Tony Rosales did not reply to our request to answer questions.

Candidate Profiles

Melissa Nikolakakos

Occupation: Teacher

Age: 43

Family: Husband (George) Daughters (Story, Reagan, Melody, Abigail)

Education: BA, University of Montana (Education)

Organizational affiliations: — Great Falls College Development Board (Board Member) Raising Readers

Questions

What are the top two challenges you think our community, state, and your district are facing and how you would address those issues?

Cost of living/affordability issues as well as taxes are what I hear about most talking to constituents almost every day on their doorsteps. While many of the factors contributing to these issues are driven at the federal level we have taken action to address them at the state level and must continue the work next legislative session. We successfully cut income taxes and passed a property tax reducing Homestead Exemption last session. That means more money in people’s pockets and we will again aim for further cuts starting this January. The Governor’s energy task force will soon release a slate of recommendations for legislation to act on that will enable additional energy production in the state. That means more good jobs, more abundant energy, and lower utility costs also addressing the concerns folks have.    

What is you political party and why are you running?

I am a life-long Republican and I pride myself in serving others. I’m running for re-election to bring common-sense conservative solutions to Helena and create a better community for our kids.

While my opponent claims to be a Republican, he has been a long-time Libertarian party member/activist, disparaged virtually every elected Republican statewide officeholder, and has taken wild left-wing stances on a wide range of issues from puberty blockers for children to outlining his pro-choice stance in this very publication. Worse yet, he has been a leader in a group that has coordinated vicious attacks on our Sheriff and law enforcement officers. His beliefs go well beyond violating Republican values, they violate basic Montana values.   

I am happy to be endorsed by the National Rifle Association, Montana Farm Bureau, Montana Stockgrowers Association, to be highly rated by the National Federation of Independent Businesses, and to have earned an “A” rating  from the Montana Conservative index among others.

I was born and raised in small-town Montana and as a representative for Great Falls I will continue ensuring those time-tested values are at the front and center of our legislative process.

Do you support tax credits for charter schools or private schools?

Yes, as long as they are crafted in a technically sound manner that involves supporting public schooling as well. We have made progress in school choice and flexibility and I have been especially excited to have been involved in passing legislation that increased Career and Technical/Trades opportunities for students. Great Falls especially has been a leader in trades education and we are seeing exciting results. I will continue to support CTE investments in the legislature going forward.

How would you change Montana tax policy to ease the property tax burden on homeowners? Be specific.

Fiscal responsibility, finding efficiencies in government, and allowing for local say/control in tax matters are the best way to continue lowering taxes, including property tax. Unfortunately, my opponent supports the efforts to repeal the Governor’s property tax cutting Homestead Exemption which would mean a $1,000+ tax increase on a typical Great Falls homeowner. The average person in Great Falls simply cannot afford another $1,000+ annual expense. We must build on and improve the Homestead exemption, not repeal it to satisfy the desires of powerful out-of-state special interests.

At the state level we can improve “circuit breaker” programs like the Elderly Homeowner/Renter Property Tax Credit and explore the promising 2% valuation cap currently being proposed by Senator Wylie Galt. Fostering a business friendly environment (especially in the area of energy production) is also critical to attracting businesses that build our tax base. I have had the opportunity to meet with and pitch Great Falls to incredible prospective Great Falls businesses like Janicki Industries. Nailing down these types of opportunities not only offers us high-wage jobs and economic activity but reduces tax pressure on homeowners.

What is your specific position on the abortion issue?

I am proudly pro-life, I have co-sponsored pro-life legislation, and I am committed to fostering a culture that protects all life.

Do you think the legislature should change current state policy and law regarding recreational marijuana use?

Recreational Marijuana use was approved by Montana voters by a somewhat significant margin. The legislature should focus on use reduction, prevention, and harm reduction measures especially among children/youth.