Billings Gazette Voter Guide May 2018

VOTER GUIDE

A LOOK AT LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATES | SUNDAY, MAY 13, 2018

Lots of new faces in 2018 primary races TOM LUTEY tlutey@billingsgazette.com

There’s no shortage of enthusiasm among legislative candidates in the 2018 primary election.

There are 10 contested primary races in The Gazette coverage area. Democrats in particular have more contested races than in previous years — and no incumbents are facing primary challengers. That means there’s a host of new names on primary ballots this year.

Republicans are challenging each other less this primary season, a welcome change for incumbents who in past years have faced a spring battle before advancing to November.

From Billings to Sidney, there are first-timers eager to represent their communities in the Montana Legislature.

Please see PRIMARIES, Page 2

Here are the questions we asked the candidates:

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Gun violence has become a national crisis at schools and public gathering places. In the first few months of 2018, Montana has had six gun threats at its high schools, including two involving guns on campuses. Guns are also Montanans’ preferred tool for suicide, of which the state has one of the highest rates in the nation.

Should the 2019 Legislature address gun violence? Please explain your position on a proposal you feel most strongly about, either for or against.

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From the first days of the current Montana budget, there have been problems. Tax collections have not been what the 2017 Legislature projected. The Legislature had to reconvene in November 2017 to patch a $227 million hole in the two-year state budget. Public services, including services for people with mental

Primaries From 1

The Gazette presented five questions to candidates in contested primary races this year.

The questions were the same for everyone. Candidates were asked to respond to each question in 100 words or fewer.

Their answers follow in this 2018 election guide for primary races.

Our questions are based on issues likely to be taken up by the 2019 Montana Legislature. We asked about gun violence, not only because of the national crisis that mass shootings have become, but also because Montana had six gun threats at its high schools, including two involving guns on campuses, in the first two months of 2018. Guns are also Montanans’ preferred tool for suicide.

The ailing state budget made our list because the current twoyear budget was proven insufficient to cover the cost of governance. The Legislature had to reconvene in November 2017 to

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VOTER GUIDE 2018

over whether university buildings belonged in an infrastructure bill. What would you do to secure funding for the infrastructure needs of Montana?

Where would that funding come from?

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Funding for Montana’s Medicaid expansion program extended health care coverage to 91,000 working Montanans earning up to $16,600 a year. The program is set to expire in June 2019. Already there’s a ballot initiative to keep the program funded using tobacco taxes. Do you support Billings Gazette‌ continuing Medicaid expansion?

A woman fills out an absentee ballot on Election Day at the Montana Pavilion at MetraPark in May 2017.

Please explain our position. If you support continuing the proture bills for nearly a decade. gram, how would you fund it? health issues and disabilities, have services? Please be specific.

There have been disagreements been cut. What budget changes The Montana Legislature with the governor about bondName an issue important to should the 2019 Legislature make has struggled to pass com- ing for infrastructure, or paying your district and explain what to align revenue with spending? prehensive state infrastruc- cash. There have been disputes you will do to address it.

Would you raise taxes? Cut public

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patch a $227 million hole in the two-year state budget. Tax collections have not been what the 2017 Legislature projected.

Medicaid expansion is sure to come up when lawmakers meet in 2019. The Montana Legislature voted in 2015 to offer Medicaid to working Montanans earning up to $16,600 a year. Some 91,000 Montanans signed up for Medicaid under the new terms.

But the program expires in 2019.

Lawmakers will have to decide whether to keep funding the program.

Last, we asked candidates about what they were willing to do to pass the state’s first comprehensive infrastructure bill in nearly a decade. Political differences have over the years scuttled attempts to repair roads, build bridges and renovate state buildings.

Absentee ballots were mailed out May 11, and walk-up voting began May 7. Anyone uncertain about whether they should be receiving an absentee ballot may logon to the voter page https:// app.mt.gov/voterinfo/.

Election Day is June 5.

The Montana Capitol Building is shown in Helena.

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Thom Bridge, Helena Independent Record

Index House District 35 ���������������������������������������������������������� 4 House District 46 ���������������������������������������������������������� 5 House District 49 ���������������������������������������������������������� 6 House District 50 ���������������������������������������������������������� 8 House District 52 ������������������������������������������������� 10-11 House District 56 ������������������������������������������������������� 12 Senate District 19 ������������������������������������������������ 13-14 Senate District 22 ����������������������������������������������������� 15 Senate District 29 ����������������������������������������������������� 16 How to register to vote ������������������������������������������� 17 The voting process ���������������������������������������������������� 18

LARRY MAYER, Billings Gazette‌

Voters arrive at the Montana Pavilion to vote in November 2016 as the polls open.

