Voter Guide November 2016

VOTER GUIDE A LOOK AT THE LEGISLATIVE RACES IN THE NOV. 8 GENERAL ELECTION • OCTOBER 9, 2016

KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES

T

he Billings Gazette presented five questions to candidates running for the Montana Legislature within our circulation area. Candidates were given a month to respond and assured their answers would appear unedited, provided each response didn’t exceed 100 words. Candidates who declined our offer are noted in the guide. Candidate responses may be found on pages 2-16 and are also viewable at billingsgazette.com.

Question 1

For years, Montana tax collections have produced a revenue surplus. But now that surplus is shrinking as agriculture, oil, gas and timber face tough economic conditions. Tell us what you would do next legislative session to address the decline of state revenue.

Question 2

A bipartisan group of Montana legislators has suggested buying Colstrip Units 1 and 2 to the keep coal-fired power plants from shutting down by 2022, the drop-dead deadline by which the units’ current owners have agreed to close shop. What should the state government’s role be in determining Colstrip’s future?

Explain your position.

Question 3

The transfer of federal public lands to the state government has been a hot Montana campaign issue this election cycle. Discuss the negatives, or positives, of such a transfer as you see them.

Tell us if you would support such a move.

Question 4

If the 2017 Legislature did just one thing for women in the workplace, what should it be? Explain your answer.

Question 5

Montana’s governor and Legislature haven’t agreed on a comprehensive infrastructure bill since the Gov. Brian Schweitzer era. Explain the cause of this gridlock as you understand it. Tell us what you would do to get a comprehensive infrastructure bill passed.

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Billings Gazette

HOUSE DISTRICT 29

Dan Bartel (R) Age: 59 Occupation: Retired Family: Married with three children Education: High school Past employment: Retail business owner Political experience: None Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.

Bartel php?id=100011426426781 Ways voters can contact you Phone: 406-366-4160 Email: danbartel2@gmail.com Address: P.O. Box 1181, Lewistown, Mont., 59457 Phone number: 406-366-4160

‌1. For years, Montana tax collections have produced a revenue surplus. But now that surplus is shrinking as agriculture, oil, gas and timber face tough economic conditions. Tell us what you would do next legislative session to address the decline of state revenue. The State government needs to reduce spending as revenue declines.

We cannot keep raising taxes and fees on Montanans. We need to remove the regulations that are stopping us from utilizing our natural resources.

2. The Montana Legislature should hold the current owners of Colstrip 1 and 2 accountable for the negative impact of closing the plants. The Legislature also needs to help push back the regulations on the burning of coal. I am not in support of The State of Montana buying Colstrip. We have huge reserves of coal in Montana and I would like the State of Montana take the lead investing in clean technology.

3. I would support a cooperative agreement between the Federal Govt. and State Lands Dept. to manage the land. I would not sup-

port at this time a complete transfer of Federal lands to the State.

4. Make child care more affordable for working Montana families.

5. We need a comprehensive infrastructure bill that is just that.

The bill should include repairs and new construction of roads, streets, bridges, sewer, water, waste facilities, parks and dams across the State. The State infrastructure is in desperate need of repairs. What we cannot include are pet projects of Gov. Bullock. We need a solid “no nonsense” bill and then it will receive support from all.

Dryn Durley (D) did not respond

HOUSE DISTRICT 33

Casey Knudsen (R) Age: 25 Occupation: Rancher Family: Wife, Shyla Knudsen Education: Degree in mechanical engineering technology with a minor in aerospace from Montana State University C. KNUDSEN

Past employment: Family ranch, MSU Bozeman

Political experience: None Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caseyknudsenforhd33/ Ways voters can contact you Email: cjamesknudsen@gmail.com Address: Box 18 Malta, Mont., 59538 Phone number: 406-390-0274

‌Michael Morse Finley (D) Age: Occupation: Retired Family: No Education: Past employment: Janitor, truck driver, dishwasher Political experience: Ran for same office, HD-33, in 2014 and lost Ways voters can contact you: Knock on my door Address: 653 Fifth St. N., Havre, Mont., 59501 Phone number: 265-6608

1. When revenue is down, ‌ spending must be cut to match.

With regards to the tough economic conditions surrounding agriculture, oil, gas, and timber, three of the four of those were negatively affected by the government itself. We must reduce the regulations placed on companies that responsibly develop our state’s natural resources, which in turn would bring in greater tax revenue without increasing taxes themselves.

2. Generally, I believe the government should not be involved in private enterprise. However, being that the federal government is at fault for imposing such unnecessarily strict regulations on electricity producers like Colstrip, the state of Montana should do every-

thing in its power to prevent the closing of a vital local utility and employer.

3. A positive for turning over federal lands would, in my opinion, be greater local control over those lands, as our voices would be heard much louder in Helena than Washington D.C. Western states have generally done a better job managing their lands than the federal government, earning more revenue per dollar spent by encouraging natural resource development such as oil, gas, and timber. This not only helps to fund wildfire fighting efforts through tax revenue, but the thinning of forests by the logging industry helps prevent them altogether.

With the information presently available to me, I would support

such a transfer.

4. The legislature should create or modify an avenue that allows women to report abuses in the workplace without becoming a pariah for defending their innate human rights.

5. The cause of this gridlock is a lack of willingness to compromise.

I believe that if what is required to fund an infrastructure plan is that we must borrow more money than we hoped, or use a little more cash than we wanted, then we owe it to the people of Montana to actually get something done. We must, however, base our plan on lowball revenue estimates, so as not to increase taxes on Montanans in the event of an economic downturn.

1. If you take in less money you will have to spend less money.

2. I don’t think that is a very good idea. The state of Montana runs the coal fired electric generating plant? Whoa, that’s just asking for trouble, if you ask me.

That is a role for private enterprise. If they are having a tough time running these plants as a profitable business, then it would probably be over the heads of our state government too. No, sad to say, but I think we will just have to bite the bullet on this one.

3. No way would I support any such move. First of all, the state cannot afford to even fight the forest fires. The promoters of

this swindle know that when we in Montana realize that we can’t afford to even pay for the up-keep on transferred lands then we will be forced to sell them. And who do you think will be able to afford them then? Well, the multi-millionaires who promoted this boondoggle in the first place, that’s who. And if they get it, then we Montanans will find ourselves fenced out of our own land. I’m not falling for this scam.

4. Well, how about being one of the first states in the nation to promote an equal rights for women amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

5. Gridlock is a power vacuum.

Something has to fill a vacuum.

That is just the way nature works.

So if the government is gridlocked, somebody has to fill that power vacuum. I believe that the usual suspects in this case are the super rich nabobs in our “dark” government. They are a not-sosecret ruling elite who have been running a subversive, anti-government propaganda machine for decades now. When you have the best of ad men in the country constantly telling you that government does not work, pretty soon you will start to believe it.

This is simply anti-American, is what it is.

1. For the last three sessions, Montana government has had excess surplus money largely due to taxes from coal mining and oil production. Now, both of those industries are being choked to death by environmentalist policies. As a result, revenue projections for state government are bleak. The 2017 Legislature will have no choice but to cut certain government services and programs. In the long term, tax relief is the best way to get out of this economic rut. It has been proven that lowering taxes on people and business generates more tax revenue, as it incentivizes savings and job creation 2. Colstrip 1 and 2 shutting down is a market reaction to federal government regulation and the Obama administration’s war on coal, as well as a customer (the state of Washington) choosing not to purchase any more coal-fired electricity from Montana. While I do not agree with Washington’s decision and consider it based on radical environmentalist senti-

ments, it is nevertheless Washington’s right to choose what type of power it wants to purchase.

Penalizing the owner of Colstrip 1 and 2, who is simply a victim of a poor consumer decision and endless regulation from the Obama administration, is not the answer.

3. I support the transfer of federal public lands to Montana, for legal reasons. In our state charter, the federal government made a contract promise to relinquish federal lands to Montana. Further, the United States Supreme Court has upheld this state charter language and ruled that the federal government must turn over these lands. Prior to the 1970’s, it had been the federal government’s policy to do so; however Congress reversed this policy and now the federal government refuses to honor its own contract obligations and Supreme Court rulings. Plus, Montana manages its lands better than the federal government, period.

4. Lower individual and business tax rates. Then businesses in

Montana could afford to hire more people and pay higher wages, so that women and men would be able to keep more of the money they earn in their pockets and not fund larger and larger state government.

5. Politics kills infrastructure bills. The Bakken oil boom created a massive infrastructure strain in northeast Montana, which the 2013 Legislature addressed by passing HB218 nearly unanimously. Unfortunately, Governor Bullock vetoed the bill. By 2015, oil prices had plummeted and oil revenue from the Bakken had stopped flowing to Helena, even though the infrastructure needs in northeastern Montana remained. The 2015 infrastructure bill became not about helping actual impacted areas, but about legislators trying to get projects in their districts funded. Unfortunately, we’ve killed coal and oil, so the 2017 Legislature won’t have any budget surplus to fund infrastructure.

‌1. For starters I would make Montana State more user friendly for issuing permits from DNRC for oil related businesses (like water right permits for fracking ) and offering tax incentives to businesses, in state and actively promoting these incentives to out of state businesses.

2. I would need more time to consider this question, and research appropriate goals and ob-

jectives for Colstrip post 2023 3. (No response).

4. Women should receive 90 days paid maternity leave.

5. Montana State mimics national politics, to a lesser degree, of “If you do not agree with me on every issue, you are public enemy number one”. I will work with accommodation and compromise as a central tenet of my work ethic.

HOUSE DISTRICT 34

Austin Knudsen (R) Age: 35 Occupation: Attorney Family: Wife, Christie; three children ages 10, 7, and 5 Education: Bachelor’s degree, Montana State University; JD, University of Montana School of Law A. Knudsen

Past employment: O’Toole Law Firm, Plentywood

Political experience: Served three terms (2011-2015) in Montana House of Representatives; elected Speaker Pro Tempore in 2013; elected Speaker of the House in 2015.

Online campaign info: Twitter account: @RepKnudsen Facebook page: Austin Knudsen for Montana Website: www.austinknudsen.com Ways voters can contact you: Email: austinforhouse@yahoo.com Address: P.O. Box 624, Culbertson, Mont., 59218 Phone number: 406-539-4268

Evelyn Carlisle (D) Age: 68 Occupation: Retired speech and language pathologist

Past employment: Roosevelt County Special Education Cooperative Political experience: None. Endorsed by Montana State AFL-CIO and Advocates for Planned Parenthood.

Online campaign info Family: Husband Jim and two daughters serving active duty in the military; Facebook page: Evelyn Carlisle for State Rep. 34 and one son, a high school teacher in Ways voters can contact you Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas Carlisle Phone: Cell 406-480-4870, home 406-787-5203 Education: Bachelor’s degree in elementary education (currently licensed); master’s degree Email: carlisle.evelyn@yahoo.com in communication disorders, (also currently licensed)

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HOUSE DISTRICT 36

‌Mike D. Ruddy (D) Age: 67 Occupation: Retired since 2004 Family: Single

Ruddy

Education: Northern Montana College in Havre two years; additional education at Burlington Northern Santa Fe School in Fort Worth Texas; attended classes at DCCC after retirement.

Past employment: Elected to the Dawson County Community College board Facebook: Mike Ruddy for HD 36 Email: mikedavidruddy@gmail.com Phone: 406-377-4380 Address: 1212 N. Meade, Glendive, Mont., 59330

‌Alan Doane (R) Age: 51 Occupation: Rancher Family: Wife Kathy, with three grown children.

Education: DCHS; graduated 1983; Dawson Community College, graduated 2006, farm and ranch business management Doane

Past employment: Ranching and construction

Political experience: Since 2012, served as the state Representative for Dawson and Wibaux counties.

Online campaign info Twitter account: Alan Doane Facebook page: Alan Doane Website: www.alandoane.com Ways voters can contact you Email: alandoane@midrivers.com Address: 268 road 521 Bloomfield Mont., 59315 Phone number: Home: 406-583-7546; cell: 406-939-4253

1. Montana has $1,000,000,000 in coal trust. We should make an offer to coal power plants to loan them money at a return of principle plus interest to upgrade their plant for scrubbing the smoke out of the plant and require the plant to use Montana coal for the next 25 to 50 years. We could offer carbon credit to plants that use our coal.

This would make Montana coal the best over all the other out of state producers. This is the way in which the trust fund would continue to grow.

2. The market for the power is in Washington and Oregon who have outlawed the power producted by coal plants. We need to find a way to save the jobs in Montana. I suggest a hot water reactor plant that will produce not only power but fresh water, or a solar or wind generator whose power could

be sold to the pacific northwest states.

3. The State of Montana does an acceptable job of managing state lands, but if the federal lands are added the State Land Department will be overhelmed with problems. They would not be able to manage fire threats mush less any needed action for Pine Bettle or leafy spurge. It seems to me that their answer is to put a padlock and steel chain on the gate. with no trespassing signs.I oppose the transfer of federal lands to the state. The state may sell off some of the newly acquired lands to pay for management costs.The land would end up as private land owners’ property that may not allow public access.

4. I support Governor Bullock’s efforts to provide justice for women and other minorites so

they are fully compensated with equal pay for everybody. I believe the state government must take the lead in correcting this injustice.

5. Roads should be the top of list, but we need more than just roadwork. We need other projects funded too. We need to put the people of Montana first and past failures and policies last. Department agencies need to establish performance goals and devise action plans for progress. I realize my ideas are suggestions not the final solutions. I believe we need to change attitudes of the state from “why not” to “how”to”. No one person can do it alone. We need everyone’s input. In short this is the action I would take, “stir up the pot and turn up the heat”.

1. Our Montana Constitution is very clear; “Appropriations by the legislature shall not exceed anticipated revenue.” Revenue is falling well below projections. The revenue surplus is shrinking because of overspending. With a current budget of over $5 billion per year, we are going to have to take a hard look at our expenditures. Raising taxes will not work, the people of Montana are strapped out as it is.

Eastern Montana property taxes went up 200%-400% in the last reappraisal cycle. What is needed to help jump start our economy is tax cuts like the ones vetoed by Governor Bullock.

2. As discussed above, revenue is down statewide. Montana is in no position to buy out Colstrip Units 1 and 2, nor should we. The state owning our electric companies is a communistic concept Karl Marx would be proud of. The 10th Amendment to our U.S. Constitution makes it very clear that this is a state issue. We need to push back against overreaching federal restrictions that are hurting Montana families. Thankfully

Attorney General Fox has begun this process! To quote Barack Obama, “elections have consequences”, Colstrip is close to becoming a casualty of the liberal’s “War on Coal” agenda.

3. There is no doubt that the people of Montana can manage these public lands much better than Washington D.C. bureaucrats. We need to look no further than the smoke filled skies every summer to agree that some type of change is warranted. I believe the best process would be to gradually transfer these public lands into state management. 1% for 100 years, 2% for 50 years, or 5% for 20 years; a gradual transfer process would allow a more seamless transition into state management.

This is an idea well worth pursuing to preserve Montana as the Treasure State!

4. We need to do everything we can to expand lots of great paying jobs for everyone. Natural resource development is a great way to do this. Two years ago there was a help wanted sign is nearly every window in Eastern Montana. This

goes to basic supply and demand.

A good worker, male or female, could find good paying jobs. Sadly that has changed. Montana is currently ranked 49th in wages. Lots of us have jobs but fewer have great paying jobs. Business equipment taxes, bureaucratic red tape and high workman’s compensation rates help further stifle job growth in Montana.

5. There was over $100 million dollars appropriated last biennium for statewide infrastructure. What failed last session was a bonding bill that also included capital improvement projects like museum expansion in Helena.

The voters of Dawson County have recently turned down two bonding measures for county jail expansion and a new elementary school. Why would we want to bond (borrow money) to expand a museum in Helena? Vetoing 129 bills, Governor Bullock has shown his continued unwillingness to cooperate. We need a governor with stronger vision, one who can see there are a lot of needs in Montana east of Billings.

1. When things get short you tighten the belt. I think we have to prioritize, spending. Take away things that are not on first base.

Money used for spending on excess should be saved.

2. I don’t think the state government should be involved in the coal plant problem. I think it will be a money and business problem.

I would hate to see jobs lost here

in the state, but it seems it will be like a fight between Nikola Tesla and Tom Edison, the winner is still undeclared.

3. I don’t think it would be good for our state government to manage public lands. To me the temptation to sell it would always be an option for the state. We would have to use money and resources to manage it.

