new businesses. I will also work to facilitate a more expedient process for agricultural producers to sell directly to consumers.

I am the best candidate to represent HD #20 because I listen to constituent concerns and attempt to provide common sense solutions to address their needs while treating everyone with the dignity and respect they deserve. I attend all committee meetings and study bills presented. I have a PhD in Administration and Supervision and have served in leadership positions at the local, state and national levels, as well as having served as your representative during the past two legislative sessions. My diverse experience base, combined with a strong education foundation, provides me the insight to quantify the challenges facing our State while developing fiscally sound solutions. The previous two legislative sessions, I received the Champion of Business Award from the State Chamber of Commerce, the Silver Windmill Award from the Montana Farm Bureau and I am currently serving as Chairman of the Education Interim Committee. These experiences can only benefit Great Falls and Cascade County.

In House District 24 GOP candidate Steven Galloway is running against Democrat Barbara Bessette. Here is Galloway’s response and profile. Bessette did not respond to our request.

Steven E. Galloway

I am a Great Falls native and third generation Montanan. Married to Representative Lola Sheldon-Galloway for 39 years. We have 6 adult children and 14 GRANDKIDS! My grandkids are a part of my motivation to serve in HD 24.

I have helped run a motel while growing up, contracted in construction for 12 years, currently operate home and apartment rentals for over 45 years, own and operate a retail building-hardware store, also 2 food services for over 36 years. I have volunteered coaching kids in many sports, served in our church as a teacher, counselor, executive secretary, facilities representative over 10 buildings, and unit budget auditor. I have served on a condominiums board and have bought and sold real-estate. We were awarded best improved rental by Neighborworks for 2009-2010. I have developed a sense of how to operate within ones means. Needs before wants! We started with nothing and have lived the American dream! We like to serve in our church and community. I love old cars and like to tinker on them.

I believe hard work gets results! God blesses us with talents to share by serving others. I wish to share my acquired knowledge and experience in serving you in the next state legislature.

We really need to get a handle on our states spending. We need to cover Montana’s needs before wants. We need to root out waste and inefficiencies. We can see more dollars invested in local economies if we can operate the state government more efficiently and reduce tax burdens on our citizens. I know how to balance budgets, cut waste, increase productivity with training and positive reinforcement!

Education has to be a priority at all levels.

I feel the property tax appraisal system is inequitable and needs revamped to be a more fair, transparent and uniform method.

We need to responsibly and effectively develop our natural resources.

We need to continue to promote Montana’s tourism.

We need to keep our agriculture products competitive with the world.

I believe in strong sentencing for violent crimes. My sister Susan was murdered in 1982 by her fiancée and we have had to fight his probation every few years. We need to work to find better options for nonviolent offenders then just locking them up.

The Republican platform aligns best with my free enterprising spirit. I still try to see both sides of every issue. My perspective is the sum of my experiences. Your perspective will be based on your experiences. We should always be able to share our perspectives to find the BEST options to governing our great State. My wife(LOLA) and other legislators service is an inspiration to me. We really can make a difference. We believe in limited government! We believe that our state’s financial woes are not

from lack of taxes but rather in part from wasteful spending, lack of planning and over site. We believe in basic government. Local issues are best addressed by local government! We need legislators who can analyze and pass legislation that is effective now and in the future. We believe free enterprise and encouraging individual initiative have brought our nation opportunity, economic growth and prosperity. We believe the government must practice fiscal responsibility and allow individuals to keep more of the money we earn. We believe in the Constitution of the United States of America. We believe in LIFE, LIBERTY and THE PURSUIT of HAPPINESS.

I encourage you to put me to work for YOU in the next legislature. Let me be YOUR voice.

Sincerely

Candidate HD 24

Steven E. Galloway

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.

Earlier this week news broke about a Great Falls Democrat candidate for state legislature in House District 21 smearing his GOP opponent, Ed Buttrey, as a Nazi sympathizer.

Jaime Horn, the Democrat, posted this picture and statement on his official campaign Facebook page:

Buttrey explained to MTN News, after Horn sent the photo to them, “…that the photo was taken at one of the monthly Cascade County Republican Central Committee meetings that is held in the back conference room at the VFW on 10th Avenue South. He said that there are many wartime artifacts including the framed Nazi flag which was captured during WWII.”

It’s hard to believe that Horn, or any other serious candidate, could be such a clueless jerk.

Horn’s pathetic attempt to raise money for his ‘campaign’ by peddling the ludicrous claim that longtime legislator, respected and well known community leader and businessman Ed Buttrey is somehow associated with Nazis is disgusting.

Obviously Horn is way too dumb to be in the Montana State Legislature. No one in this community would ever fall for this kind of dirty, shameless politics. We’ve known Ed Buttrey for decades here in Great Falls.

Is Horn really that massively unaware of the community he seeks to represent? Is he really that unaware of how stupid, ridiculous, dishonest, and mean spirited this looks?

It is worth pointing out however that this seems to be the all-too-often kind of despicable tactic being used by Democrats at all levels.

When for years now top national Democrats have gotten away with calling their political opponents ‘deplorable’, ‘racist’, ‘Nazis’, ‘traitors’ etc. it shouldn’t be too surprising that the kids in the local trenches will do the same.

You would think that the local Cascade County Democratic Central Committee would issue a statement disavowing Horn’s idiotic attack on Buttrey. But no, I looked on their website and on their Facebook page and there’s no statement at all.

This garbage from Horn will reflect on all local Democrats unless and until their local leadership musters the courage to denounce Horn and his smear.

Thankfully Horn has all by himself insured his own certain defeat in November.