VOTE

ELECT BILL HARRIS FOR SENATE DIST. 19

I am currently serving as Representative in House District # 37, However am running for the position open in Senate District #19

Some of my priorities for 2019 Legislative Session, are:

The Right Choice • Endorsed by Tina Volek

www.ThomasPardyForJudge.com PAID FOR B Y

591 Billings MT, ox 1692, • P.O. B l Pardy Crysta r e r u Thomas s Pardy for Judge Department 7 • Trea

03 • thomaspardyforjudge@gmail.co

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* COMPLETE XL PIPELINE PROJECT to enhance employment, to increase our economy * DEFEND FARMING AND RANCHING No Free Roaming Bison * DEFEND THE 2ND AMENDMENT all Montana legal gun owners should be able to conceal & carry * DEFEND THE ENGINE OF OUR ECONOMY – OUR YOUTH! Offer Tax relief to employers that are willing to make paying down employees school debt a part of the employment agreement * IMPROVE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN ALL 1ST RESPONDERS * REFORM INCARCERATION to focus on long term drug and alcohol treatment (prisons and jails are full of repeat non-violent addicted offenders) * TRANSPARENCY IN STATE GOVERNMENT Make all Federal mandates subject to State legislative oversight Paid for by Bill Harris, Republican Representative, P.O. Box 205, Winnett, Montana, 59087

VOTER GUIDE 2018

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HOUSE DISTRICT 35 Past Employment: Netzer Law Office, P.C. Past political experience: Chairman of the Richland County Republican Central Committee.

Campaign volunteer on numerous past political campaigns for federal, state, and local candidates.

Online campaign info: Facebook: www.facebook. com/joelkrautter1 Website: www.joelforrichlandco.com joelforhd35@gmail.

Email: com Address: 703 6th St. SE, Sidney, Montana, 59270 Phone: 406-482-9610

Joel G. Krautter - R

Age: 30 Occupation: Attorney Education: University of Montana School of Law, juris doctor, 2014; Liberty University, bachelor’s of science in government: pre-Law, cum laude, 2011.

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Schools in inner cities like Detroit don’t have a problem with mass shootings because they have defensive barriers and have had to think about preventing gun violence long before suburban and rural schools have. There are lessons Montana can learn from

these schools regarding school safety. Schools will not be safer by further restricting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.

It is a false choice to believe our only options to deal with budget challenges are to either cut services or raise taxes or some combination of both. I would rather support legislation that promotes economic growth, through increasing responsible natural resource development and working to help small businesses better adapt to selling their products through the online marketplace where they can significantly increase their customer base.

Through more economic growth, Montana will not need to raise taxes or cut needed services and programs.

Responsible investments in infrastructure are critical to maintaining a healthy economy.

I would like to see infrastructure

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A Proven Leader Building Consensus

funded with cash from a booming Montana economy. However, just like one would prefer to pay cash for a car or house purchase, sometimes one needs to borrow money. Similarly with funding infrastructure investments, I realize it may not be possible to fund infrastructure projects without limited bonding. We cannot continue to defer needed infrastructure improvements, like past legislatures have done with the hopes that the money will be there in a few years, as projects only get more expensive and problematic.

Before taking a position on continuing Medicaid expansion, I would want to know the status of future federal funding for the program, to assess whether continuing the program poses unreasonable fiscal risks to Montana’s budget. I would also want to review the work requirements for participants, to try and reduce the chances for people abusing

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the program. Tying funding to tobacco taxes is problematic, as historically this is a declining revenue stream when people stop using tobacco products for either voluntary or involuntary reasons.

One issue facing Richland County and rural Montana is on retaining and attracting young people. Without leadership, discussion and action to address this brewing problem, our rural areas may dry up and vanish in the future. Richland County is also being threatened with a proposed landfill that risks causing Montana to become a dumping ground for radioactive oilfield waste that North Dakota doesn’t want. It is being proposed in close proximity to the Yellowstone River and neighboring family residences. The legislature needs to protect our area water quality and agriculture resources from this long-term threat to our way of life.

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My Experience Includes: • 44 years as a teacher, principal and superintendent • 6 years working with the Montana Legislature • Sponsored Career Technical Education funding bill that passed both House and Senate Community Memberships:

Contact me with comments, questions, or concerns.

Email: tnbouck@gmail.com Phone: 406-670-7750

• Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors • Downtown Rotary • Boys and Girls Club of Yellowstone County Board of Directors • Kiwanis Club • Big Sky Economic Development Agency Board of Directors Paid for by: Bouck for Montana Robyn Driscoll - Treasurer 404 Houle Dr.,Billings, MT 59102

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VOTER GUIDE 2018

HOUSE DISTRICT 46

Bill Mercer - R Age: 54 Occupation: Attorney (partner, Holland & Hart, LLP) Family: Spouse (Marci); children (Whit and Ella) Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of Montana, 1986; M.P.A., Harvard University, 1988; J.D., George Mason University, 1993 Past Employment: 2001 -2009, United States At-

torney, District of Montana 2006 -2007, Acting Associate Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, D.C. 2005 -2006, Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, D.C. 1994 -2001, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Montana 1989 -1994, Senior Policy Analyst and Counselor to the Assistant Attorney General, Office of Policy Development, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, D.C. 1988 – 1989, Presidential Management Intern, Revenue Estimating Division, Office of Tax Analysis, Department of the Treasury, Washington, D.C. Past political experience: Chairman (and member), Montana Board of Crime Control Online campaign info: Email: wwmercer406@gmail. com Address: 4124 Laredo Place, which is in the district.

Mailing address: P.O. Box 2118, Billings, Montana, 59103 Phone: 698-1671

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No, given the proposals, the Legislature would fail to protect the Second Amendment rights of Montanans should it enact them. The Montana Legislature has done a good job protecting citizens’ state and federal constitutional rights and must do so in the future. Many federal laws preclude gun possession and gun purchases by certain persons (e.g., most felons), including a prohibition of handgun possession by juveniles. During my term as U.S. Attorney, we prioritized investigations and prosecutions of illegal gun possession. There are many existing gun laws; we need robust enforcement of them as opposed to enacting new laws.

