Great Falls Candidates: James Rickley For HD25
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.