4. Equal work, Equal pay.

5. I don’t think the people in our state government have been faced with the infrastructure problems compared to the people who live in the problem areas. maybe each one should take a tour of the entire state and see what the existing problems are.

HOUSE DISTRICT 37

Judi Cramer (D) Age: 67 Occupation: Prairie County Health Department Family: Husband, Frank, two children Education: Grade school, high school and AA Past employment: A lot of everything.

Cramer

Political experience: Very little Ways voters can contact you

Email: jholmes410@hotmail.com Address: 300 Currie Ave., Fallon, Mont., 59326 Phone number: 406-486-5527

Bill Harris (R) did not respond

HOUSE DISTRICT 38

Steve Muggli (D) Age: 66 Occupation: Retired Family: Married to wife, Gayle; two adult children and one granddaughter Education: Graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Miles City Muggli

Past employment: I worked 43 years at Muggli Bros.

Inc., a four-generation family farming, feed mill and trucking business where business and fiscal management, customer relations and personnel management were among my responsibilities.

Political experience: No political offices held.

Facebook: Steve Muggli for House District 38 Ways voters can contact you Email: stevemugglihd38@gmail.com

1. I will work on efforts to stimulate and improve agriculture and natural resource industries.

We need to look at options from many avenues to keep revenue flowing into the coffers. And, use wise decision-making to prioritize state spending.

2. State government should work cooperatively with a network including: employees, owners, consumers and other interested groups, to try to save the jobs for Eastern Montana while at the same time addressing environmental concerns. During the last year, we here in Eastern Montana, have been dessimated by the loss of jobs related to the oil industry and we don’t need

another hit of lost jobs. I feel we must develop other environmentally sound energy sources to eventually supplement our energy needs. But, currently we need the energy and the jobs the Colstrip plants bring to Eastern Montana.

3. I am totally against this! Why would we want to manage more lands? Montana can’t afford to oversee: recreation, habitat and wildlife conservation, mining, logging, grazing, drilling, fire-fighting costs, etc., related to this ownership. Currently the federal government owns about 29% of our 94 million acres. In 2012, Montana received $99 million from mineral royalties, Pay-

ment in Lieu of Taxes and Secure Rural School funding. Half went to state coffers, 40% to counties and 6% to schools with the rest to miscellaneous councils. How would lost revenue such as that be made up for Montana?

4. Working for paid family leave would be ideal, along with pushing for a living wage.

5. I believe partisanship in Helena has led to the failure of our infrastructure bill. Lack of leadership from some was also an issue. This is something that we must work together on to assure funding for repair of our crumbling infrastructure. We need to move forward on this.

Address: 276 Muggli Lane, Miles City, Mont., 59301 Phone number: 406-232-6696 or 406-951-0204

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HOUSE DISTRICT 38

‌Kenneth Holmlund (R) Age: 68 Occupation: State legislator Family: Married with adopted son and step-son and step-daughter Education: Bachelor’s degree Holmlund

Past employment: High school teacher, Kmart store manager, self-employed locksmith.

Political experience: One term legislature Online campaign info: Holmlundhd38.com Facebook: Holmlundhd38 Email: holmlund@midrivers.com Address: 1612 Tompy St, Miles City, Mont., 59301 Phone number: 406-951-6764

1. When money becomes tight, like it is this year, we will have to distinguish between wants and needs. Needs have to be addressed but not wants. Some actual cuts may be needed to carry us over the current shortage.

2. Colstrip 1 & 2 are critical to the economy of eastern Montana and indeed the whole state. I believe the state may be able to work with a buyer that will keep them open but I don’t feel the state should purchase the plants except as a last ditch attempt to maintain the constant flow of electricity.

Without that flow several major companies will struggle to stay financially solvent.

3. The only transfer of federal lands to the state I support has to do with the land Montana did not get when it became a state. Mon-

tana was given 2 sections of land from each township but didn’t get all the land for various reasons, including reservation land and federal parks. This is being worked on by the state and federal departments and will be finished pretty soon. I believe a complete transfer of federal land to Montana is very premature. The state of Montana is not in a financial position to assume the responsibility of the land being suggested as being transferred. An example of a shortage would be fire suppression if a bad year came shortly after the transfer.

4. I believe laws that can be enforced concerning equal pay for equal work is the best way to improve the status of women in the workforce. Defining equal work is going to take longer than we have

in the 2017 session but it is a goal that must be addressed.

5. The reason the 2015 session could not pass SB 416 was due to the Governor’s insistence on including three buildings in the bill. He refused to compromise with Republicans that presented common sense alternatives to his bill. They would have received the first $50 million dollars and the rest would have to be bonded.

Bonding is not going to be popular with many Republican members of the House. If cash had been used to fund the bill without the buildings included the bill would have easily passed. In order to avoid this logjam in the 2017 session defining what is infrastructure will need to be addressed very soon in the session.

1. Montana is experiencing ‌ lower revenue growth than anticipated, which is partially due to lower energy commodity prices, which reduce severance taxes and corporation income tax.

Also, weak stock market returns are impacting the income tax on capital gains income. This revenue shortage will force the 2017 legislature to do what all individuals and companies do when revenue is down, they tighten their belts. After funding the statutory appropriations, the appropriation committee should sit down with the three department heads in Corrections, Education, and Health and Human Services, which account for 93% of the General Fund spending, and work on trimming their budgets.

2. Montana’s role in the closure at Colstrip should be to put safe guards in place to protect the workers and mitigate the impacts to the City, School, County and local taxing districts that will be forced to maintain services, while transferring the cost of those services to the remaining local taxpayers. If the big industrials in the

state were to buy Colstrip 1 and 2, the state departments involved in permitting and compliance should become very customer oriented, as the closure is an immediate l7.1 million dollar hit to Montana’s revenue.

3. Montana has 94.1 million acres of land and about 29.9% of those acres are federally owned.

The forest service has l7 million acres and the BLM has 8 million acres. Although I agree that local management is the most effective, Montana cannot afford to take on this transfer. The cost of the employees, firefighting, and the taxes that are paid to the counties along with the federal mineral royalty payments make it fiscally impossible. Our state elected officials, along with our congressional representatives, need to push for a seat at the table on the management of federal lands in Montana and neighboring states.

4. I would like to see some incentive to employers that allow a flexible schedule, or a work from home when possible for women that are caring for children or their parents. The incentive could be

reduced work comp or unemployment rates for a passing program.

Employees taking advantage of this flexible schedule should not be discriminated against when it comes time for raises and promotions. This is especially important when a child is sick and cannot attend daycare. In rural Montana, daycare is in short supply and non-existent for evening and night shifts.

5. Montana’s infrastructure is in need of repair, and as elected legislators we need to set party politics aside and work together for the good of our Montana constituents. The projects need to be brought up at the beginning of the session so they can be properly vetted. We may need to borrow some money at these low interest rates, as well as, fund some of the projects as we go. The infrastructure plan should be ongoing with the most critical projects getting attention first. It is usually more economical to repair than replace.

Infrastructure repair keeps Montanan’s working in Montana.

1. Expenses would need to be reduced to meet the decline in revenue. Passing a good infrastructure bill would provide additional jobs in Montana and would bring in more tax revenue. Departments that depend on fees need to operate in the black otherwise fees would have to be raised.

2. The state government should take an active role in helping Colstrip move into the future, but the state cannot provide all the funding for saving the coal-fired power plants. All options should be looked at. There are various bills being written now to help Colstrip and the employees of the power plants. With the grid in place and natural gas in abun-

dance in eastern Montana, the power plants could be retro-fitted to burn natural gas. Ultimately it is up to the owners of the power plants to make the decision as to what they do with the plants.

3. The state cannot afford to own the federal public lands. Counties in Eastern Montana depend on the PILT (payment in lieu of taxes) received from the federal government to help balance the county budgets. The state would have to replace this revenue, a substantial amount in some counties, or the counties would have to either cut services or raise taxes to make up the loss. One only needs to look at the way the state is taking care of the lands it is responsible for

now to make a decision on how the state would handle more land.

4. I think women need to be listened to and understood. So often what they say is not taken seriously whether it is a discussion about lower wages than men receive for the same job, child care needs, time off from a job, etc. I would like to see equal pay and promotion for equal jobs.

5. As I understand it, the cause of the gridlock is party politics.

There is a need to compromise and work together at the Legislature to do what is best for Montana and not just the party. I am willing to work with the other party to get bills passed.

1. Montana’s income and property tax revenues were up, while business equipment taxes were down, as expected, due to recent business equipment tax cuts.

Montana’s economy is growing, due in part to a more diversified economic base. The current outlook for general fund revenue exceeds the anticipated present law requirements of the budget. The general fund outlook is solid, although less strong than in recent years. The office of public defender continues to have growth, as criminal cases increase.

Re-evaluating our criminal justice systems priorities could be one way of lessening the burden of increased expenditures.

2. Colstrip Units 1 & 2 have been leaking heavy metals into the water tables for decades, and the owners are aware of this. The estimated cost of cleaning up the impact of this pollution, is between $200-400 million. Shifting

the ownership of the company to the state will only make the taxpayers liable for the cleanup. This is a horrible idea that will put the burden of responsibility onto the taxpayers of Montana.

3. Montana could not afford to care for the millions of current federally owned acres, on top of the state’s own 5 million acres.

The budget increases for land management for the increased acreage would cost approximately $150 million to the state. Costs associated with fires could increase to about $300 million. This is a horrible idea for the taxpayers of Montana.

4. I believe working Montana women would be benefited by having more flexibility at work.

Things like, The ability to work remotely in a part-time or fulltime capacity.

The option to use flex time (for example, working 7 to 3 instead of 9 to 5)

Offering part time positions or job sharing opportunities Offering increased maternity and paternity leave The ability for an employee to take a leave of absence and then return to work These things are important to Montana’s working women, and allows them to remain competitive in the job market while meeting personal or family needs.

5. It is my understanding that the support promised to pass the needed infrastructure bills was withdrawn at the last moment, over issues related to bonding.

Unfortunately, this caused thousands of Montana’s construction workers a lost opportunity for work. Montana’s Legislature needs to move past partisanship and do what is best for the people of Montana and work across party lines to find a solution.

HOUSE DISTRICT 39

Geraldine Custer (R) Age: 61 Occupation: Retired/Legislator HD 39 (Custer, Treasure, Rosebud and Yellowstone Counties) Family: Two daughters, Amy and Arica Education: Attended Eastern Montana College (no degree) Custer

Political experience: Rosebud County Clerk and Recorder 1979 to 2014; elected nine times Rosebud County Clerk and Recorder (1979-2014); Elected Representative House District 39 (2015 Session ) Ways voters can contact you Twitter: Rep Geraldine Custer@GOPpistol twitter Email: jericuste@yahoo.com; Rep.Geraldine.Custer@mt.gov Mail: Box 1075, Forsyth, Mont., 59327 Phone: 406-351-1235

Bruce Miller (D) did not respond

HOUSE DISTRICT 40

Sue M. Olson (D) Age: 76 Occupation: Rancher Family: Three daughters, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren Education: Graduate Roundup High School, attended Eastern Montana College Olson

Past employment: Bookkeeper, supermarket cashier, custom combine and haying, mine locomotive operator, school bus driver Political experience: 18 years as Musselshell County Commissioner Ways voters can contact you: Email: sueolson@midrivers.com Address: 1230 Fattig Creek Road, Roundup Phone number: 406-947-5281

Barry Usher (R) did not respond

HOUSE DISTRICT 43

‌Elizabeth Pincolini (D) Age: 48 Occupation: Business owner: Billings Alternative Wellness / Alternative Wellness Montana Family: Husband Steve, three sons, one daughter Education: Business administration, Merced College Pincolini

Past employment: NAI Business Properties, administrative assistant

Political experience: Grassroots level volunteer organizer for citizen initiatives Online campaign info: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/pincoliniforhd43 Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EPincoliniforHD43/?fref=ts Ways voters can contact you: Email: Pincolini4house@gmail.com Address: 1404 Barrett Rd Billings, Mont., 59105 Phone number: 406-697-1810

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HOUSE DISTRICT 43

‌Peggy Webb (R) Age: 63 Occupation: Retired Family: Husband, Roger; two daughters Education: Master’s degree in education

P. Webb County GOP

Past employment: Mathematics teacher and small business owner Political experience: Board member of Yellowstone

Online campaign info: Montana Family Foundation’s voter guide (montanafamily.org) and Conoco Phillips (voteincooperation.com) Twitter account: N/A Facebook page: N/A Website: N/A Ways voters can contact you: Email: webb4house@gmail.com Address: P.O. Box 465, Billings, MT 59103 Phone number: 406-248-1953

Josh Daniels (L) Age: 40 Occupation: Disabled Family: Mother, father and sister Education: Bachelor’s degree, CSU

Daniels

Past employment: Bartender, landscaper and foreign currency trader Political experience: N/A

Ways voters can contact you Email: Daniels4HD43@hotmail.com Address: 1002 Toole Circle

1. Our budget is currently in jeopardy due to our administration’s failed policies. Besides the above mentioned issues, our coal production is greatly diminished — and promises to get worse — due to the EPA and our president’s extremely stringent requirements — higher than any other state. I will support a bill that increases responsible development of our abundant natural resources.

Our state is so rich in natural resources, that there is no need to raise taxes on our already strapped citizens to raise revenue. I would also support saving money by eliminating waste and fraud in our government programs.

2. Our president’s war on coal is causing a major revenue shortage in our state. Coal revenue is vital to a healthy economy in Montana. The ripple effect of the loss of coal revenue is astounding. Not only will the shutdown of Colstrip Units 1 and 2 devastate the town of Colstrip, it will affect all the residents of the great state of Montana. I don’t believe the state should buy Colstrip Units 1 and 2,

but I would be in favor of the state using part of the Coal Trust Fund to help private enterprise finance them.

3. I am a strong supporter of access to public lands.

The positive effects would be: 1) Additional revenue for our state, 2) Better land management — the state manages land much better than the federal government — i.e. fire prevention and development of our coal, gas, and oil, and 3) Local access control — during the government shut down, the federal lands were closed, not the state lands.

I would be in favor of transferring the lands back to the state as long as there are provisions to prevent the sale of them to private investors.

4. I personally have not seen discrimination of women in the workplace in our state, but it may take place in some places. So, I would say we need to continue to assure that women get equal pay for equal work. I would also

1. For years, Montana tax collections have produced a revenue surplus. But now that surplus is shrinking as agriculture, oil, gas and timber face tough economic conditions. Tell us what you would do next legislative session to address the decline of state revenue.

2. That is not a role of government. State ownership of a private business is preposterous. So if the state buys those 2 units would we buy the clean-up?

I notice the EPA is not in the

Constitution as a listed federal power. Nor has an Amendment been passed authorizing it. Seems like the MT DEQ should be doing this.

3. I would not support it. I like the concept. Maybe after a few generations of a Libertarian majority has unraveled this mess these 2 other parties have created.

4. How about we run all lab tests for rape cases? Not back-log them for years. Spend some taxes on enforcing a crime with a victim.

5. Less taxes and regulation.

encourage the elimination of government regulations so more women (and men) could start small businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and they would be much easier to start without all the government red tape.

5. The 2013 Legislature passed a major infrastructure bill that our governor vetoed. In 2015, due to the governor’s leadership failure, several infrastructure projects were unfunded. The governor tried to put all the projects, including non-infrastructure, in one bill. The Legislature broke the projects into smaller bills.

Some were passed in HB 6-11.

But the major infrastructure bill was not passed due to the governor’s prioritizing the projects and unwillingness to compromise.

The governor also insisted on bonding the infrastructure while many legislators wanted to pay with current funds. As I see it, we need a governor what is willing to compromise.

Phone number: 406-212-4422

HOUSE DISTRICT 44

‌Kari Boiter (D) Age: 36 Occupation: Events and marketing coordinator Family: Fourth-generation Montanan, born and raised in Billings.

Boiter

Education: Graduate of Billings Public Schools; I briefly attended MSUB, prior to earning my certification as a Nursing Assistant; I’ve also attended classes at Portland State University and South Seattle Community College.

Past employment: My 10-year career in broadcast journalism began at KULR-8 Television in Billings and progressed to KATU TV in Portland, Ore., and eventually, KOMO-4 Television in Seattle. More recently, I was employed as a legislative aide, policy analyst and community organizer. Currently, I work at a Billings-based charity.