As a limited government conservative, I will look for ways to reduce the size and scope of state government. A strength of the state constitution is its requirement that the budget be balanced. If there is a shortfall of revenue when compared to proposed spending, I would oppose tax increases and reduce spending. The Legislature and the Executive Branch must work to

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maintain a positive business climate so that new enterprises will create additional jobs and add to our tax base. Maintaining existing businesses and adding new businesses are essential to the state’s overall financial health, including tax revenue.

Critical infrastructure warrants investment from the state. For critical infrastructure, bonding is a legitimate funding mechanism. What constitutes critical infrastructure is a tougher question. Given the budgetary challenges that the state has faced, there are limits on our ability to support certain bricks and mortar projects. Whether state financing is essential for an infrastructure project may be informed by the availability of private resources for a project.

I would not have supported Medicaid expansion had I served in the 2015 Legislature, and my views are unchanged since that time. Its cost in the next biennium ($1.2 billion) is almost double the forecast in 2015. Before the federal Affordable Care Act authorized Medic-

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aid expansion, policymakers in most states, including Montana, were troubled about how the state share of the program could be met given steep increases in costs.

That question persists today, but it gets little attention. I favor the programmatic coverage offered through Medicaid as it existed before the Legislature authorized Medicaid expansion post-Obamacare.

I grew up in House District 46 and have lived there since 2001. There are many issues of importance to the district’s voters. The most significant issue is improving the economic climate in Montana to create and maintain good paying jobs by keeping taxes and government spending low and minimizing government regulation. For voters with friends and family who wish to live in Montana, our ability to foster an inviting economic climate is a priority. Many voters would also assert that dependence on government and growth in governmental spending cannot continue to increase. I will work to advance these principles.

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HOUSE DISTRICT 46 Josiah Loven - R Age: 30 Occupation: Service adviser Family: Wife, Jill, and three children: Ayn 2; Erik 4; and Brandy 6 Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science, with a history minor Past Employment: Montana State GOP Past political experience: Chairman of the Yellowstone Republican Central Committee, and Eastern Montana Team Leader for Montana State GOP Engagement Team Online campaign info: Facebook: Josiah Loven for

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Money raised by the LegisHouse District 46 lature is regularly misused Email: josiahloven@gmail. by the governor’s office, and isn’t com spent for the purposes it was inPhone: 406-210-4905 tended for. There is enough money The Montana constitution, raised in taxes each year to promuch like the Constitution vide essential services for the peoof the United States, protects the ple of Montana, but Steve Bullock rights of Montanans to keep and needs to stop wasting it on things bear arms. It is essential that each it wasn’t intended for.

Montana already raises legislator honors his or her oath enough money to pay for to the Constitution and stands up for the rights of Montanans. its infrastructure needs, but it There is a great deal we can do to doesn’t use the money for that help Montanans facing suicide, or purpose. I went to MSUB and dealing with issues at school that have seen the work that the they feel are un-resolvable. Tak- buildings need. There are roads ing guns away from law-abiding around Billings that desperately citizens isn’t the way to do it need work. These should be made though. priorities by the Legislature rath-

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er than wasting money on things that the people never see a benefit from.

I would not support continuing Medicaid expansion. Putting our health care in the hands of Washington rather than in the hands of Montanans will not lead to long-term success.

My first priority will be to cut taxes so the people of my district can decide for themselves how to spend their own hardearned money. I would also make sure, however, that I take care of infrastructure needs that my district has, like ensuring that Zimmerman Trail and the Rims are safe for people living below them, and that Highway 3 is maintained.

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VOTER GUIDE 2018

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HOUSE DISTRICT 49

‌Emma Kerr-Carpenter - D Age: 29 Occupation: Community education coordinator at Youth Dynamics Family: Dan Cohn (fiancé) Education: Bachelor’s degree of arts and religion; bachelor’s degree in international relations; Boston University 2012

Past employment: Home visitor for Family Support Network, Billings Past political experience: Board of directors, Northern Plains Resource Council Online campaign info: Instagram: @emmaformontana Facebook: @emmaformontana Website: www.emmaformontana.org Email: emmaformontana@ gmail.com Address: In the district at 444 Lewis Ave, Billings, MT 59101 Phone: 406-894-0377

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We rank highest in the country for both completed suicides and accidental deaths caused by guns. It should be a nobrainer for the 2019 Legislature to close the fatal gap in Montana gun laws by requiring federal background checks for those seeking to buy guns. Montana has more requirements for vehicle own-

ers and homeowners than for gun owners. We should ensure that Montana gun owners meet minimum standards of safety before being allowed to own or operate them. This common sense measure closes Montana’s fatal gap that results in the deaths of Montana children and adults.

The Legislature’s job is to build a budget and tax system that encourages growth and prosperity for all Montanans — now and into the future. The 2019 Legislature must create a budget that is based on realistic projections of Montana’s revenue. Permanently cutting services that support the most vulnerable Montanans is not a path to a sustainable budget or prosperity for our working families. We must close loopholes that allow multinational corporations to avoid paying their fair share, increase the taxes of our most wealthy residents, and build a tax system that works for the Montana of today and tomorrow.

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should take a “common sense” approach to gun violence that takes into account mental health and individuals’ backgrounds.

Gun violence is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive review from all stakeholders.

This issue is near and dear to my heart. At the school district, we constantly scrubbed the budget, line-by-line, to ensure that all dollars went toward the education of our children. While before the Legislature, I saw the value of working together. I have proven my dedication to improving public services, while maintaining fiscal responsibility for our community. I will continue to be a good steward of our revenues, to work in a bipartisan way, and to continue to seek input from our community. I will ensure that each potential cut, increase and change is vetted responsibly and openly.

At Billings Public Schools, I joined forces with all stakeholders to pass an infrastructure

bill in excess of $122 million. In the Legislature, we would need to bring leaders from all levels of government, business, and community to the table to talk about infrastructure needs. Funding could come from a variety of sources including, but not limited to, private/public partnerships, grants, energy bonding, and subsidized bonding, as well as development of an infrastructure bank. Prioritizing infrastructure needs is critical. Using the ASCE report card for Montana Infrastructure will enable development and implementation of a state-wide Capital Improvement Plan.

In an effort to learn as much as possible about Medicaid, I contacted Billings Clinic, St. Vincent Healthcare and RiverStone Health, all of whom support expansion. Medicaid provides a safety net to the poor, elderly, children and disabled — those who need our support most. However, it is something

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Montana needs $67 billion to fund necessary infrastructure improvements like high-quality schools, smooth roads, and safe bridges. This money will have to come from a combination of cash and bonding. Bonds do not mean more taxes for working Montanans, we can raise taxes on large businesses or other entities to bond these projects. I would like to buy a home one day, but I can’t buy it with cash. I will have to take a mortgage out to buy my house, and why would state infrastructure be any different? We have to pay for what we need.

I strongly support Medicaid expansion and the cigarette tax proposed to fund it. Lots of my neighbors depend on Medicaid for access to critical medications and care, including insulin, EpiPens, physical therapy, mental health care, wheelchairs, and oxygen. Providing access to health care is one of our baseline obligations to our fellow

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Montanans. Medicaid expansion has benefited Montana by creating thousands of jobs in rural Montana. Every Montanan benefits when people can access preventative care instead of emergency care, have fewer medical bankruptcies, and are able to work and provide for themselves because they’re healthy.

A top issue in my district is the cost of housing. Homeowners and renters, especially those on fixed incomes, face rising rents, utility bills, and taxes to pay for important things like roads and public schools. I would reconcile these issues in several ways. I would advocate for more state funding for public schools reducing the responsibility Billings property owners face to fund our schools. We can lower residential utility bills through commonsense financing mechanisms that pay for home weatherization and renewable energy solutions through savings, such as on bill financing.

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HOUSE DISTRICT 49 Washington University); School Superintendent Certification (Seattle Pacific University) Past Employment: Superintendent of Peninsula School District; teacher/principal/assistant superintendent in Tacoma School District Past political experience: None Online campaign info: Twitter: BouckForMT. Facebook: BouckForMT Email: tnbouck@gmail.com Phone: 406-670-7750

‌Terry Bouck - D Age: 68 Occupation: Superintendent of Billings Public Schools Family: Kristy Bouck (wife), 5 Children and 7 Grandchildren Education: Bachelor’s of arts degree in education (Central Washington University); Master’s degree in education (Central

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VOTER GUIDE 2018

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Addressing gun violence means first having a conversation about our needs and wants as a society. The conversation needs to be bipartisan and reasonable and protect both lives and gun owners. I support the Second Amendment and Montanans’ gun rights, but I also support the need for enforcing our current laws (such as the 2016 HIPAA rules) and tightening up areas of concern. I believe the 2019 Legislature

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that I would want to fully educate myself about as the program expands, and to bear in mind all potential funding sources. I would also want to be vigilant regarding potential for fraud. I am in favor of expansion, but am also willing to hear all sides of the issue.

Ensuring a livable wage is extremely important and directly impacts my district. In the next 8 years, it is anticipated there will be 32,000 jobs in Yellowstone County due to retirements and growth. I believe we should provide training to develop a skilled workforce that is career-ready for local businesses.

I will continue my partnerships that incorporate trades, apprenticeships, certification programs, K-12 Education and Higher Ed. Training, recruiting, and retaining our local workers will help to develop a strong employable workforce that has technical and soft skills. This will better enable enjoyment of our outstanding quality of life in Billings.

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Billings Gazette‌

Voters fill out absentee ballots on Election Day at the Montana Pavilion at MetraPark in May 2017.

Vote

Black

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Vote Mike Black for Yellowstone County Commissioner mikeblack.yc@gmail.com Paid for by Mike Black for County Commissioner PO Box 3182 Billings, MT 59103

VOTER GUIDE 2018

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HOUSE DISTRICT 50 sistant for Missoula Parks & Rec after-school program Past political experience: Volunteer work on local campaigns Education: Billings Senior grad; bachelor’s degree in sociology from University of Montana Twitter: @RaiseTheBahrMT Facebook: Jade Bahr for HD 50 Website: www.jadebahr.com Email: jadebahrmt@gmail. com Telephone: 406-855-7123

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Jade Bahr - D ‌ ge: 29 A Occupation: Vocational specialist and community coordinator for adults with disability Past employment: Mental health support worker for at-risk youth, program assistant for Big Brothers Big Sisters, program as-

The Montana Legislature must address gun safety. We can do so without compromising the Second Amendment. In the wake of the Parkland mass shooting, there has been a lot of buzz about addressing mental health care in this country. We should be doing that anyway. But as it relates to gun violence, we should develop a mechanism for law enforcement to remove firearms when they identify someone who

poses an immediate threat of harm to self or others. Any law must include due process for affected individuals and assure processes for returning firearms at the conclusion of temporary prohibitions.