Political experience: Three years as executive legislative assistant to a House Health and Human Services Appropriations Chair in the Washington State Legislature. During that time, I coordinated legislative testimony and policy research on bills to address human trafficking, access to healthcare, social and economic justice and more. As a grassroots organizer, I helped garner nationwide support for criminal justice reform and played a critical role in passage of a Congressional budget amendment, twice signed into law by the President, that prevents federal intrusion on states’ rights. I’ve also served as a key policy adviser to state legislatures throughout the U.S. Online campaign info Twitter account: @ElectKariBoiter Facebook page: FriendsofKariBoiter Website: kariboiter.com Ways voters can contact you Email: KariForHD44@gmail.com Address: P.O. Box 1494, Billings, Mont., 59103 Phone number: (406) 318-7044

1. Kari’s three-point plan: Local Option Tax — Based on success in resort towns like Red Lodge, I support giving municipalities authority to seek voter approval for dedicated taxes to fund capital improvements in regions where revenue is collected.

Transportation Surcharge — Lower gas prices make a small fuel surcharge sustainable, which could be used to create good-paying jobs by funding critical infrastructure projects.

Out-of-State Businesses — Corporations that do business in Montana should pay their fair share, whether the company is based here or not. Our state stands to gain immensely by collecting taxes on profits generated in Montana by out-of-state business interests.

2. Coal faces a number of unique challenges: declining global markets, competition with natural gas, growing demand for renewable energy, undesirable conditions at aging plants. These factors are largely out of the Montana Legislature’s control. However, what lawmakers can do is create good paying, stable jobs by passing infrastructure funding, something the Legislature failed to do the past 3 sessions in a row. While this provides immediate short term relief, Montana must also learn to harness other natural resources — the wind, water, sun and our geothermal pockets — to create long-term sustainable solutions to the instability of our oil and coalbased economy.

3. As someone who was born and raised in Billings, I grew up in the Montana wilderness — hiking in the Beartooths, exploring the

Pryors, skiing in the Bridgers — and I want to see our pristine countryside preserved for generations to come. I do not believe that the State of Montana has access to the revenue needed to maintain these vast and rugged outdoor spaces. My concern is that when faced with disrepair, our state will be left with little choice but to sell off precious wilderness area in order to cover the cost of maintenance for other public lands.

4. Montana ranks 43rd in the nation for pay equity between women and men. Our mothers, sisters and daughters make 74 cents on average for every dollar a man earns. Ensuring that women receive equal pay for equal work is critical. In addition, 39% of American workers don’t receive any sort of paid sick leave, many of them women. Paid leave requirements for businesses with 5 or more employees are crucial to ensuring that working parents can properly care for themselves and their families, without having to sacrifice a paycheck to see a doctor or stay home with a sick child.

5. All too often any more, politicians put ideological beliefs before the best interests of their constituents, and citizens in general.

While both sides can agree on the importance of investing in infrastructure, partisan gridlock over how best to fund these projects prevents the Legislature from passing a compromise bill. With 3,000 good paying jobs on the line and interest rates at historic lows, Montana can’t afford to bicker any longer.

We must work across party lines and get the job done. There’s no time like the present to invest in infrastructure.

Dale Mortensen (R) did not respond

HOUSE DISTRICT 45 ‌1. Those resources provide a small amount when considering a 9 million dollar budget. At presAge: 77 ent we have a $250 million surplus Occupation: Retired ordained minister with $58 million in the bank account. Montana is one of a few Family: Wife, Carolyn; daughter, Bethany states in such a healthy financial Education: Bachelor’s degree Anderson University; mas- condition. We must continue to ter’s degree University of Detroit; master’s degree Iliff cut costs where necessary ($28 School of Theology million has already been saved so Crouch Past employment: Associate minister Mayflower Congre- far this year) and to spend wisely.

We are in great shape financially. gational United Church of Christ 2. Senator Ankney recently laid Political experience: Elected to four-year term on Billings City Council out a plan in the Gazette that offers a way to protect the workers Online campaign info and to assist Colstrip in a period Ways voters can contact you of transition during the next decade. This comprehensive plan Email: revkec1961@gmail.com needs to be carefully examined in Address: 1642 Wembly Place, Billings, Mont., 59102 a bipartisan way. The cost to buy is estimated to be as much as $500 Phone number: 534-2616; 690-0114 million, which our state does not

Ken Crouch (D)

M 1

currently have.

3. People come to visit Montana from around the country and the world and many choose to stay because of what they find.

Recreation, fishing, hunting and hiking opportunities are important to Montana citizens, but our visitors often think that they have some ownership, too. At present, our state parks are sorely underfunded; we have not the resources to assume ownership of more. I would not support such a move.

4. Make sure that the agencies are adequately funded that are there to protect all workers and to prosecute when injustice is found.

Women’s rights are protected by our constitution. Massachusetts just passed a law that forbids employers from asking about per-

son’s salary history. That is one law that Montana should pass.

5. As I understand it, the gridlock occurred when some did not want to vote for low interest bonding and others were thought to have too broad a definition of infrastructure. Since it was defeated by one vote, I would work for a compromise. For roads and bridges a small “user fee” of two or three cents a gallon would allow the millions of visitors to help in the necessary investment that is needed. With improving gas mileage and the relatively low cost of gasoline, this small addition would impose little hardship.

It would be set for five years and then reevaluated.

I6 | Sunday, October 9, 2016

VOTER GUIDE

Billings Gazette

HOUSE DISTRICT 45

Daniel Zolnikov (R) Age: 29 Occupation: Marketing Family: Single Education: Marketing Major, Information Systems Major, Management Major, Political Science Minor. University of Montana Graduate. Roundup High School Graduate.

Zolnikov

Past employment: Implementation Consultant for State Department of Revenue Tax Systems.

Political experience: Montana State Representative 2013, 2015.

Twitter account: @danielzolnikov Facebook page: facebook.com/danielzolnikov Website: www.danielzolnikov.com Ways voters can contact you Email: daniel.zolnikov@gmail.com Address: P.O. Box 50403, Billings, MT 59105 Phone number: 406-861-5210

‌1. I am a fiscal conservative due to scenarios exactly like this.

The more our legislature overspends during surplus sessions, the more we will have to cut in a tight budget session. The goal during the last two sessions in which I served, was to keep budget increases within the rate of inflation so Montana’s state budget wouldn’t suffer during economic downturns. I served as the Vice-Chair of Montana’s energy committee last session. Our focus this session will be to curtail the negative impact out-of-state environmental interests have on Montana’s natural resource industries.

2. This idea may have been floated by one or two legislators last year, but as a serving member of Montana’s energy and telecommunications interim committee, this has not even been presented.

This idea is not affordable with a price tag of hundreds of millions of dollars. Instead, our committee has been presented with various proposals on new energy production ideas for Colstrip. Our committee is also discussing multiple ideas on how to best handle neg-

ative federal and out-of-state environmental impacts, such as the closure of Colstrip 1 and 2, which will negatively impact the entire region’s economy.

3. The National Debt is over nineteen trillion dollars whereas Montana has a mandate to balance the budget. I want as little federal control over lands in Montana as possible. When a business goes bankrupt, creditors go after assets. Federal lands are the assets of the United States Government, and our self-serving politicians in D.C. may one day try to satisfy our debts by auctioning off our Montana lands. Montana, on the other hand, has a record proving fiscal prowess and can be counted on to be the guardians of our lands by making decisions in the best interest of Montanans.

4. I represent many young and middle-aged families in the Heights. I have knocked on doors in my district over the years and one of the most concerning issues I hear about for working women and families has been the increase in day care costs, which represents a large part of a young family’s budget. This problem is partially

due to increased state government regulations for providers along with low limits for the number of children allowable per day care.

Increasing the child allowance by one or two children per day care facility would allow for day care to be more affordable for young families.

5. During my first legislative session (2013), Bullock vetoed the Eastern Montana infrastructure bill. In my second legislative session (2015), Bullock’s infrastructure bill was a pork filled mess that would have had very little impact on Montana’s suffering infrastructure. Spending 150 million to not address real infrastructure problems is counterproductive and wasteful, especially since roughly 50 million was for two buildings only. Some politicians enjoy spending taxpayer money mindlessly. I do not, and firmly stand in opposition to legislation created in backroom deals. Positive infrastructure legislation must be passed early on in the session to prevent politics from coming into play.

HOUSE DISTRICT 46

‌Angie Buckley (D) Age: 35 Occupation: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Family: Partner, Scott Leap Education: Montana State University Billings, master’s degree rehabilitation and mental health counseling, 2008; University of North Dakota, bachelor’s degree communication, 2002

Buckley Past employment: Billings Clinic (current), Licensed Clinical Therapist; A.W.A.R.E. Inc., child and family therapist; Rocky Mountain Hospice, bereavement coordinator; YWCA Billings, sexual violence victims’ services coordinator and domestic violence advocate; Billings Gazette, reporter Political experience: Billings city council candidate, 2015; Healthy Montana Kids expansion campaign canvasser, 2008 Online campaign info: www.angiebuckley.net Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angiebuckley46/ Website: www.angiebuckley.net Ways voters can contact you Email: contact@angiebuckley.net Phone number: 406-272-2642

1. Despite tax reduction and increased expenditures for the state’s needs, Montana’s budget still sits at an estimated surplus of $250 million. In addition, following the expiration of a tax holiday, all the oil currently produced in the state will begin adding to the coffers as well.

There is not a problem with current revenue and surplus levels, and my goal is to maintain the current tax level of individual Montanans.

2. I believe the state can’t do anything about the closed plants, nor should they. The Colstrip plant is partially owned by Washington which will no longer be utilizing the plant. Coal is simply no longer a source of energy demanded by consumers.

Even if the state intervened to keep the plants open, are we just going to pile up the mined coal?

‌Donald “Don” Jones (R) Age: 56 Occupation: business owner Family: Married for over 30 years with three grown children, Joshua Jones, DJ Jones, and Sarah (Jones) Christensen.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration Past employment: Worked for eight years at Motorola with the last position being a senior cost/price analyst responsible for auditing financial records of sole source subcontractors. Thirteen years as controller/business manager of an architectural/engineering firm. Seven years as HR manager and controller of a CPA firm.

Jones

Political experience: Six years on Billings City Council and two terms as a Montana State Representative. Chaired the 2015/2016 education and local Government Interim Committee.

Online campaign info: www.electdonjones.com Ways voters can contact you Email: donjonesmt@gmail.com Phone number: 406-690-1434 Address: 1945 Clark Ave, Billings, Mont., 59102

The plant itself has outlived its usefulness. The best option is to ensure workforce retraining funds are allocated for those who were part of the plant’s operations.

3. I support increasing state and federal collaboration in managing public land but hesitate endorsing a move that would certainly tax Montana’s fiscal responsibility for oversight.

Based on the limited revenue generated by the lands currently under federal management, the state budget would require approximately an additional $300 million to take over the 17 million acres currently under federal management. Considering taking over federal lands could require suing the federal government, it is not a move Montana should consider at this time.

4. Expansion of programs that

1. Unfortunately our revenues are declining due to multiple factors including new regulations that are stifling economic development. A great example is the coal industry.

President Obama was very vocal saying he would wage a “war on coal” and has done so very effectively, putting miners out of work.

I will work to stop any further overreaching regulations and work to streamline existing ones in a responsible manner.

2. I have not heard of the bipartisan group you refer to or any mention of the State purchasing the plant. With President Obama’s war on coal, it would not be a prudent decision to buy a power plant that is being closed due to over regulation. If a bill did come forward for the State to buy and operate the plant I would most likely not support it. This is not the proper role of government and would put taxpayers at risk. The State of Montana should do everything we can to stop over regulation of our industries by the Federal government.

3. Currently the Federal government is not managing public lands in a responsible man-

allow women in the workplace access to childcare, such as Best Beginnings and Head Start, will allow women increased opportunity to be at work and therefore access job promotions and employment that increases their family’s income.

5. Legislators have focused on polarization and division more than collaboration, forsaking progress that benefits our state and communities. I believe bipartisanship relationships, ideas, and negotiating is necessary for us to agree on how tax dollars are spent on every area our legislature will consider in 2017, and I will invest wholly in those connections. This will enable not only the passing of an infrastructure bill but additional issues our legislature will consider.

ner and something needs to be done. Public access to public lands is decreasing under the Federal government’s management. Whether the Federal government manages / owns the land or the State, public access is critical and something I will always support.

4. Women and men should be treated and supported equally. Existing laws should be enforced when violated for the protection of all.

5. The last legislature passed multiple infrastructure bills including one Governor Bullock vetoed. If you have driven on our freeways and highways you most likely have experienced some slower speeds due to infrastructure bills that did pass. The bill that has made all the news that did not pass included $25 million for the Montana Heritage Center. Governor Bullock hijacked SB 416 and took a low priority Helena project (Montana Heritage Center) and moved it to one of the highest priority projects. Instead of investing in streets, sewers, etc., he wanted to spend $25 million for his museum.

HOUSE DISTRICT 47 1. In a June report, the LFA projected a solid general fund outlook, though less strong than Age: 73 in recent years. Income tax and Occupation: Shared Ministry Coordinator, Lutheran property tax collections are up Church of the Good Shepherd due to wage and job growth and Family: Husband Paul Kelker; adult children Steve, Matt, increased construction activity.

However natural resource prices Chris and Sara; grandchildren Marissa, Ellie, Zoe, Cody, have impacted general fund reveIris, Ivy and Julian. nue through lower severance taxes Education: BA in English (Hiram College), MS in Special and the federal PATH Act has reKelker Education, EdD Adult Education with specialization in sulted in lower corporate income Special Education tax collections. To manage the decline in state revenue, the LegPast employment: Executive Director of Billings Head Start, Inc.; Assisislature will have to consider the tant Professor of Special Education, MSU-Billings; Executive Director of Parents, Let’s Unite for Kids; Special Education Consultant Teacher, Yellow- following: examining carefully adoption of any new programs or stone WestSpecial Services Cooperative (Laurel) extensions of OTO expenditures, Political experience: Billings Public Schools Trustee (1983-1993 and and/or adopting a lower Ending 2000-2006); Representative in Montana Legislature, HD 47 (2014-16) Balance of about $250 million.

2. Montana is responsible for Twitter: https://twitter.com/KatharinKelker helping Colstrip diversify its role Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathy.kelker in supplying energy. The existing transmission lines transporting Website: www.kathy4MTHouse.com electricity from Colstrip to cusWays voters can contact you tomers in the Northwest could transmit electricity generated in Email: Kathyk4montana@gmail.com a variety of ways, including solar Address: P.O. 20301, Billings Mont., 59104-0301 and wind power. However, trying to sustain coal as Colstrip’s sole Phone number: 406-698-5610 economic engine by buying Units 1 and 2 is not a good business decision for Montana for the same

Kathy Kelker (D)

reasons potential business owners have rejected the purchase. Independent regulators, economic analysts and the current owners of Colstrip 1 and 2 have all determined the older units at Colstrip are financial liabilities and economically nonviable.

3. Federal public lands should not be transferred to the State of Montana. Public lands generate $6 billion annually, including $403 million in tax revenue, and account for 64,000 jobs. More importantly, public lands provide the outdoor way of life that defines us as Montanans. Turning federal lands over to state management is an unworkable idea that would put Montana’s taxpayers on the hook for managing an additional 27 million acres—something Montana could not afford. The state would be forced to sell public lands to the highest bidder, leaving Montanans with far less access than we currently enjoy.

4. Paycheck Fairness is the most important piece of legislation for women in the workplace. There is ample evidence that women — regardless of their parental status — face pay discrimination. In Mon-

tana, on average, women working full time earn an annual salary of $31,696 compared to $42,679 for men. Why is this an important policy issue? Women now make up nearly half of all workers in the United States, and women are more often the primary breadwinners. During uncertain economic times, families rely on women’s income. As families depend more on women’s wages, eliminating wage discrimination is critical for economic security.

5. Legislators are stuck on the infrastructure issue for four reasons: 1) The cost is too high, over $400 million. 2) Financing projects with a mixture of cash and bonds deters some. 3) Some items on the infrastructure list (e.g. Historical Society, university buildings) are not popular. 4) No plan exists for maintaining infrastructure over time. To pass a bill would require bipartisan participation in crafting the bill’s content and agreement that bonding would be part of the financing.

The Legislature is more likely to pass a bill if there is pressure from bipartisan groups like the Montana Infrastructure Coalition.