I work in the community connecting adults with disabilities to our available community resources. I see the benefits and gaps in public services.

Every day I encounter people — real people — who cannot access the services they need to survive.

These cuts are detrimental to the lives of the people I serve. But the big picture is not lost on me. Cuts could have been avoided if the Legislature had taken a fiscally responsible approach to the budget. In 2019, I will prioritize reversing permanent tax cuts that resulted from the Special Session and I will work to modernize our tax system. Out of state corporations and the wealthy elite must pay their fair share.

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The reality we live in is that guns are and will be a part of our state’s culture. With that in mind I think it is worth our legislature looking at adding gun safety classes to our education curriculum.

First the Legislature must adopt honest revenue forecast, and not deliberately inflate revenue estimates to allow funding for pet projects or tax cuts.

Secondly the legislature needs to reverse the cuts that took place in the special session. This will mean raising revenue. Whether that is keeping in place permanently the new management fee implemented, raising income taxes on the wealthiest Montanan’s, imposing new taxes on the largest corporations in the state, or looking at entirely new revenue streams. Additional Revenue is a reality if we are to fund vital services, and we must be honest with voters about that.

An infrastructure bill is important for all of the communities in Montana whether

they are the urban like Billings or small agricultural communities like Roberts. I believe that the legislature needs to pass an infrastructure bonding bill with a focus on infrastructure that is needed across the state and stop prioritizing partisan bickering over the needs of our state. Bonding allows the state to meet our infrastructure needs without putting immediate pressure on our tight state budget. I believe a successful infrastructure bill will have a mix of bonding and cash payments to meet the needs of our state.

I support reauthorizing the Medicaid expansion. The Medicaid expansion has not only provided insurance to approximately 90,000 Montanans, but also created about 5,000 good paying jobs. According to a recent study the Medicaid expansion will essentially pay for itself.

I support using the tobacco taxes to fund this expansion. Addi-

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We must address crumbling roads, bridges and outdated sewer systems that have been described as reaching a critical state of disrepair. As your legislator, I will work with the bipartisan Infrastructure Coalition to offer innovative funding solutions. In 2017, interest rates for bonding were at an all-time low. We may not have that opportunity again.

“User fees” may be one option, and we must fully leverage federal match dollars for all highway investments.

Nearly 10 percent of Montanans with insurance are covered thanks to our state’s expansion of Medicaid to adults earning $16,000 per year or less.

These folks now have access to preventive health services including mental health care, dental and vision. That in itself is reason to extend the program.

But Medicaid expansion has additional economic perks. A new independent report found this

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program generates 5,000 jobs and $270 million in personal income annually. Expanded Medicaid improves health outcomes, reduces crime and spurs the economy. Costs to the state are already offset by revenues associated with increased economic activity.

As I have been out knocking doors in House District 50, I have met a lot of young families.

Many struggle with the cost of childcare and some can’t afford to send their kids to preschool. Publicly funded preschool is the reality in 45 states. Pre-K improves educational outcomes and booms local economies. If we can’t get there this legislative session, we should continue to expand the STARS program, which is a public-private partnership offering grants to childcare providers who are also qualified to provide preK educational programs. We will realize savings in our larger education system.

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HOUSE DISTRICT 50 Past Employment: Business agent for UFCW Local 4 and clerk at Albertsons Past political experience: Served as a volunteer on multiple legislative and Initiative campaigns. Previous field organizer for MDLCC Online campaign info: Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/JoshuaBradshawforHD50/ jbradshawhd50@ Email: gmail.com Address: 3928 3rd Ave. S. Billings, Montana, 59101 Phone: 406/861-2666

Joshua Bradshaw - D Age: 29 Occupation: Wells Fargo research/remediation associate Family: Mother, Jennifer Bradshaw; father, Larry Bradshaw Education: Bachelor’s of science in political science University Honor Scholar MSU Billings

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VOTER GUIDE 2018

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This is a difficult issue facing our state. I would not support an outright ban on a particular type of gun because I do not think it would be effective. I believe the answer lies in providing access to mental health care and adjusting the way we sell guns. I do support universal background checks including on private sales.

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tionally, I believe the recent cuts to dental coverage should be reversed. These dental services are needed to help our low-income residents have fair economic opportunities. Lacking dental care can lead to bad dental health that contributes to many health problems and can also make it difficult to obtain employment.

Funding our schools in new and creative ways. This resonates, because the voters of my district support our schools and want to see them fully funded, but they cannot always absorb the cost in property taxes alone.

I will start by working with Billings Legislators to provide a foundation to address this issue.

The complexity of school funding will require broad bipartisan support from across Montana’s urban and rural areas. Living in and having ties to both parts of Montana positions me to bring these groups together on this issue.

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AL HAS A SERVANT’S HEART

FIXING BROKEN

• Served veterans as a doctor • Served Air Force for 13 years • Served MT as an orthopedic surgeon for 20 years • Served MT as a legislator for 4 years

• 30 years a surgeon • 13 years in the Air Force • Uniquely qualified to fix veteran’s health care • Al has SOLUTIONS, not rhetoric

Find out more about Al and his strategy by visiting the website below.