Jason Lee Thomas (R) did not respond M 1

VOTER GUIDE

Billings Gazette

Sunday, October 9, 2016 | I7

HOUSE DISTRICT 48

Robert Saunders (R) Age: 27 Occupation: Entrepreneur Family: Wife, Ashley Education: Bachelor’s degree in international politics and policy from Patrick Henry College Saunders

Past employment: Owner at Xander Fasteners, Inc.; board member at Partpic, Inc.

Political experience: None Online campaign info: www.robertjsaunders.com Facebook: RobertSaunders4MT Website: www.robertjsaunders.com Ways voters can contact you Email: rjsaunders7@icloud.com Address: P.O. Box 2241, Billings, Mont., 59101 Phone number: 406-697-2063

‌1. Having been involved in a number of successful businesses, I know how to address struggling revenues and create and maintain budget surpluses. There are only two ways to create a larger budget surplus: to reduce spending or increase revenues. Thus, we need to start by going through the State budget and weeding out waste, inefficiency, corruption, and pork-barreling. The Legislature also needs to stand up to Washington and protect Montana’s resource industries from egregious and counterproductive Federal overreach. Unelected bureaucrats and special interests have severely harmed our timber, oil, and coal industries and we need to stand by our Montana resource businesses.

2. The government’s role in Colstrip’s future should be to protect Montana jobs, Montana citizens, and Montana businesses from Federal infringement. Montana’s government should reject the unconstitutional and unscientific mandates that the EPA has tried to force on us and that are going to cost us jobs and drive up our energy and utility costs. Montana’s government should support

Jessica L. Karjala (D) Age: 50 Occupation: Consultant and legislator Family: Jon Kososvich, Josie Baretta, Kaitlin Baretta, Stanley Medlinskey, Caden Kosovich, Jarek Kosovich and Bowen Kosovich

Karjala

Education: Bachelor’s in literature; minor nonprofit/public administration from UM; specialized Medicare and Medicaid training from HDA, Health & Disability Advocates of Chicago

Past employment: Benefits planner, AWARE, Inc.; instructor, School District 2 Community Education, teaching Nonprofit Administration; rental property owner and manager Political Experience: Involved with Moveon, knocked doors, phone banked and put up campaign signs and continued to volunteer; Women’s Policy Leadership Institute in 2007, 2008, in 2011 I started a political group in Billings; Montana Legislature where I served on the State Administration, Veterans Affairs Committee, the Health and Human Services Committee and on the Agriculture Committee in 2015; In 2016, one of three Montana Legislators to participate in the National NCSL Maternal and Child Health Summit.

Online Campaign info Twitter: @jessicakarjala Facebook: Jessica Karjala for Montana Legislature Website: www.karjalaformontana.com Ways voters can contact me Email: Jessica.karjala@gmail.com Address: 6125 Masters Blvd., Billings, MT 59106 Phone: 406-672-8681

Colstrip and keep the coal plants there in private hands and running smoothly. Montana’s economic and energy future should be in the hands of Montanans, not bureaucrats in Washington.

3. I believe that public lands should be public and I believe in access laws. I am not pushing any land transfer legislation this cycle. However, the Federal government needs an audit. We need to assess what kind of job they’ve been doing managing the lands under their control in our state.

We need to hold them accountable for any mismanagement and poor performance. The question I ask my constituents when I visit their homes is the same question we all need to ask ourselves as Montanans: Who will do a better job managing our lands? Are we better off in the hands of D.C. bureaucrats that have never been to Montana, or in the hands of people who were born and raised here?

4. The single best thing the 2017 Legislature can do for women in the workplace is reduce taxes and burdensome regulations on Montana businesses. One of my family’s businesses, located

‌1. We are losing revenue due to downturns in greater markets, so new revenue streams must be sustainable, based on reliable, predictable sources. Some are proposing a Local Option Tax allowing local authority to implement a sales tax. Because items like food, household goods, clothing, medication, durable medical equipment, etc. could be taxed it could hurt the elderly, the disabled, the young or families with children. Depending on how it is spent, it might only benefit a select few. I prefer taxing specific streams of tourism revenue and ensuring it is spent to benefit all Montanans.

2. When I travelled to Colstrip and spoke with workers they advocated for conservation which leaves the plant operational in a standby status. It allows the plant to be started in the event of an outage and allows the workers to transition to other jobs and/ or retirement in a defined amount of time.

The state needs to ensure reparations from the tailing ponds lawsuit are invested in economic development chosen by the people of Colstrip and ensure water intake for the community. How could we benefit from investing in coal when there is dying demand and Units 1 and 2 are obsolete?

3. The public land debate is an old solution in search of a problem. The public lands transfer is a dirty trick packaged and funded by profiteers. After years of examination we know the Koch brothers, oil companies and

in Billings, employed around 25 people and paid them very well.

We could have done even better if we had better laws. If we create a business-friendly environment, Montana businesses will thrive and more companies will move here. This will create more and better jobs in Montana and create a much more prosperous working environment for Montana women.

5. The main cause of Montana’s infrastructure gridlock is a lack of cooperation in Helena, and governors that refuse to work with the Legislature. In the 2015 legislative session, our governor vetoed a couple of excellent infrastructure bills that Montana desperately needed, simply because they weren’t exactly what he wanted.

Our Helena bureaucrats need to learn how to compromise and work with each other and put the interests of Montanans ahead of their own agendas. In 2017, I will do three things to get a comprehensive infrastructure bill passed.

First, I will work with experts to craft the best possible infrastructure bills.

the Wilks brothers want to strip us of our public lands by making them too costly to manage at the state level. It would hurt our $6.4 billion outdoor recreation industry. It would deny us access to Montana’s beauty and make Montana like all the other states with no public access. I will continue to fight all efforts to transfer Montana lands.

4. Montana women only earn 67 cents for every dollar men earn, putting our wage gap at 39th in the nation. Clearly we need to pay women better wages, especially in professions which are typically, historically female like personal care attendants, certified nurse assistants, licensed practical nurses, social workers and teachers. Since many of these professions only pay minimum wage I support raising the minimum wage and demanding transparency of wage information to make sure gender discrepancy is eliminated.

5. In 2015 an extremist sabotaged the infrastructure bill causing it to lose by one vote.

He admitted he acted on a petty, personal agenda. He lost his primary so he won’t serve next session, but it doesn’t mean there aren’t more to replace him. All common sense legislation depends less on legislators and more on voters to elect people who will act in their best interest. By electing people who will work on your behalf we can get good legislation passed that benefits everyone. By rejecting bad actors the Governor won’t have to veto so many bad bills, either.

HOUSE DISTRICT 49

‌Benjamin Hunter (R) Age: 22 Occupation: General manager, Off the Leaf Family: Single Education: Billings West High School

Hunter

Past employment: Faith Chapel; Community Leadership and Development Inc.; Nabors Well Service Political experience: None

Online campaign info Facebook: Benjamin Hunter for Montana State Legislature Website: BenjaminHunterMT.com Ways voters can contact you Email: hbenjamin@offtheleaf.com Address: 819 Grand Ave. Billings, Mont, 59102 Phone number: 406-794-1806

‌Kelly McCarthy (D) Age: 50 Occupation: Economic development consultant Family: Wife, Glenda; two adult children, Sinead, 27, and Casey, 25

McCarthy

Education: Bachelor’s in professional aeronautics, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; master’s degree in global business from the University of Texas-Dallas

Past employment: USAF 16 years, Raytheon Australia, First Interstate Bank Political experience: Two terms in Montana House Online campaign info: Twitter account: @Kelly4MT Facebook page: N/A Website: N/A Ways voters can contact you: Email: kelly@bigskytech.net Address: 625 Yellowstone Ave, Billings MT 59101 Phone number: 406-839-0071

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1. Major industries like oil and gas are cyclical. Maintaining a revenue surplus and being careful not to overspend is important for legislators in case of situations when industries like these are in decline. It will be important in this next legislative session to focus on supporting Montana businesses. A major focus this next year should be that of our power plants in Colstrip. The closing of these plants will create the loss of tax revenue on a major scale. These increased tax burdens will be passed on to all Montanans, increasing property taxes and decreasing funding for schools.

2. The state should recognize the importance of these power plants to Montana’s future and it should do all that it can to fight for and support any and all Montana businesses. The loss of Colstrip Units 1 and 2 will mean higher energy costs for major Montana businesses, affecting their bottom lines and therefore

their ability to employ as many Montanans as possible. Montana legislators should do everything in their power to fight the EPA and the Clean Power Plan on this issue in order to keep these units open.

3. Public lands are often revenue producing assets. I believe that public lands should belong to the states in which they are contained. This will allow any revenue created by these public lands to be maintained within state governments, rather than the Federal Government. In the case that public lands may be a liability and cost money for their governing body, I do still believe that these lands should belong to the state, so as to limit the controlling power of the Federal Government.

4. At Off the Leaf, I pay my employees equal wages for an equal job done. I believe that hour-forhour and task-for-task, men and women should be paid the same.

Just as I have personally con-

fronted the issues of racial inequality, I also despise all issues of discrimination for any reason. As stated in our state’s preamble, In America, and especially in Montana, I believe that “equality of opportunity “ should be a primary focus of all Montana Legislators, Business Owners, and Citizens alike.

5. With a rapidly growing population, infrastructure is a very important issue in Montana.

The problem with the legislative gridlock began with Bullock’s all-or-nothing approach to the 2015 infrastructure bill. While maintaining and updating infrastructure is incredibly important, incurring debt to fund wish-list projects is unacceptable. Infrastructure bills should prioritize projects, allot the funds that are currently available to as many of these projects as possible, and never incur debt, paid for by you and your children, to complete unimportant projects.

1. Income tax and property tax collections are up due to low unemployment, rising wages and a mini building boom. Business equipment taxes were cut for 2/3 of Montana businesses during the last session and all new pollution control equipment is tax free, so those collections are down as expected. In spite of challenges like a rising dollar and global oversupply in commodities, Montana’s economy continues to grow thanks to past work to create a more diversified economic base. Continued support for entrepreneurial efforts and developing a strong workforce will help us continue to grow even when facing economic headwinds.

2. I’m struggling to find one good example of when government stepped in and took over private industry and things got better. The firms that own Colstrip Units 1 and 2 have known that the ash ponds were leaking heavy metals into the water table for over 30 years. I’m sure they’d be happy to sell their cleanup liability, estimated to be $200-$400

million, to the people of Montana – or anybody else for that matter.

Government ownership won’t keep the facilities generating, it just shifts the cost of cleanup from the owners to Montana taxpayers.

3. Adding 25 million federal acres to Montana’s current 5 million would raise costs so high on Montana taxpayers that our only means to manage them would be significant tax increases or sale of public lands. We immediately lose $26 million of PILT and $20 million for rural schools funding. A bad fire year can cost the state $50 million annually. Six times the land requires six times the budget or $300 million.

Currently $25 million is allocated from the state general fund for land management – this would increase to $150 million. Running total…$421 million in new taxes. Bad idea!

4. An honest 40 hours of work deserves an honest wage. Women make up approximately two-thirds of all minimum-wage workers.

Raising the minimum wage to a livable wage would help hard work-

ing women support their families without the indignity of requiring government assistance. You asked for one idea, but here’s a bonus. A state version of the Paycheck Fairness Act. The Feds have been trying for 10 sessions to get this done. It’s safe to assume by now that the will to make sure that our mothers and sisters get treated fairly in the workplace is not a priority in DC. 5. Ideological divides over bonding to pay for infrastructure investment causes the gridlock. Significant negotiations lead to our final attempt in the 2015 session. Legislators who were part of those negotiations later withdrew their promised support and the 3000 Montanans who could have been working at good paying constructions jobs had to find something else to put food on the table. To resolve the issue, the legislature needs to continue to work across party lines in good faith. And if your representative is one of those that does not understand what a handshake means in Montana, please vote them out.

I8 | Sunday, October 9, 2016

VOTER GUIDE

Billings Gazette

HOUSE DISTRICT 50

‌Virginia Court (D)

1. Three facts: Our economy is growing, our unemployment rate is 4.5% and our state treasury is in good shape. The 2015 legislature left the state with a $350 million surplus and it has been able to handle the fluctuations due to the market conditions of the agriculture and natural resource industries. That said, a closer look at expenses during the 2017 session will occur. We do not want to place ourselves in the dire position that Wyoming is facing.

2. Market forces dictate the viability of coal-fired power plants.

Exploring the Colstrip transmission lines using alternative energy resources needs study. Jobs can be retained by cleaning up the coal

ash ponds and reclamation.

3. I would not support any transfer of the federal public lands to the state. Serving in the legislature has brought attention to the fact that our state, while managing our state lands prudently, could not handle the influx of thousands of acres under their management. It would open the door for selling off our public lands to the highest bidder.

4. Equal pay for equal work.

The Montana Equal Pay Law bans discrimination in wages based on sex, but Montana is ranked #39 for gender equality in the nation.

Montana women working fulltime earn 67% of what a male earns in the same job. Looking at only the

impact on single moms raising children is staggering. The result is a woman earning $21,000/year and her male counterpart takes home $31,000/year. Legislation in other states seeks to counter these imbalances and Montana needs to explore those avenues.

5. As a legislator serving in the 2013 and 2015 sessions, the impasse occurred over bonding versus cash. The compromise that I fully supported was a 50/50 proposition using 50% cash and 50% bonding. With our favorable bonding rates currently and our reduced revenue outlook, it behooves us to find a balance to tackle our infrastructure problems now.

1. To ensure the health of the state of Montana for years to come, the governor and the legAge: 50 islature must work together to (1) Occupation: Customer service specialist, Delta Airlines set a realistic budget from which to work that takes into considFamily: Husband, Michael Crowe; daughter, Ashley eration the variable commodity Crowe; son, Chandler Crowe prices, (2) cut government waste Education: Bachelor’s and master’s in business adminis- and spending by streamlining tration processes and procedures, (3) establish a “customer friendly” enSeekinsPast employment: Adjunct college instructor vironment within the government Crowe Political experience: Sen. Frank Murkowski, intern; Sen. that works with Montanans and Ted Stevens, legislative aide; Birch, Horton, Bittner & Cherot, legislative not against them, (4) chip away liaison; Coverdell Leadership Institute Scholar; Yellowstone County Central at the regulations that strangle Committee Finance Chair small business owners. The future of Montana depends on a healthy Online campaign info: business environment and strateFacebook: Kerri for HD50 gic natural resource development.

2. The loss of the power plants Email: KerriforHouse16@gmail.com will come at a high cost to local inPhone number: 406-245-0430 dustrial electrical customers who rely on Colstrip 1 and 2 for power.

The means should be established for them to purchase that power supply if they wish. Montana must support coal. It is currently not only a low-cost source that allows all Montanans the ability to afford energy but also an import-

ant engine that creates and sustains high-paying jobs.. Private industry built the power plants, and private industry should be able to guide the coal industry through the next phase unfettered by government intervention.

3. The transfer of public lands would not be a “hot” topic if the federal government were a better steward of the lands, did not limit access, and stopped losing billions of dollars each year managing valuable natural resources.

While it may not be in the best interest of Montanans to transfer the public lands to the state, it is in the citizens’ best interest for state and federal governments to cooperate, manage the lands better to improve wildfire control, keep recreational access open, protect the environment and wildlife, and revive the economy. I don’t want public lands sold, just better managed.

4. Women do a great job creating opportunities for themselves and others through necessity, because of their experiences, and

against all odds. Women in the workplace will be better served if government gets out of the way.

The Legislature needs to focus on increasing opportunities in key areas that provide high-paying jobs. We can do a better job attracting women to Montana universities’ science and technology programs. We can also do a better job creating and attracting businesses to Montana. Montana ranks 49th nationally in wages, and it is time to remove barriers to job growth.

5. When the Democrats include non-essential infrastructure and the Republicans refuse to fund infrastructure with debt, gridlock occurs. A comprehensive vision to upgrade and update infrastructure is vital. However, a comprehensive bill is not necessary. Many smaller infrastructure bills were passed last session. It is important for our legislators to go to Helena realizing that not all infrastructure is necessary and not all debt is bad.

Compromise will be required on both sides.

1. One sector of the economy not mentioned in the question is the tourism economy. I would like for Montana to shift some of the taxpayer’s burden onto visitors to the Last Best Place. We must do this in a way that does not impact the day to day lives of Montana residents. We need to continue to provide a balanced budget and the prudent fiscal management that keeps Montana one of the most well managed states in the nation.

2. The State of Montana should not purchase Colstrip Units 1 and 2. Those units were built in 1975 to last for 30 years and owning them means sinking money into equipment that is 10 years beyond its useful life. The Legislature should encourage forward looking power generation, determining the best way to provide the energy wanted by customers in the Pacific Northwest. The hard-working people of Colstrip deserve power plant owners, encouraged by the Leg-

islature, that find creative, innovative solutions to changes in the energy economy.

3. I do not support the transfer of federal public lands to state government. I grew up in Montana taking advantage of our extraordinary access to public lands for hiking, hunting, and fishing.

Losing access to those special places because they are sold to the highest bidder will make Montana a less special place. Montana is working on good neighbor agreements that will allow the state to manage some public lands in the best interests of Montana. Let’s keep working on ways to manage public lands so that the next generations of Montanans get access to the opportunities we have now.

4. There are several things the Legislature can do to ensure Montana woman are compensated on the same level as men. Montana will be an even better state when our wives, sisters, and daughters

are making as much as their male counterparts. I would like to see the 2017 Legislature work on incentivizing paid maternity leave.

Allowing mothers to spend the first months taking care of their newborns sets that family on the right course for their future.

5. There are two reasons Montana has not been able to pass a bill. First, infrastructure means different things to different people, which leads to disagreements about what should be funded.

Second, there are disagreements over how to fund infrastructure, whether with cash or bonds. The gridlock needs to stop because infrastructure is something we all pay for. We can do it responsibly or in crisis. Finding a long term solution to make responsible investments in public works means we won’t be spending three times as much fixing road, bridges, schools, water, and wastewater systems once they have failed.

1. Revenues from agriculture, oil, gas, and timber are indeed down. However our consistently low unemployment rate has been pushing up wages which has, in turn, brought in higher income and property tax revenues. Montana has done much to diversify our economy over the years and instead of deficits like our neighbors we are looking at smaller surpluses. We can and should continue to support the business climate that has made Montana the number one state for startup activity for four years running. We also need to invest in the good jobs that will come from repairing our crumbling infrastructure.

2. Colstrip 3 and 4 will be running for the foreseeable future.

Since deregulation in the late 1990s government’s role in the electricity generation industry in Montana has been limited. I would not approve of spending taxpayer dollars to bail out a private industry unless the taxpayers have

a permanent stake in the result.

What the state government could be doing is helping the workers affected by coal industry downturns to retrain or relocate, to assist with devaluation of housing, and to prioritize economic development and diversification for towns and cities that have been heavily dependent upon one industry like Colstrip.

3. Of course the state could do a better job of managing our public lands but are Montana taxpayers willing to foot the significant bill for the tax increases necessary to administer those lands properly?

I don’t see any mood in the electorate for such tax increases. The end-game for those pushing this issue is to sell our public lands off to private interests and lock us out of the very lands that make Montana unique. I do not support this effort.

4. Women are still making, on average, 21 percent less than men.

There should be no discrepancy

between the wages of people of any gender doing the same job.

One of the most effective ways that we could narrow the wage gap in the workplace would be to disallow the hiring practice of asking for an employee’s previous salary.

This would level the playing field for all potential employees.

5. The major stumbling block to passing an infrastructure bill is the resistance to funding part of it with bonding. We shouldn’t deplete cash reserves to fund investments when our state credit rating is high. To use the “family checkbook” analogy: does it make sense to empty a savings account to purchase a house and have no funds for emergencies or to get a good deal on a mortgage and keep an emergency fund available?

Voters need to pressure their representatives to pass a bill putting people to work at the good-paying jobs that will be generated by repairing our crumbling infrastructure.

Occupation: Retired Family: Husband, Jim, five children, seven grandchildren Education: Bachelor’s of science from Montana State University Past employment: Small business owner for 25 years Court

Political experience: Three-term legislator Email: vcourtforlegislature@yahoo.com

Phone number: 406-259-5099

‌Kerri Seekins-Crowe (R)

HOUSE DISTRICT 51

‌Shoots Veis (D) Age: 42 Occupation: Senior project engineer, Interstate Engineering Family: Wife, Barb; son, Jackson; daughter, Sofia

Veis

Education: Polson High School; bachelor’s degree environmental engineering, Montana Tech; master’s degree in project engineering and management, Montana Tech

Past employment: Engineering West, Montana Department of Environmental Quality, KLJ Engineering Political experience: Billings City Council, 2005 to 2009 Online campaign info Twitter: @shootsveis Facebook: www.facebook.com/Shoots Veis Ways voters can contact you Email: shootsformontana@gmail.com Address: P.O. Box 80811, Billings, Mont., 59108 Phone number: 406-697-7128

Adam Rosendale (R) did not respond

HOUSE DISTRICT 52

‌Chris Goodridge Age: 48 Occupation: Production manager at MyTopo Family: Parents William and Josephine Goodridge, brothers Tim and David Goodridge and sister Sidona Wagstaff.

Goodridge

Education: Bachelor’s of science degree from Portland State University in 1998.

Past employment: Ten years as a Certified Transportation Broker for Meadow Lark Logistics of Billings.

Political experience: Policy analyst for Oregon Legislature.; Yellowstone County precinct captain.

Online campaign info Twitter: @crgoodridge Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chris-Goodridge-for-MontanaHouse-District-52-668855486507915/?fref=ts Ways voters can contact you Email: chrisg4mt@hotmail.com Address: 440 Clark Avenue Billings, Mont., 59101 Phone number: 406-696-5042

M 1

VOTER GUIDE

Billings Gazette

Sunday, October 9, 2016 | I9

HOUSE DISTRICT 52 ‌1: Montana relies heavily on revenue from natural resources.

Federal regulations are destroyAge: 58 ing the economy and eliminating countless jobs in agriculture, Occupation: Chief United States probation officer, reoil, gas and timber. The Montana tired Legislature needs to boost natuFamily: Married to Carin; four children ral resource development by agEducation: Bachelor’s degree in society and technology, gressively opposing any current or Montana Tech; three-year Leadership Development Pro- future federal policies that hinder sustainability of current and fugram, Federal Judiciary, Washington, D.C. Patelis ture development of our natural Past Employment: Government Liaison, CCCS, Inc.; 38 resources. The Legislature needs years in law enforcement, chief U.S. Probation Office, District of Montana; to make sure the tax codes and deputy chief, U.S. Probation Office; U.S. probation officer (appointed brackets are fair and everyone is 1990), State of Montana Probation and Parole Officer. paying their equal share in taxes.

2: This will be a major issue Political Experience: Appointed as a member of the Administrative for the Legislature. President Office of the U.S. Courts Decision Support System (DSS) Working Group; Obama’s war on coal has really appointed to six-months on the United States Sentencing Commission; hurt Colstrip. The Legislature appointed as a member of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts has to aggressively fight to not Probation and Pretrial Services Technology Advisory (PPSTA) Working allow the EPA’s forced emission Group; served per request of the Deputy Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Committee to study the revocation rate of federal cuts. We have to come up with a balanced approach. The EPA’s exoffenders treme policies put people out of Website: jimmyformontana.org work, not only in the coal industry but all other jobs in the natural Email: jimmyformontana@gmail.com

resources field, which is a major source of revenue for the state of Montana. As Legislators, we need to stand strong and do what we can to protect the Montana coal industry and electric customers.

3: I believe that all citizens should have access to public lands. Due to out of control debt, the federal government continues to cut needed spending for our public lands, along with closing access. I believe the state of Montana would do a much better job of managing our own state lands rather than a big bureaucracy such as the federal government. The people of Montana should have control of our own land, along with managing access to hunting, fishing, and recreational use.

4: The Legislature must look at the issue of pay equality. Equal pay for equal work only makes common sense. According to statistics, approximately 60% of Montana women are in the labor

pool. Montana women make, on average, $11,197 less in annual salary than men. The Montana Department of Labor can to a better job of educating employers and employees on solutions to correct this problem. The Legislature should pass laws requiring all employers to post the minimum starting wage on all job postings.

This would provide more transparency in wage setting and reduction of wages based on gender.

5: My understanding of the gridlock is that the infrastructure (roads, highways, and bridges, etc.) issue was not a stand-alone bill. There were modifications and add-ons to the bill that caused dissent in the Legislative process.

In order to overcome this dissent I believe that it would be extremely beneficial in the process to have the infrastructure remain as a stand-alone bill.

‌1. Can you really call it a surplus when it is someone else’s money?

The current Governor has called this extra money a “rainy day fund”. How ironic that it has been raining infrastructure needs in eastern Montana for years, while state government has been regularly over-spending their budget during this same time. The decline of revenue should be addressed in the same way that we have had to balance our business and home budgets in these very tough times — by spending less.

2. The governor and the Democrats in Montana have been paying lip service to the coal industry for years. Now, to add insult to injury, the federal government has decided that we can replace this well-established, technologically advanced, and economically feasible form of energy with some other magical energy source. Coal provides energy 24 hours a day, independent of wind or sun. As legislators, in our words and our

actions, we need to go on record with our support of the Montana coal industry. Secondly, we need to push back against any unreasonable regulations.

3. If we were able to turn federal public lands into state public lands, it would make sense that local government control would be more attuned to the needs of the people who use the public lands. However, the Capitol and the current state agencies are anything but open to being cooperative with the citizens of Montana. These agencies that could control this new public land are currently ignoring the voice of the people and already have a bloated bureaucracy. The culture in Helena needs to change before this can effectively happen.

4. Set an example of how strong men and women can work together in a very stressful environment.

Sadly, I see too many insecure legislators every session who effectively undermine this good work that men and women uniquely

bring to the table. At the same time, I have worked with some outstanding, powerful, insightful women legislators that taught me how to be a better legislator by the way they treated people and how they conducted themselves professionally.

5. The governor has no desire to provide for infrastructure needs unless he borrows the money.

Since borrowing money requires two-thirds of the entire House of Representatives to vote yes, there were never enough votes. Many communities were held hostage so the governor could push a bill to borrow money for a new Montana Historical Society. These communities had legitimate pressing needs like water intakes and sewer upgrades and their needs were ignored so the governor could play politics. We need a governor who knows that there is life outside of Helena and a legislature that responsibly spends the people’s money.

1. We need to come together, governors’ office and the Legislature and push back against the Federal government concerning Montana’s natural resources. I am not convinced that coal or fossil fuels are obsolete. I am confident that technology can help develop clean coal technology, higher efficient cars and trucks. Our natural resources are vital to our economy. It is unreasonable to expect our state to abandon our resources when there is still a demand for them and I think we will see demand increase when alternatives can’t supply the load demand for electricity. Montana needs a coal port; we need to work with Washington state.

2. I don’t support the state buying Colstrip Units 1 and 2. The difficultly comes when the Federal government stands in the way trying to destroy coal. We need to watch closely, the EPA is working to shut down coal generating

plants and we will be faced with massive jobs losses, higher power bills which in turn mean higher fuel costs, higher grocery prices etc. Montana should be allowed a coal port, which will keep mining jobs in Colstrip.

3. First I do not support transferring federal public lands to the state. It is just not a simple do we transfer or not. We have many problems with public lands that need attention. The federal government has not been good at managing our public land. Do we want more wilderness designation which limits access and does not allow a way for the state to benefit financially? The Federal government lets forests burn in Montana while local jurisdictions put out fires. The federal government continues to close roads on public lands. There is an initiative on the ballot to outlaw trapping on public lands.

4. What an interesting ques-

tion. If I am re-elected I will do my best to represent all the people in my district and the state. I don’t believe the government should be involved in work place policy.

5. First, infrastructure bills were passed in 2015. SB bill 354 creating an infrastructure funding program was passed by the Legislature but vetoed by the governor.

HB 6 passed and funded several city water projects. HB 11 funded 27 different water and sewer projects for cities around the state. HB 7 and HB 8 also funded projects.

The cause of the gridlock is the need to define infrastructure.

Also the major funding bill last session tried to lump all infrastructure into one bill which met with resistance. I will study the infrastructure bills and support the ones that take care of the most urgent needs.

Jimmy Patelis (R)

Address: P.O. Box 81308, Billings, MT 59108 Phone: 406-671-9972

HOUSE DISTRICT 53

Dennis Lenz (R) Age: 54 Occupation: Self-employed Family: Wife, Deanna; daughter, Danae; and son, Dustin Education: Ranch management certificate from Texas Christian University; pastoral studies certificate from Yellowstone Valley Bible Institute.

Past employment: 29 years (1987 to present), self-employed farmer; 24 Years (1989 to 2014), captain Billings Fire Department

Lenz

Political experience: Sergeant-at Arms, Montana House of Representatives, 2015 to present; state representative, 2013 to 2014 Website: www.dennislenz.com Email: lenz4legislature@outlook.com Address: P.O. Box 20752, Billings, Mont., 59104 Phone Number: 671-7052

Jordon Matney (D) did not respond

HOUSE DISTRICT 55

‌Vince Ricci (R) Age: 63 Occupation: Self employed, own and operate Ricci’s Express Family: Married to Debbie for 38 years. We have three grown married sons Education: Park County High School, Livingston Ricci

Past employment: Always been independent businessman

Political experience: Currently Representative HD 55, first term Online campaign info: Twitter account: Vince Ricci@vjricci Ways voters can contact you Email: Rep.Vince.Ricci@Mt.gov Address: 1231 5th Ave., Laurel Phone number: 406-855-9153

• Ballot initiative I-177 WILL prohibit recreational and commercial trapping on Montana’s public lands.

don roberts

• I-177 WILL protect people, pets and wildlife from traps and snares on Montana’s public lands.

• A devoted conservative

• I-177 will NOT affect private land, hunting, or fishing.

• Supports lower taxes, smaller government, better jobs, decreased regulations

• Veteran US Navy Vietnam era • NRA member

• I-177 will NOT prevent protection of livestock from predators.

• Strong supporter of Chamber of Commerce issues • Retired Boarded oral and maxillofacial surgeon • Pro-life, Supports family values • Will protect hunting and recreation access

Get involved.

• Current red angus rancher • Community Philanthropist including financial support of the Boys & Girls Club, Conservation Education Center, Family Promise, CLDI housing on Hallowell, & Friendship House

Donate.

Vote.

YESon177.com Montanans for Trap-Free Public Lands Paid for by Montanans for Trap-Free Public Lands, Bill Leaphart, Treas., PO Box 8754, Missoula, MT 59807 M 1

If you believe that government • A senator on our side needs to live within it’s budget, • Fully endorsed by the NRA just as your household does, then I am your candidate. Less taxation www.donroberts4senate.com means you have more money Don Roberts for Senate District 26 available for your family.

Please vote for me on November 8th

republican

senate district 26

Paid for by Don Roberts for SD 26, P.O. Box 21386, Billings, MT 59104 • Bob and Jean Miller, Treasurers

I10 | Sunday, October 9, 2016

VOTER GUIDE

Billings Gazette

HOUSE DISTRICT 55

Ryan Arnold (D) Age: 32 Occupation: Web developer Family: Wife, Jamie; two children, Lennon, Lueva Education: Two years at MSUB Past employment: Self-employed since 2007.

Arnold

Political experience: President of the Laurel Democratic Club; communications director of the Yellowstone County Central Committee.

ONLINE CAMPAIGN INFO Facebook: http://facebook.com/voteryanarnold/ Website: http://voteryanarnold.com/ WAYS VOTERS CAN CONTACT YOU Email: ryan@voteryanarnold.com Address: PO Box 1211, Laurel

‌1. Some of these issues are a byproduct of Montana’s low unemployment and rising wages.

However, I think it’s extremely important to continue the support previous sessions had for Montana’s entrepreneurs and the diversity of Montana’s economy.

We need to provide the people of Montana a healthy place to start and grow their business, and can do this through affordable technological training and financial support.

2. This is a really bad idea. Not only would it force the people of Montana to pay the immense cost of cleanup, it also wouldn’t guarantee operation past the current drop-dead deadline. State legislators need to focus primarily on the people of Colstrip, make sure

their future is secure, and come up with a solution that will assist the town as it transitions into a leading provider of clean power to the Pacific Northwest.

3. I would not support this move, and am surprised by those who would. The transfer of federal lands to state ownership would raise a significant number of Montana taxes by upwards of 20%. It would also require a state lands budget increase from $25M to approximately $150M. We’d lose over $45M in payments from the federal government, and wouldn’t even see an increase in public lands access. In fact, an argument can be made that Montanans would have less public lands access, as some of it would likely be sold to the highest bidder

in order to cover the costs.