Check it out today. www.swampproof.org FAMILY VALUES • Honest • Loyal (He took no money from the swamp) • Al is poised to be a leader in supporting family values • Al believes the best use of extra tax money is to leave it in your pocket AL’S PRIORITIES • Fix health & veteran’s care • Downsize government • Grow the economy • Protect ALL our constitutional rights especially the 1st and 2nd ammendments

Al’s passion is for the people of Montana. Born and grew up in Great Falls. Chose to return to Montana after being in the Air Force to raise his family in the Treasure State among the people that he loves. As Al always likes to say, “No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.”

VOTE for Al Olszewski in the Republican Primary June 5th!

PAID FOR BY EXCELLENCE IN VOTING, PAC, RAY THOMPSON, TREASURER (FOUNDER OF SEMITOOL) PO BOX 2294, KALISPELL, MT 59903

VOTERS GUIDE 2018 | May 2018

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HOUSE DISTRICT 52 Education: Billings West High and some college Past employment: Oil fieldrelated employment Past political experience: Elected member of Montana House of Representatives 1985-87 Online campaign info: Email: Rodneygarcia1954@ gmail.com Address: Lived in the district for many years Phone: 406-850-7346

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Our schools are well known as “gun free zones.” One of our most famous “gun free zones” is murderous Chicago ... how’s that working out? Reason‌Rodney Garcia - R able gun laws can help or keep our Age: 64 kids and teachers at continued Occupation: Retired from great risk. The only proven protection from someone bad with full-time work Family: Three sons, two a gun is someone good with a daughters and Lenny, my nephew gun. I am very sure that Montana schools will have no trouble at all (Down Syndrome)

attracting very well trained, vetted and certified school personnel or private citizens like retired law enforcement to keep our kids and teachers safe. Any legislation should rely heavily on law enforcement professionals’ advice.

Government is way too big and expensive. Big government advocates persist in growing the cost of programs and then when revenues decline, as they always do on a cyclical basis, they absolutely threaten to cut essential services instead of coming clean that they were wrong. Our state payroll has increased by somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 employees in (roughly) the last 10 years. The inevitable downturn in tax revenues due to the loss of Bakken related jobs is something we cannot control, but just maybe we shouldn’t have hired so many. Cut the hiring, not the programs.

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I have not been in the Legislature in the last few years when all the arguments, for and against every option, were fought and since I pay close attention to every idea offered when I was in the Legislature and afterward, I cannot say what is best until I have all the information at hand. I can say, however, that whatever type of facilities government “owns,” (municipal water and sewer systems and pipes, roads, bridges, buildings, etc.), government is only the caretakers for the people and have an obligation to maintain them for their real owners, us.

The big argument in favor of this Obamacare expansion was that it wouldn’t cost us very much at all; that the Feds will pay for it for 5 years. Ok, then what? Where are we going to come up with another $400,000,000? Legislators have

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to learn that, no matter how excellent a new program might be, sometimes the best thing is to admit that we just don’t have the money. It is not THEIR money they are obligating, it is ours.

Why is that so hard for them to understand?

The problems are the same for the 30-plus years of my service to Billings. Drugs are all over the state. I have worked hard to keep pornography from our kids, especially in public libraries. We need more and better jobs, not government ones but union and private companies’ employment so wages will go up for everybody. I am a doer, not a weak follower. I have a long record of getting things done and I will keep working with Republicans and Democrats alike for the people should they choose to send me back to the Montana Legislature.

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HOUSE DISTRICT 52 gun safety. Mental illness is a real issue for many and blaming guns won’t solve the problem.

We need to build up our children, so they have goals, dreams, and a positive future in our beautiful state. We as parents and adults need to step up when kids are being bullied at school. I will be a tireless advocate of the suicide prevention hotline and other organizations helping these children. That’s a good start to help the problem.

I’m against raising taxes on hardworking Montanans. Why should citizens be responsible for a mess made by our elected officials in Helena?

Debbie Rowe - R Montana has a balanced budget Age: 49 amendment and it needs to be I believe in the Second taken seriously. Let’s fix those Occupation: Associate for 7k Amendment. I also believe “projections” to be more accuMetals Family: Married 25 years to we need to teach our children rate. Once the numbers match Aldo Rowe; two sons.

Education: Graduate from Billings Christian School and 2+ years college at Colorado Christian University Past employment: TW Retirement Strategies, Bresnan/ Optimum/Charter, North Central Foods Systems Past political experience: None Online campaign info: Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/debbierowehd52/ Website: www.debbieroweformt.com debbierowehd52@ Email: gmail.com Address: 2322 Henesta Drive, Billings, Montana 59102

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up the Legislature can better allocate funds for public services.

Montana needs to look at how much help we can get from the Federal Government, especially with President Trump’s proposed infrastructure bill. A lot of funding can possibly come from there. Next, I’m a big fan of competition between contractors which can lower the cost on these big projects. I’m also open to removing special interest labor requirements which significantly increase the cost of infrastructure projects.

Much of the Medicaid problem is largely drug prices. Adding competition in the pharmaceutical market would reduce cost and provide cheaper alternatives. That means cutting the red tape of

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government and letting more health care entrepreneurs into the marketplace. Medicaid is important to many people in Montana. I want to start helping by trying to lower the cost of drugs. An increased tobacco tax isn’t the right solution.