4. Without question, it would be to eliminate the gender wage gap.

An honest work week deserves a fair and honest wage. The fact that women are still making just 79 cents to every dollar earned by men is absolutely baffling. There is no debate that can justify this gap.

It’s time to do something about it.

5. Like most gridlock in politics, this can be blamed on ideological divides. Which can only be bridged by working across party lines, and holding a representative to his or her word. All legislators have a responsibility to invest in the future of all Montanan’s, not just their own. We all need to be held to that standard, regardless of the consequences a decision may have on the next election.

1. Interference by environmental groups has greatly impacted our revenue surplus. Montana citizens must respond to extremists by taking an active, leadership role in promoting responsible use of our natural resources. We also need to spend wisely! Just as our families must budget for both ongoing and unexpected costs, our state government must do the same. State government must not only tighten its belt to reduce expenditures but do what it can to expand economic opportunities meaning work to attract new business and encourage growth of existing businesses including our largest industries of tourism, agriculture and natural resources.

2. The closure of Colstrip Units 1 and 2 will have far-reaching effects beyond the town of Colstrip.

We must stand with Colstrip to prevent environmentalists from turning the coal industry into a political pawn. As a state, we should not be in the business of owning coal-fired power plants.

Having government step into a role now generally handled by private industry where private industry cannot make a sufficient

profit to stay in business is unlikely to be successful. Our state’s leaders should communicate and negotiate with those companies, especially those from out of state, that are involved in determining the future of Colstrip.

3. Public lands in Montana are best managed by people who live, work and recreate in our beautiful state. That does not mean that our state has the resources necessary to assume ownership of these public lands. I oppose any transfer that could result in our public lands being sold to private entities as has occurred in other states including Oregon and Utah. Our public lands must be protected for generations to come through responsible management. This can and should be achieved with Montana citizens taking an active leadership role in this management.

4. The Legislature should do whatever it can to remove barriers to business growth and success.

Growing, successful businesses will create opportunities for employment. When businesses are unencumbered by excessive government regulations they can of-

fer higher paying jobs with good benefits for all employees. I have been both an employee and an employer. As an employee I understood that in helping my employers succeed by my skills and effort, I would be rewarded. As an employer, I want all employees to feel valued and appreciated through pay and benefits – that is possible and much more probable when a business is successful.

5. The dictionary defines infrastructure as: “the basic equipment and structures (such as roads and bridges) that are needed for a country, region, or organization to function properly”.

Too often, infrastructure bills in the Legislature become political footballs containing projects unrelated to infrastructure as we define it. The 2015 Legislature did pass a number of bills that included infrastructure funding for many projects. Looking forward we must establish priorities and avoid placing non-infrastructure items in bills intended to address infrastructure needs. I will listen carefully to my constituents and advocate for projects that are most needed by our communities.

1. Declining state revenue is not so much the issue as increased government spending is. In a time of surplus, those funds could have been used to address infrastructure needs and one-time capital expenditures. Instead, they were used as an excuse to further expand the regulatory reach of state government, and both old parties signed on for the additional cost.

We need to rein in this expansion of government and reduce the regulatory uncertainty that cripples our economic growth.

2. The situation in Colstrip is the unfortunate result of too much government intervention in the energy economy. The solution is certainly not to double down on said intervention by becoming an owner of an asset that provides marginal value, at a tremendous expense to taxpayers. I would

oppose any attempt to purchase the Colstrip units, but would also fight against the federal overreach that put us on this path.

3. The two sides of this issue ignore the middle ground: that maintaining federal ownership, while empowering local control, could address many of the concerns we see, while not enforcing a transfer. By doing an asset valuation of all lands and improvements, as a basis for then block granting the budgets by state, real progress could be made on the ignored $11b backlog of maintenance. California has successfully partnered with the federal government on the management of Redwoods National Park, and there are other such models to follow that can achieve a balance where there are presently only polarized opinions.

4. Reduce the overall regulatory burden and insidious influence of crony capitalism that limits opportunities, siphons money from workers via the income tax to support special interests, and holds all Montanans back from achieving their full potential. A rising tide lifts all boats.

5. Both old parties are using the infrastructure bill for political leverage. They load it with pet projects, or threaten veto when it doesn’t contain theirs. We need leadership in both the executive and legislative branches that will work collaboratively, regardless of party lines, to get what is necessary done. Instead, these last four years have been filled with partisan posturing. Montanans deserve better.

1. The best way the state can preserve a revenue surplus is by supporting businesses to create high-paying jobs by not over-regulating them at the state level and by spending less money than the state collects. In the legislature I will continue to support removing unnecessary regulatory burdens on business and to pass a responsible state budget that does not mortgage our future in order to score political points.

2. Government overregulation of the coal industry created the situation the community of Colstrip is facing. More government is not going to solve the problem.

State government should support the people of Colstrip and others

who depend on our natural resources for their jobs by reducing regulations that push these high-paying jobs out of state and by making it possible to responsibly develop our natural resources.

3. I support ways we can ensure our publicly-owned lands are properly managed. I will continue to support proposals to better manage state-owned and federally-owned lands, while continuing to ensure the public has access to public land.

4. The legislature should reduce burdensome regulations on businesses, decrease taxes on individuals as well as on businesses, and work to make Montana an attractive place to live, work, and

do business. This will benefit all workers in the state.

5. There are several programs in the state that pay for infrastructure, which is why the legislature was correct last session in breaking these programs into separate bills so they could be evaluated separately instead of as part of one massive bill. By doing this the 2015 Legislature passed over $92 million in infrastructure spending though House Bills 2, 6, 7, 11, and 403. When all infrastructure is considered in one bill, as Governor Bullock proposed, any number of issues, including the amount of debt being assumed by the state, can contribute to the bill’s failure.

HOUSE DISTRICT 56

‌Sue Vinton (R) Age: 59 Occupation: Business owner, Vinton Construction, Inc. Family: Husband, Mike; children; Carrie, Jessica, Jake and Cooper.

Vinton

Education: Associates degree human services; bachelor’s degree in criminal justice; post-graduate paralegal certification.

Past employment: 15 years as a litigation paralegal; 10 years as business owner at Vinton Construction, Inc. Political experience: 12 Years Lockwood School board of trustees Online campaign info: Facebook: Sue Vinton for Montana Ways voters can contact you Email: sue@vintonlog.com Address: PO Box 236, Billings, Mont. 59102-0236 Phone number: 406-855-2625

Daryl Templet (D) did not respond

HOUSE DISTRICT 57

‌Andrew Forcier (L) Age: 41 Occupation: Human resources consultant Family: Wife, Jeni Education: Bachelor’s degree Rutgers College; M.B.A. Boston University Questrom School of Business Forcier

Past employment: Political experience:

Online campaign info Twitter: www.twitter.com/forcierHD57 Facebook: www.facebook.com/forcier57 Ways voters can contact you Email: forcier57@outlook.com Address: Columbus

‌Forrest J. Mandeville (R) Age: 32 Occupation: Land use planner, Forrest Mandeville Consulting Family: Married to Rebekah, with two sons, Stephen and Matthew Mandeville

Education: Master’s degree in public administration, Montana State University – Billings; bachelor’s degree political science, Point Loma Nazarene University

Past employment: Planner, Engineering West; Planner II, Stillwater County Political experience: Representative HD 57, elected in 2014 and currently running for reelection.

Online campaign info Twitter: @therealforrestm Facebook: Facebook.com/MandevilleforHD57 Ways voters can contact you Email: ForrestMandeville@gmail.com Address: PO Box 337, Columbus, Mont., 59019 Phone number: 406-690-1933

Elaine Doerr (D) did not respond

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VOTER GUIDE

Billings Gazette

Sunday, October 9, 2016 | I11

HOUSE DISTRICT 59

‌Alan Redfield (R)

1. The industries mentioned produce new wealth [products that weren’t there last year].

This new wealth turns over in the economy seven times providing income for many individuals as well as income for the State’s Treasury. That is why we need to put in place incentives to expand these industries. Examples are building Farm to Plate programs, funding clean coal research, and encouraging use of excess natural gas in fertilizer plants.

Additionally, I would support a move for Tort reform to stop frivolous lawsuits that raise cost and slow down the permitting processes.

2. The State’s role in Colstrip the should be to facilitate private investment in the plant. This can be through helping to obtain low interest loans, providing tax incentives and to negotiate in the electricity contracting process.

The State can push back against the unreasonable regulations that are there to kill the industry. There

will be a market for reasonably priced electricity for great number of years.

An Example would be for the Crow tribe to purchase the plant.

They could then use their coal to produce power. This would provide long term employment for tribal members.

3. Those of us that live near public lands see firsthand the need to control weeds, log overgrown, dead and dying timber and to protect the watersheds for our future. Bringing these lands under State control would put into play the management policies that work and are proven on our state lands. Montana State Lands rules would discourage the rampant use of lawsuits put forth by the legal system that stymie federal ability to adequately manage the land. I would support transferring the management to local control providing the land would absolutely remain public.

4. The most important thing that the Legislature can do for

women in the work place is stimulate economic growth. Wage growth cannot happen without a good and growing economy. With a good economy the businesses that employ women can afford the benefits and flexibility that will help all of their employee’s flourish.

5. To pass a comprehensive infrastructure bill we need a defined plan of priorities. Define our critical needs, then rate them so we aren’t working on pork projects. We then need to identify the funding mechanism for the long term. We should identify which projects should be grant funded, which should be cash funded and which should be bonded. A problem in the past has been the omnibus bill with an all or nothing approach. We need to break the bills into size and type of projects that don’t force negative votes due to size and ability to shift funds to other projects.

1. For years, Montanans have been overtaxed, creating a surplus. That money gets spent Age: 64 during the biennium and conOccupation: Small business owner; retired attorney tinued over-taxation creates another “surplus”. However, natFamily: Married 29 years to husband, Joe ural resource development has Education: Bachelor’s degree in biology and secondary education; master’s in business administration, emphasis been stifled by over-reaching federal government regulations, in finance and management; juris doctorate (law) curtailing revenue from those Past employment: Solo practitioner law office with five sources. It is time to reduce taxes Lamm employees; voluntarily provided health insurance for em- and regulations to stimulate small ployees; owned and operated other successful small busi- business growth and attract new nesses; spent several years in corporate business; consultant to health businesses. care-related companies/facilities.

2. The state legislature should Political experience: Elected Representative for House District 60 in not buy Colstrip Units 1 and 2.

2014; advocated for excellence in education during the 2011 and 2013 Legis- The current federal policies were lative sessions; chair Park County Republican Central Committee; executive designed to kill the coal industry. board member Montana GOP; chair, Rules Committee, Montana GOP; NaWe should push back on the fedtional Delegate to RNC 2016 Convention and RNC platform committee. eral overreach. Unless federal policy changes, it will be difficult for Online campaign info any entity to purchase these units Twitter: @DebraLamm and make a go of it.

Facebook: Facebook.com/Deb.Lamm 3. Clearly, federal government management of public lands is Website: www.DebraLamm.com Ways voters can contact you Email: dlamm@DebraLamm.com Address: PO Box 1390, Livingston, Mont., 59047 Phone number: 406-223-9368

woefully inadequate. They have prevented responsible timber management to the detriment of everyone. Fires are out of control, polluting the air, killing wildlife and generally degrading the environment. The federal government has closed down numerous public access roads and continues to reduce access. Access is a time-honored tradition that must be preserved. Our lands must not be sold but must be managed for multiple use so that everyone can enjoy their favorite types of recreation. Montanans know better how to manage our lands for all our citizens.

4. Education is the basis for success in the workplace. Montana should support “all-of-theabove” education choice so that young girls can fulfill their full educational potential.

5. There is no gridlock. The Leg-

islature passed comprehensive infrastructure funding. House Bills 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 all contained funding for regional water systems, municipal water and sewer projects, information technology infrastructure, reclamation, mine restoration, conservation district projects, remediation and clean-up projects, salinity control, irrigation projects, storm water projects, canal projects and other critical health and safety infrastructure. The problem is that rather than define “infrastructure” to mean water, sewer, streets, roads, and bridges, the governor insists on including pet building projects. This session the legislature will define what “infrastructure” really means and continue to fund it.

1. The benefit we have reaped from fiscal health and strong surpluses may be challenged, but has yet to be eliminated, even in the face of declining revenues. The job for the next Legislature will be to assure our state spending stays within the current limits and our planning for the future lays the foundation needed to sustain strong economic growth.

Additionally, while we should be cautious of over-burdening local municipalities by reducing state services, we should be working to increase the number of opportunities local governments have to creatively address their own unique needs.

2. State government’s responsibility is to assure we work with private industry to meet both our state’s energy needs and our environmental responsibilities well into the future. Market pressures from outside of Montana and regulatory pressures that impact industry inside it are each challenging Colstrip’s future. I think the right course for our state includes more renewable energy sources,

but we cannot forget Colstrip along the way. We need to assure we help impacted communities and workers make this transition well through economic development and workforce investments, not industry acquisition.

3. I oppose the transfer of federal public lands to state government and continue to hear from voters who agree. Advocates for transfer sight the need for state input and paint pictures of bureaucrats in Washington D.C. making decisions, with no clue about our state’s needs. While we should maintain and, if needed, increase Montana’s voice in federal policy, we already have both state and local input into management decisions. This includes the Federal employees who are themselves Montana residents that love, recreate in and live next to the very public lands they are tasked with protecting and preserving.

4. While we should be continuing the fight for equal pay, I think the financial disparities women experience are significantly impacted by the disproportionate

rate at which they serve in a caretaker role within their family.

Whether taking care of young children or aging parents, women spend more time stepping out of the workforce to meet these critical needs. This not only translates into lost wages, but lost contributions to social security. Thus, if we truly want to move the mark for women, we would secure paid family and medical leave.

5. My observation of the infrastructure gridlock in 2015 was a lack of consensus on the priority projects and push back on the use of bonding. While I think infrastructure is an appropriate use of bonding, my hope is that the 2017 legislature will address this particular question earlier in the session. As far as prioritizing projects, we should expand the input process to build more buy-in. Ultimately, I’d like to see more sustainable levers for infrastructure spending. Perhaps a start would be the development of a strategic infrastructure investment plan.

Age: 63 Occupation: Rancher Family: Wife, Laurie, two grown daughters Education: Bachelor’s degree agricultural education

Redfield

Past employment: Park High School, Scobey High School

Political experience: Local School Board 12 years, two terms Montana House of Representatives Facebook page: Alan Redfield Ways voters can contact you Email: Rep.Alan.Redfield@mt.gov or redfield4mt@gmail Address: 538 Mill Creek Road Livingston Mt. 59047 Phone number: 406-220-1247

Dirk Adams (D) did not respond

HOUSE DISTRICT 60

‌Name: Debra Lamm (R)

‌Laurie Bishop (D) Age: 46 Occupation: Graduation Matters coach, Montana Office of Public Instruction Family: Married to Storrs Bishop, three children aged 19, 16 and 12 Bishop

Education: Bachelor’s in sociology, Syracuse University 1992

Past employment: Executive director, Shift Empowerment Programs; development director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Park and Sweet Grass counties; executive secretary, Park County Search and Rescue; co-owner, Saddle Sore Cycles Political experience: Local Government Study Commission, City of Livingston, 2005-2006 Online campaign info: None Twitter account: None Facebook page: Laurie Bishop for Montana Website: None Ways voters can contact you Email: bishopforhd60@gmail.com Address: 211 S. Yellowstone St., Livingston, Mont., 59047

RE-ELECT

JESSICA

KARJALA foR HousE DisTRiCT 48 As your Legislator i will continue to • Support Montana’s working families • Fight for transparency against dark money • Fight for our hunting and fishing rights and defend our public lands • Support our Seniors and Veterans

for SENATE DISTRICT 26

Margie brings leadership and a str strong ong work ethic as a champion for Billings B and Senate S District 26.

• Support our Public Education System

You’ve told me your concerns and i have listened and look forward to continuing to serve you.

Paid for by Karjala for HD48 – Democrat, 6125 Masters Boulevard, Billings, MT 59106

M 1

MacdonaldForBillings.org macmargaret@gmail.com // 406.652.6625

Paid for by MacDonald for Billings • Democrat PO Box 245, Billings MT 59103

I12 | Sunday, October 9, 2016

VOTER GUIDE

Billings Gazette

SENATE DISTRICT 15

‌Ryan Osmundson (R) Age: 37 Occupation: Farmer/rancher/business owner Family: Wife Jessica and nine kids Education: Associate’s degree in applied science Past employment: Self Osmundson

Political experience: Six years in Montana House of Representatives

Online campaign info: N/A Twitter account: N/A Facebook page: Ryan Osmundson for Montana Legislature Website: RyanOsmundson.com Ways voters can contact you: Email: RyanOsmundson@gmail.com

1. Spend less.

2. The legislature will have very little to do with what happens with Colstrip. The Governor could have had a lot to say, if we had one that cared about the industries in Montana. If we had a Governor who would build a coalition with other states to petition Congress and the President of The United States, with the purpose of enacting reasonable rules within the EPA so as to maintain our coal industries and provide us the cheap, clean power.

3. Federal Land is getting harder to access, while access to State land is getting easier. Having been in the Legislature the last six years, we continue to find ways to provide better public access to State lands while being very careful to never harm private property rights. The State manages its land much more effectively than any federal bureaucracy. So yes, I am in favor

of it, but it will need to be done slowly over a period of time. I don’t know of any candidates talking about the selling of public lands, other than a few Democrats.

4. The same thing for men in the work place. Aren’t we all Montanans? Why would you ask a sexist question like that?

5. I not only helped draft the infrastructure bill at the end of session and I carried it in the House. After the bill failed in the House, the Speaker and I went to ask Governor Bullock to negotiate. We told him we thought we could get the votes to pass it if he would be willing to spend less on the museum and more on road, bridges, water, and sewer projects. Bullock told us no he didn’t like the bill anyway. This question is looking to place blame, so look to Bullock who wanted a museum over clean water.

‌1. For years, Montana tax collections have produced a revenue surplus. But now that surplus is shrinking as agriculture, oil, gas and timber face tough economic conditions. Tell us what you would do next legislative session to address the decline of state revenue. I can’t say until I look at the predictions and what has to be spent by law 2. A bipartisan group of Montana legislators has suggested buying Colstrip Units 1 and 2 to the keep coal-fired power plants from shutting down by 2022, the drop-dead deadline by which the units’ current owners have agreed close shop.

What should the state government’s role be in determining Colstrip’s future? Explain your position. I think that it should be in the mix of investments with the cost of keeping it open. It would be a hard decision not knowing what the federal government may do later but something has to be done to protect the workers jobs 3. The transfer of federal public lands to the state government has been a hot

Montana campaign issue this election cycle. Discuss the negatives, or positives, of such a transfer as you see them. Tell us if you would support such a move. I believe the federal lands should be left with the federal government to protect hunters’ right to hunt and provide a income for the government 4. If the 2017 Legislature did just one thing for women in the workplace, what should it be? Explain your answer. I believe the wages should be raised to a livable wage. A person cannot live on a minimum wage. In many homes the woman has to work to help support the family 5. Montana’s governor and Legislature haven’t agreed on a comprehensive infrastructure bill since the Gov. Brian Schweitzer era. Explain the cause of this gridlock as you understand it. Tell us what you would do to get a comprehensive infrastructure bill passed. It seems the legislature does not understand the Governor when he tells them what he has in mind and they want to try to outguess him

1. For one thing, we could make Montana’s tax system more fair. The Montana Legislature passed a tax cut package in 2003 which has cost our state nearly $1 billion in lost revenue over the past ten years. It appears that over half of the tax cuts benefitted the wealthiest one percent of households. These tax cuts shifted the burden disproportionately onto lower and middle income Montanans. For ten years, households with incomes over $500,000 received a tax break of about $30,500; while those earning less than $65,000 a year received a tax break of around $23.

2. Three years ago NorthWestern studied acquiring Colstrip 1 and 2. They concluded this purchase would lose money for Montana ratepayers. Now markets are crowding out the use of coal for generating electricity.

The owners of 1 and 2 have the liability of clean-up which has been estimated at $200 million. If the state bought these two units, would that mean the tax payers would be paying the eventual cost of clean-up? For this reason, it seems financially risky for the state to pursue ownership. Montana should continue to explore options for power generation at Colstrip.

3. The transfer of public lands to state government seems to be a path toward selling of public lands. The price to maintain public lands and fighting fires would mean a great cost increase, stressing our state’s budget. This push to transfer public lands seems to be motivated by companies who want access to the natural resources.

All interests must be balanced, requiring

us to consider the needs of the land and all Montanans. Montana public lands are a strong tourist draw. We cannot ignore tourism which brings close to $4 billion to our communities and means 39,000 jobs.

4. The 2017 Legislature could enact equal pay for equal work. Pay equity would be beneficial for women, families, and increase the economic well-being of Montana. Women working full time are paid 67% what men earn, making Montana 39th in the nation for pay equity.

Women earn nearly $11,000 less per year than men in Montana. Approximately 37,000 women are head of households, one third of those households have incomes below the poverty level. Erasing this gap, these families would have enough for food, rent/mortgage, transportation, and other necessities. Why wouldn’t we want more Montana families enjoying economic security?

5. During the 2013 – 2015 interim, local governments and state agencies produced a thoughtful comprehensive infrastructure plan and with the Governor and legislators of both parties produced a truly bipartisan bill with wide support. Under duress and promise of repercussions, some buckled, voting against the infrastructure bill at session’s end. Many stakeholders came to the table and worked very hard to finalize a bill which would have touched so many parts of our state, but cooperation was withheld by a very small few. I am committed to working across the aisle to pass an infrastructure bill that benefits all Montanans.

Sean McConnaha (D) did not respond

SENATE DISTRICT 16

Name: Frank J. Smith (D) Age: 74 Occupation: Driver for veterans from the Fort Peck Reservation Family: Four children and eight grandchildren Education: Graduated High School in Poplar; completed two years in the Air Force; completed C.D.L. training F.P.C.C.

Smith

Past employment: Drove for U.S.P.S.; had my own business with 27 employees for 19 years; drove one year in the oil field Political experience: Five years on Fort Peck Tribal council; eight years Montana House of Representative, four years in Montana State Senate.

Ways voters can contact you Phone: 406-942-0615 Email: clairena@hughes.net Address: 1402 Highway 2 East, P.O. Box 729, Poplar, Mont., 59255 Phone number: 406-942-0615

Bruce Meyers (R) did not respond

SENATE DISTRICT 21

‌Carolyn Pease-Lopez (D) Age: 67 Occupation: Pastor Family: Married, five children, 18 grandchildren Education: Bachelor’s degree University of Colorado Past employment: most recent Rocky Mountain College and Little Big Horn College Pease-Lopez

Political experience: Four terms in Montana House of Representatives

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Carolyn-Pease-Lopez-for-MT-Senate-Dis trict-21-178695899189568/ Ways voters can contact you Email: carolynpeaselopez@gmail.com Address: 5723 Hwy 87 East, Billings, Mont., 59101 Phone number: 406-245-2265

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VOTER GUIDE

Billings Gazette

Sunday, October 9, 2016 | I13

SENATE DISTRICT 21

‌Jason Dean Small (R) Age: 38 Occupation: Boilermaker at Colstrip Electrical Generation Plant; cattle rancher; heavy equipment operator Family: Married to Lacey Small , two children

Small

Education: Graduated Colstrip High School; associates degree in metallurgy, Sheridan College; some college towards bachelor’s at Montana State University Past employment: Construction

Political experience: President Boilermakers 11 union 2015-present Ways voters can contact you Email: jason@fireandrock.com Address: Busby, Montana

1. Montana’s workers and businesses should be protected from the frivolous lawsuits from extremist environmental groups. Putting a stop to the lengthy legal battles for any and every natural resource project in the state should be a priority of the legislature. Any entity whether it be agriculturally based or extraction based should have the right to responsibly develop and thrive, leaving us with a robust tax base for future use.

2. The details of the settlement reached between the owners of Colstrip units 1 and 2 and MEIC specifically states that the boilers on units 1 and 2 at Colstrip must be decommissioned. While I believe there may be room left for some legal wrangling; that detail hangs heavy over the fate of Colstrip units 1 and 2. The Department of Energy recently met with folks in Helena and reiterated what any Boilermaker will tell you, the electrical grid in America needs the baseload power coal provides and will for the next 50-100 years. Facing this reality, let’s help clean the world’s coal plants up by starting right here.

3. The transfer of federal public

lands to the state government has been a hot Montana campaign issue this election cycle. Discuss the negatives, or positives, of such a transfer as you see them. Tell us if you would support such a move. I believe that public lands should stay in public hands, but that we should see more opportunities for local input into how our lands and resources are used. Montanans don’t need bureaucrats in Washington DC telling us how to manage our lands. This applies to tribal lands as well. Our sovereign nations need less interference from the government.

4. Equal pay for equal work!

5. The recent failures of the Governor and Legislature in hammering out a comprehensive infrastructure bill is that politics became more important than the needs of the people of Eastern Montana and the critical funding our communities needed became a political football for career politicians. I will never stand for that and will work hard to make sure our communities get the resources we need to make these critical upgrades to our aging infrastructure, especially in Eastern Montana.

1. First, the State of Montana’s fiscal outlook is not as dire as the question implies. Currently, its budget SURPLUS in July, 2017 is projected about $200 million as opposed to an original projection of $300 million. Montana has a strong economy with a diversified tax system. Unlike Wyoming the State of Montana is not dependent on taxes on natural resources. If Montana’s economy continues as it is now the next legislature will have to do comparatively little to address this small decline in State revenue compared to other states.

2. Given the fact that Colstrip Units 1 and 2 are at the end of their designed life, the decision of States in the markets for Colstrip electricity to end buying electricity that is generated from coal fired plants, the lower cost of electricity generated by natural gas and the projected costs of ultimately shutting down Colstrips Units 1 and 2, I strongly oppose this idea. The state government’s role should be limited to aiding the community of Colstrip and the workers at Colstrip Units 1 and 2 transition from the closing of Colstrips Units 1 and 2.

3. It is the first step in the privatization of public lands in Montana and the end of Montana’s hunting and fishing traditions. It is the idea of politicians who come from states like New Jersey. As a life long sportsman in Montana I have been

dependent on federal public lands to hunt and fish. The most joyous times of my life were spent fishing with my family and hunting with the dad, uncles and cousins on federal public lands. I would sooner cut out my heart than start the process of privatization of public lands in Montana.

4. The one thing the Legislature can do for women is adequately fund the agencies charged with enforcing laws protecting women in the workplace. Montana has strong provisions protecting women in the workplace starting with an equal rights provision in the Montana Constitution and a law requiring that women be paid the same as men for “equivalent work.” Indeed, that Montana law makes it a misdemeanor to not pay women equally as men. What is lacking is media coverage of Montana laws and proper funding of the agencies of the State of Montana that enforce these laws.

5. Politics have become very polarized. Many legislators oppose bills because of who proposes a bill rather than the substance of the bill. That is what happened on Governor Bullock’s infrastructure bill. The last compromise bill on infrastructure which narrowly failed was a reasonable bill which I would support in the next legislature. With interest rates at historic lows now is the time to invest in infrastructure.

SENATE DISTRICT 23

‌Name: Paul J. Van Tricht (D) Age: 72 Occupation: Retired attorney Family: A sister and two nephews and numerous cousins Education: Bachelor’s in chemistry from University of Montana, and a master’s and law degree from the University of Utah.

Van Tricht

Past employment: I started out hoeing sugar beets in what is now the West End of Billings. I also have been a busboy, a soldier (U.S. Army 1968-70), a chemist, a patent attorney and a litigator (that career included one oral argument before the U.S. Supreme Court).

Political experience: I ran for the Montana legislature in 1976 and in 2014 and lost.

Ways voters can contact you Email: pauljvantricht@gmail.com Address: 1134 N. 24th St., Billings, Mont., 59101 Phone number: 406-371-5350

rEPuBlican

Pro Educa Education Pro small BusinEss/ BEttEr JoBs

Peggy Webb roger Webb Candidate for Senate diStriCt 23 re-eleCt HouSe diStriCt 43

Pro tax ax rEliEf lowEr EnErgy costs

Paid for by roger Webb for Senate, P.o. box 50852, billingS, Mt 59105 and Paid for

by Peggy Webb for HouSe, P.o. box 465, billingS, Mt 59103 M 1

Vote for Elsie Arntzen for State Superintendent

Paid for by Elsie Arntzen for State Superintendent _ Republican, P.O. Box 1597, Helena, MT 59624

VOTER GUIDE

I14 | Sunday, October 9, 2016

Billings Gazette

SENATE DISTRICT 24

‌Roger Webb (R) Age: 63 Occupation: Retired Family: Wife Peggy, two married daughters Education: Bachelor’s in industrial management

Webb

Past employment: Energy and communications and small business owner Political experience: Sitting member of Montana Senate

Online campaign info: Montana Family Foundation’s Voter Guide (montanafamily.org) Ways voters can contact you Email: webb4mt@hotmail.com Address: P.O. Box 50852, Billings, Mont., 59105 Phone number: 406-861-9322

1. As a Legislator, I have witnessed the dysfunction of State Government. The Legislature and Governor’s Office either need to lead, follow, or get out of the way. As a state, we have great potential to develop an economy that is second to none. We just need to repeal stupid laws that hinder growth.

2. As Chair of the Senate Energy Committee, the state has no business in trying to run a generation facility. I would propose that the state offer to help finance a private takeover of the unit, and let capitalism and the free market run its true course.

3. Thirty-six percent of Montana is controlled by the feds. We have a proven track record that the state can and should manage all the lands held in trust by the Federal Government.

When managing lands, the feds lose $6.00 per acre whereas the state generates $2.00 per acre. We would witness a substantial turn around in

all aspects of the meaning of public lands.

4. I see no discrimination in the Montana work place as far as treatment of women against men. Both have great opportunities to develop promising career paths as well as develop and own small businesses.

With true free market opportunities and competition, the needs for an aggressive, willing and capable work force will emerge.

5. As a member of the Montana Senate, the state has yet to define what is infrastructure. The 2015 Legislature provided many opportunities to help the local communities in their requests for important wants and needs. The state failed. On numerous propositions, the Governor’s Office put politics before the needs of the people of the state. The attitude Governor Bullock has displayed in “it’s my way or no highways” mentality is damaging our state.

1. For years, a surplus in revenue has been the lynchpin for a healthy economy in Montana while providing a safety net for the state. Revenues are less than projected for the current FY, yet reports show our surplus is not too far from the projected $300 million. Legislative action in 2015 eliminated the business equipment tax for two­thirds of small businesses here in the state. Property and income taxes are up as a result of low unemployment and job growth. In the legislature I will work to ensure these taxes do not become burdensome for all hard working Montanans.

2. Montana must look out for workers and families first with an eye toward the future. The owners of Units 1&2 in Colstrip have made it clear they cannot continue to operate those units because they’re losing money doing so. Energy markets are driving energy away from coal as natural gas prices remain at an all time low. We can develop a responsible plan to help communities like Colstrip make the transition to cleaner, renewable sources of energy. As a senator, I’ll work tirelessly to ensure we replace these good paying jobs by working to attract new companies to Montana.

3. The transfer of federal public lands to the state would be costly and burdensome to Montana taxpayers. Out of state special interest groups lobbying to transfer our public lands are just not for Montana. We can’t afford the upkeep.

Wildfire management alone would mean selling public lands off to the

highest bidder. Montanans value our public lands and our outdoor heritage is what makes living here so special. Montana’s outdoor economy adds $5.8 billion and 64,000 jobs; we can’t afford to jeopardize that. In the legislature, I will vote against any attempts to sell off our public lands.

4. Paycheck Fairness legislation is a critical issue for women, children and families in Montana. Montana women are strong and independent and we pride ourselves on hard work, going all the way back to the homesteader days. Today, women make up nearly half of the workforce across the nation, yet evidence shows a clear disparity in wages and income. Ensuring equal pay for an honest day’s work will not only help women provide for their children and families, but also help grow a more diverse economic base in the state.

5. Aging infrastructure is a real problem in Montana. This is an issue impacting everyone from farmers who rely on irrigation canals, to parents with kids riding school busses over crumbling bridges. The legislature failed to increase funding for infrastructure projects last session due to ideological differences in how projects should be financed particularly over bonding and which projects should be financed. Bipartisan support and working relationships across the aisle are always necessary to do what is right for Montana, and I pledge to work with Democrats and Republicans to address aging infrastructure when the legislature convenes in 2017.