I believe we need to have better paying jobs in Montana. It shouldn’t take 2-3 jobs to raise the next generation of Montanans. I’m an advocate for digital and technological training inside schools. We need more programmers, engineers, and creators in Montana. Also, we need to have vocational schools teach trades that don’t need a college education that can earn them money right out of high school. We need better schools, less taxes, and a smaller government.

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HOUSE DISTRICT 52 University Billings degree in mass communications Past employment: Northern Plains Resource Council; Old Navy cashier; Rocky Mountain College assistant to Gerry Roe; Venture Theatre interim company manager Past political experience: Yellowstone County Democratic Central Committee vice chair; Bernie Sanders 2016 Campaign canvasser; Associated Students of MSU Billings senator Online campaign info: Twitter: @Amelia4MT Facebook: MarquezForMT Website: www.MarquezForMontana.com Amelia D. Marquez - D MarquezFor52@ Email: Age: 24 gmail.com Occupation: Herberger’s— Address: 1121 Rays Lane in Cash Office/Sales Associate Billings, in the district Family: Parents Rebecca and Phone: 406-860-5420 Javier Marquez Education: Montana State

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The 2019 Legislature should absolutely address gun violence. I proudly marched with our Billings’ students back in March against gun violence. Our younger generations are demanding our lawmakers to look for answers on keeping our schools and communities safe.

Mega corporations and the ultra wealthy are not paying their fair share in taxes. Corporations are taking advantage of the system through corporate welfare.

I would ask for a raise in taxes for the top one percent while keeping taxes the same for the bottom 98 or 99 percent.

On that note, the last services that should ever be cut are services for mental health issues and physical disabilities. I have four foster children in my house at this moment and I’ll do everything I can to guarantee the correct care for them in my home and at a state

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What would you do to secure funding for the infrastructure needs of Montana? Where would that funding come from?

First, it is important to state that every year we go forward without a proper infrastructure bill all Montanans are hurt. We lose jobs, our roads and highways become dangerous, and people leave Montana.

Also, the longer that we allow buildings to sit in a condemned state at MSU Billings the more it hurts our economy. A bustling MSU Billings means better business for all of us.

With our current budget crisis, we have no other way to push an infrastructure bill through Helena without bonding.

I not only support continuing Medicaid expansion, I believe that we should guarantee health care as a right for everyone

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and not a privilege for only those that can afford it. A tobacco tax is one way that we can continue supporting Medicaid expansion.

Another way fiscally and ethically responsible solution would be moving Montana to a single-payer health care system.

As I have nearly knocked on 1,000 doors in HD 52, I have heard a plethora of issues relating to our district. One of the issues I hear the most is about our corrupt government.

I am a part of the working class. Proudly, I will go to Helena as a lower-middle class citizen of Billings and come back home the same. For too long have politicians forgotten about those of us that they are actually supposed to represent.

We need more middle class to run for government, and I want to help make our state’s legislature the role model for other states.

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HOUSE DISTRICT 52 ‌Dustin Deering - D Occupation: Pipefitter Education: Trades school Past employment: Been a pipefitter for a bit, was a sailor before that.

Past political experience: None Online campaign info: Facebook: Facebook@deeringformt

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I was raised in Montana. I could shoot at the early age

of being strong enough to hold up a rifle long enough to train it on a target. At that age however I was taught that these tools we possess are a big deal. When we got home we cleaned them, and locked them away in a gun cabinet. That’s where guns belong, in the hands of capable users, not for “some kid” or to be within reach of some person not qualified to possess them. To answer your question indirectly; Guns aren’t necessarily the issue.

Those who advocate for the open sales of these tools are.

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Taxes are how we protect our free society. Everyone including “We the people” have to pay to play. The working class is burdened enough, and we always will be so long as the perspective is, we should be.

Well this is a hill I’d be proud to die on. This is our coal, this is our wind, these are our roads and schools, our hunting grounds, streams and rivers.

The free market is always the best source of funds, so far as I know.

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First off, health care as it’s called, is a right, inferred in the Constitution of the United States. It is pretty hard to pursue happiness with a hitch in your giddyup. I expect these expenses should be allotted for in the design of our infrastructure.

To this day I do not know how they have not been. I am however a union man, we figure this into the negotiation process. It’s just the way I think.

I believe the biggest issue right now is our public education, we need to always make this a priority.

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HOUSE DISTRICT 56

Dan Gold - D Age: 36 Occupation: Warren Transport/Weave Companies—director Family: Parents: Berril and Florence Gold Education: Bachelor’s degree in economics from the Wharton School of the University of Penn-

sylvania Past employment: Warren Transport/Weave Companies – CFO; Gather Mobile Pay – CFO; Stillwater Mining Co. – financial analyst; Q Advisors – associate, mergers and acquisitions Past political experience: Internships with Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) and Charles Robb (D-VA) Online campaign info: Email: gold4mt@gmail.com Address: PO Box 20014. Billings, Montana, 59104. I have been employed by, and currently serve on the board of directors for, a company in the district Phone: 406-272-1176

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Gun violence will surely be a topic for the Legislature in Montana and across the nation.