1. Montana government must adopt proven best practices in financial management that increase transparency and accountability.

Through proven systems of oversight, processes must be implemented to reduce duplication of effort in divisions, and eliminate wasteful spending & inefficiencies in operations. Zero-based budgeting should be implemented, ensuring all tax dollars are being spent as intended in the legislative process.

Once process improvements have eliminated waste, we can focus on increasing businesses and industries that bring good paying jobs and tax revenue to the state. Reduction in waste, increase in businesses, will begin to address the issues facing state finances.

2. Montanans recognize that there are significant benefits to our state that are a direct result of Coal production. Jobs, tax revenue that supports the state budget, available energy at affordable prices that allow us to keep our families warm, several Montana industries’ energy costs affordable, and so much more. Montanans benefit from coal and Montana people, not government, should play the lead role in Colstrip’s future.

3. We Montanans love our accessto-public-lands heritage. Montana should have the primary role, in collaboration with federal agencies, of maintaining lands and access the way Montanans know how to best care for our treasured lands. Federal management of the lands have proven that the federal government does not always care for or maintain the land in the best interest of Montanans.

4. Montana ranks 49th nationally in wages. We must address this issue for all Montanans. We must reduce barriers to business ownership and immediately pursue business friendly state policies to encourage business growth that promotes job growth and good paying jobs for all.

5. In the last session, several infrastructure bills were passed. They were bills that accomplished many of the objectives in the “comprehensive” bill proposed. We must continue to cooperate in the legislature to meet the needs of the people of Montana. With a cooperative spirit and commitment to always do what is in the best interest of the people… we can find solutions to even the most pressing problems in our beloved state.

SENATE DISTRICT 25

‌Jen Gross (D) Age: 33 Occupation: Manager of field operations at Planned Parenthood of Montana Family Education: Educated in Billings from Head Start through MSU­Billings. Bacherlor’s degree in environmental studies Gross gram.

Past employment: Primarily in the service industry, waiting tables in Billings and Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks; peer mentor for the SOS/TRiO pro-

Political experience: I have worked on electoral, legislative and advocacy campaigns in Montana as a volunteer and in paid positions dating back to 2008.

Online campaign info Facebook page: JenGrossSD25 Ways voters can contact you Email: jen.gross25@gmail.com Address: 211 S. 33rd St, Billings, Mont., 59101 Phone number: 406­-696-­0649

‌Donna Huston (R) Age: 45 Occupation: Director Collaborative Relations, The Center for Children and Families (most recently CEO of The Center for Children and Families)

Huston

Family: Husband, Brian; daughter Britny 19 enlisted US Navy; daughter Baylie sophomore West High; sons Brandon and Brady Central Heights Elementary

Education: Villanova, Master Project Management; Tidewater Technical Business Management Past employment: CEO, The Center for Children and Families, past nine years; financial advisor, Waddell & Reed; Community Development Division, City of Billings Political experience: Seven years on committees, councils and task forces in Montana; Best Beginnings Council; Billings Area Resource Network; Billings Area ReEntry Task Force; Montana Child Welfare Advisory Council; MT Dept. of Corrections ReEntry Task Force Facebook: Elect Donna Huston Montana Senate Twitter: @ElectHuston Linked In: Elect Donna Huston Webpage: www.DonnaHustonForMontana.com Email: donna@DonnaHustonForMontana.com Address: Elect Donna Huston, P.O. Box 22003 Billings, Mont., 59104

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VOTER GUIDE

Billings Gazette

Sunday, October 9, 2016 | I15

SENATE DISTRICT 26

‌Don Roberts (R) Age: 68 Occupation: Rancher Family: Married to Carol Roberts for 44 years; three daughters Sara, Michelle and Melissa Education: Doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.; oral and maxillofacial surgery residency, University of Iowa

Roberts

Past employment: Boarded oral and maxillofacial

surgeon

Political experience: State Legislature 2003-2004; joint committee on health and human services 2005-2006; joint committee on Health and Human Services 2009-2010; Appropriations Committee 2011-2012; Chair Appropriations, Joint Committee on Health and Human Services Facebook Page: Don Roberts, Senate District 26 Website: www.donroberts4senate.com Email: donroberts4senate@gmail.com Address: P.O. Box 21386 Phone: 406.670.8531

‌Margie MacDonald (D) Age: 65 Occupation: Regional organizer, Western Organization of Resource Councils Family: Husband John Smillie, two grown children, Siri and Charlie Smillie MacDonald

Education: University of Montana School of Journalism, bachelor’s degree

Past employment: Montana Association of Churches; Montana Office of Community Service (AmeriCorps) Political experience: Montana House of Representatives 2009-2016 Online campaign info Twitter account: N/A Facebook page: N/A Website: www.macdonaldforbillings.org Ways voters can contact you Email: macmargaret@gmail.com Address: P.O. Box 245, Billings, Mont., 59103 Phone number: 406-652-6625

1. Montana’s natural resource industry is experiencing a difficult time. In particular Colstrip has seen its existence threatened. Policy that reflects lowering taxes (which will stimulate growth), a reduction of the size of government to a more manageable level (which reduces the stress for the economic requirements for the state) and decreased energy regulations (which will enable existing businesses to grow at a better rate), in my view will make it possible for Montana to realize a more natural and sustainable growth.

2. Montana should not buy the Colstrip Units 1 and 2. Private enterprise should purchase them if it is appropriate. I suggest decreasing regulations that have been so onerous that it has made it next too impossible for coal to be adequately utilized. There have been negative statements regarding the effects of coal that have been misleading and nonfactual. With improved technology coal is still the least expensive way to produce energy. Coal per kilowatt is four cents, wind and solar twenty-six cents. To continue to provide lower energy rates for U.S. citizens’ coal needs to be taken into consideration.

3. In regards to the transfer of federal public lands to the state of Montana, I think, Montana should be able to advise the federal government in its land use policies. I would not support the sale of federal lands to Montana.

Instead we need to have improved op-

portunities for better access and use, for state and federal lands as well as enhanced access for recreational lands.

Also, there needs to be easier access to enter lands for mineral resources to be efficiently removed.

4. According to American Economist Thomas Soule, income received by an unmarried woman with no children is equal to or greater than her male counterpart. Differences in salary often occur when a married woman interrupts her career due to family obligations. I think the best course of action in the 2017 legislature to help all working/ non-working women is to create less expensive day care. By taking a look at the regulations mandated for these kinds of facilities we can streamline them to offset the financial impact experienced by women in the workplace.

5. The 2015 Montana State Legislature passed multiple infrastructure bills. These bills were broken out of a larger bill creating smaller more concise bills. There was disagreement between the Governor and the Legislature on some of the bills due to the potential of Montana accepting more debt, which is a serious undertaking that should only be made in unusual circumstances. I feel in the future with a Republican Governor, a bi-partisan effort and review of current and weighty government regulations will make negotiations and favorable arrangements more likely.

1. I will look for ways to tighten our belts, invest carefully to bolster economic security for Montanans, and continue to support a balanced budget with a rainy day fund. Montana’s fiscal solvency testifies to the prudent leadership of governors Bullock and Schweitzer working with bipartisan leadership in the legislative branch. In spite of volatile commodities markets, Montana remains in the black, in dramatic contrast to neighboring states deep in red ink, facing massive deficits and laying off hundreds of educators and health workers.

2. Colstrip Units 1 and 2 are “merchant” plants operating in the deregulated marketplace. That means they are not in a utility rate base or guaranteed a profit. With 17 straight months of natural gas pricing cheaper than coal power, they are bleeding red ink, according to their owners, who testified in front of the Energy Interim Committee recently. It makes no sense for taxpayers to take over a money-losing enterprise. I look forward to reviewing proposals from the Energy Committee that support the community and workers of Colstrip, and hope they represent sound policy I could support.

3. Transferring ownership of federal land to state ownership is ill advised.

This idea was studied by a bipartisan committee in the last interim. It concluded that the costs to manage those lands would be overwhelming to Montana taxpayers. It also would extract enormous costs from Montana’s agricultural producers. Consequently, such a transfer would result

in auctioning lands currently available to us for recreation or grazing, to the highest bidders. Many Montanans would be locked out of their favorite places, where they go to recreate, fish, hunt and hike, while our state becomes a playground for wealthy out-of-state elites.

4. I support legislation that leads toward equal pay for equal work. Over 59% of Montana families have a woman in the workforce. Good work has been done by the Governor’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Task Force identifying the inequities and steps to remedy these.

Women in local governments and in agriculture are closest to achieving equal pay. Part of the solution is greater transparency and access to information. Increased access to paid family leave can reduce the gender wage gap by increasing women’s wages in the short-run and states are addressing this as well.

5. Thousands of infrastructure jobs have been blocked because of unwillingness to finance infrastructure through bonding. I attribute it to naivete of new, inexperienced legislators who lack understanding of how government finance works, and the role of bonding in building roads, schools and bridges. The practical reality is that at the end of the session you don’t always get everything you want, and there will be a compromise infrastructure bill that is, while perhaps less than perfect, the only bill that will achieve the goal of building Montana for the future. I will keep working to pass infrastructure for Montana.

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C o u n t on C u s t e r re-eleCt Geraldine Custer for montana house distriCt 39

- 38 Years of Public service - former small business owner - TrusTed communiTY leader - a Proven Public servanT, ProTecTinG easTern monTana’s inTeresTs

Geraldine Custer

for house distriCt 39

Paid for by Custer for hd39, Box 1075 forsyth, mt 59327

VOTER GUIDE

I16 | Sunday, October 9, 2016

Billings Gazette

SENATE DISTRICT 28 ‌1. The reduced revenue requires re-prioritizing and balancing state spending commensurate with the revised revenue estimates which will be prepared early in the session. Natural resource industries, including agriculture are under both market pressure and regulatory uncertainties mostly due to federal over-reach. The legislature can review and should modify state programs to remove unnecessary barriers to those industries, but may not be able to deal directly with the underlying federal relationship. The Montana legislature’s role must ensure that the state lives within its means.

2. Colstrip’s future, as well as the future of affordable power in Montana, is jeopardized by federal over-reach and out-of-state funded radical environmentalists that wish to shut down mining and coal power generation.

Actions to pass some of the cost of these decisions to west coast rate payers, as proposed in the 2015 Session, are justified in my opinion. I believe state government should play an active role in reducing and eliminating regulatory barriers to the economic operation of this important resource, support research in carbon capture and storage technology, and encourage long term stability in the energy marketplace.

3. I believe it is impractical to expect the transfer of public lands to the state to occur under any foreseeable circumstance. There is no congressional support and the presidential candidates have expressed no interest in pursuing this course. The real problem is the intricate web of conflicting federal land

Tom Richmond (R) Age: 68 Occupation: Retired administrator/petroleum engineer Family: Wife, Rene’, 47 years Education: B.S. petroleum engineering, Montana Tech Past employment: Montana Board of Oil and Gas Conservation

Richmond

Political experience: Represented HD 56 in 2015

Legislature

Twitter: @tomrichmondMT Ways voters can contact you Email: tomrichmondMT@gmail.com Address: 3103 Westfield Drive, Billings, Mont., 59106 Phone number: 406-208-5588

regulations and long distance management that puts local citizens at a disadvantage in expressing management preferences. I support locally focused and improved multiple use management by federal agencies, but not the transfer of ownership.

4. The legislature should increase support for science, technology, engineering, and math, as well as career and technical education. Attracting young women to higher paying career fields is important. STEM education provides very portable skills with substantial earning potential, and career and technical education provides Montana industries and businesses with trained employees. Not every student needs or wants college level training—career and technical education is an important and viable alternative.

5. Previously, infrastructure funding had been contained in several bills that traditionally were separated by funding source and purpose (determined by the statute establishing the funding). During Gov. Schweitzer’s administration these bills were all combined into one, perhaps intending that there would be something for everyone in the single bill. The bill from last session combined all programs and appeared to fund every grant request even though these grants were traditionally prioritized and funded on a priority basis. The Legislature typically has split these big bills up to return to the purpose/funding source structure.

The administration should return to this format.

Deborah Abbey (D) did not respond

Candidates for statewide office report fundraising numbers ‌ ELENA — Candidates and H people exploring campaigns for statewide office in 2016 have filed their financial reports for the three-month period from July 1 through Sept. 30. Four positions — secretary of state, auditor, superintendent of public instruction and a Supreme Court justice seat — are open races, while Gov. Steve Bullock and Attorney General Tim Fox are seeking re-election.

from earlier reporting periods.

Republican Greg Gianforte, who formed an exploratory committee in August but has not declared his candidacy, raised $255,349 and spent $71,644, leaving him with $183,795.35.

Five other people also have filed paperwork as candidate or possible candidates, but none reported raising any money for the quarter.

Ron Vandevender donated $300 to his own campaign.

Governor

Attorney general

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Democrat Bullock raised $286,261 for the quarter and spent $105,465, leaving him with $776,525 in the bank when combined with the cash carried over

Republican Fox doesn’t have a primary or general election opponent yet, but that hasn’t stopped him from raising $62,923 for the quarter. He hasn’t had to spend

much, just $2,822 over the three is seeking to move into his boss months, and he has $95,202 in the Lindeen’s position. For the quarter, Laslovich raised $95,069 and bank. spent $4,665, leaving him with $111,883 in the bank. Former Secretary of state With Linda McCulloch leav- state legislator Champ Edmunds, ing the office, two Montana po- a Republican, raised $1,900 and litical veterans are vying for the spent $1,602 for the quarter. He open seat. State Auditor Mon- has $961.89 cash on hand. ica Lindeen, a Democrat, raised $12,535 for the quarter and spent Superintendent of public $581, leaving her with $38,188 in education the bank. Former state Sen. Corey Stapleton, a Republican, just Denise Juneau’s departure filed for office in September. Since leaves Democrats to defend her then, he has raised $11,470 and seat. Republican state Sen. Elsie spent $64.

Arntzen raised $22,910 and spent State auditor $5,791 for the quarter, leaving her The agency’s general coun- with $22,871 when combined with sel, Democrat Jesse Laslovich, previous cash carried over. Demo-

Vote Carolyn Pease-loPez For Mt Senate District 21 - Democrat

experience Dedication Integrity Compassion

Carolyn Pease-Lopez, born and raised in MT, now resides with her husband in rural Yellowstone County where they raised their children. Together they pastor 1st Crow Indian Baptist Church in Lodge Grass.

Carolyn has served 8 yrs in the MT House of Representatives, was House Chaplain (2009-10) and is currently Democratic Caucus Chair.

As Representative she worked for and remains committed to:

• Improving quality of life for all Montanans.

• Improving our state’s economy.

• Strengthening public education.

• Supporting working families & unions.

• Keeping Public Lands public and accessible.

• Accessible, affordable health care.

• Sensible & balanced development of natural resources.

• Investing in improvement of infrastructure.

• A clean and healthy environment.

Paid for by Pease-Lopez for SD21, 5723 Highway 87 east, Billings, Mt 59101

crat Melissa Romano-Lehman has $11,795 in the bank after raising $9,806 and spending $6,183 for the quarter.

Supreme Court

Two seats are up for election in 2016, but only one is contested at this point. District Judge Dirk Sandefur raised $45,433 and spent $1,774 over the three-month period, leaving him with $133,544 in the bank. Kristen Juras has $22,308 cash on hand after raising $11,260 and spending $6,292 for the quarter. Justice James Shea is seeking voter approval after Bullock appointed him to replace Brian Morris, who accepted an appointment as a federal judge.

REACH MORE VOTERS. Top 5 reasons to advertise in the Billings Gazette:

1 2 3 4 5

Newspaper Readers are Loyal Voters.

Nearly 9 in 10 voters who cast ballots in the last local election read a newspaper in print or online in the past week or more often.

Voters Find Newspaper Ads More Believable.

57% of voters rate newspapers-more than any other medium-as reliable, accurate, and in depth for local and civic issues.

Newspaper Readers Are Campaign Contributors.

91% of voters who contributed money to a campaign read a newspaper in print or online in the past week or more often.

Voters Prefer Newspaper Ads. Voters rate newspaper ads least annoying by 2 to 1 over local TV.

Voters Prefer Newspaper Sites When Using Mobile Devices.

1 in 4 voters are planning to use a mobile device for campaign news. Of those 25%, nearly 6 in 10 plan to use newspaper sources.

For more information on how we can help you reach Montana voters,

contact Mandy Schilling today at (406) 657-1374. *Source: Moore Information 2012

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