The Montana Legislature should address the issue by looking for solutions to reduce the risks of catastrophic gun violence in schools and public places, while still protecting the recreational activities

that Montanans enjoy. A tax on certain high-capacity firearms will help reduce their prevalence, while providing funding for school safety and suicide prevention programs. I also believe that a firearm should not be an impulse purchase. Owning a firearm is both a right and a responsibility, and legislation should reflect both points.

Having served as the chief financial officer of multiple forprofit organizations, I have made a career out of developing, implementing and managing budgets.

Accordingly, the state’s budget is an area that I feel extremely passionate about. Aside from looking to drive efficiencies through the implementation of technology, processes and procedures, Montana is in the very unique position that over ten times more tourists visit the state each year than there are residents living in the state. I would promote fiscal policies that generate additional revenue for the state paid for by tourists and non-residents.

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a public health and safety issue. I have taught through this schoolshooting era and see the stress and concern our students face daily. My husband’s life has been threatened by a student bringing a handgun to school this year. I will work to ensure smart legislation is enacted for the safety of our students and family members.

The 2019 Legislature needs to tap into Federal dollars allocated toward communication networks within schools for quicker reporting. Gun-free schools are critical to safe education.

Montana needs to increase revenue by bringing in industries with higher paying jobs and supporting our small businesses at the state and local level.

Our investment in businesses will secure their success and will ensure increased Montana revenue.

We need to tap into our tourism industry at a higher rate by supporting restaurants and hotels.

Property taxes must not be raised

to make up for our deficit. That being said, it is detrimental to our way of life to cut public services.

Without these services the students I teach everyday will seek out-of-state education and jobs.

In order to address our budget concerns, we must pass an infrastructure bill in the 2019 legislative session. In order to compensate for the deferred maintenance to our buildings, roads, bridges and internet access, we need to begin this project now. Montanans must support an infrastructure bond as an investment in our state’s future. State university facilities belong on an infrastructure bill. The students I see daily are among the nation’s brightest individuals. To secure these intellectual resources stay in our state we need to bolster the facilities and bring in programs that appeal to the 21st century marketplace.

Hard working, low-income citizens of Montana de-

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Infrastructure investments are always a challenge because they benefit certain residents more than others. For this reason, infrastructure needs are best paid for by those who benefit from the project. Anyone who has ever driven over a bridge in a major city understands the point I am making. People living in Pittsburgh are not willing to pay for a bridge they will never use in Philadelphia, so, in order to fund the bridge, people in Philadelphia pay a toll every time they use the bridge. Tolls and other local infrastructure levies are a necessity to successfully fund needed projects.

I believe the most equitable way to fund state health care costs is to tax behaviors that increase these costs, such as tobacco usage. A government has a responsibility to protect and care for its citizens, so it needs the ability to influence behaviors that will ultimately impact the cost of providing care. By taxing tobacco usage,

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it discourages that behavior, while helping to fund a necessary service for hard working Montanan’s who cannot afford medical insurance.

For these reasons, I would support continuing to fund Montana’s Medicaid program with the use of tobacco taxes.

An important issue facing the Lockwood area is the construction of the Billings Bypass and the Lockwood Targeted Economic Development District. The impact a major thoroughfare can have on a community is profound.

The development of the Lockwood Industrial Park will not only benefit District 56, but all of Yellowstone County. With optimal access to road and rail, Lockwood can serve as the transportation hub for finished goods and raw materials in the region, providing a critical service that has been lacking in Billings for too long. I will be a staunch supporter of the Lockwood TEDD and associated development.

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HOUSE DISTRICT 56 Education: Graduated high school from Hysham; Bachelors of science in history and political science with an endorsement in psychology from Rocky Mountain College; Master’s degree in school counseling from The University of the Southwest.

Past Employment: Taught for seven years at Hardin High school; worked at the Boys and Girls Club in Lockwood Past political experience: Currently a Lockwood School board trustee.

Online campaign info: Facebook: Janna for Montana (@JannaLindHD56) Email: jannajlind@gmail.com Janna J. Lind - D Address: Live in House District 56.

Age: 32 Phone: 406-697-9145 Occupation: Government and psychology teacher at West High The Second Amendment is School the last unadulterated AmeriFamily: Married to Rob Hankins; 6 year old boy and three can liberty. However, the inapproolder children in 6th, 7th, and 11th priate use of handguns and military grade weapons have become grades.

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serve health care. I support continuing funding for these 91,000 individuals’ health insurance. I am concerned at this point about a tobacco tax as it is unsustainable revenue source for the future.

However, I will explore all options to continue funding Medicaid expansion past the June 2019 end date. As a legislator I will prioritize finding a long term solution to sustainable funding for lowincome health insurance.

Lockwood is the fastest growing community in the state. We are voting to build a high school to service our approximately 500 high school students.

We are building the TEDD and increasing sewer infrastructure.

One current concern and need is the building of a connection highway into Billings Heights. I will work to bolster infrastructure for our district, bring in small businesses to support our population growth and continue to support our local school system.

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SENATE DISTRICT 19 ‌Kenneth Bogner - R Age: 31 Occupation: American Legion baseball head coach Education: CCDHS/B.A. political science; Columbia University; M.A. public policy, Middlesex University, London, UK Past employment: U.S. Marine Corps; Montana Senate aide; Field representative for U.S. senator Online campaign info: Facebook: Facebook.com/ KennethBognerStateSenate Website: www.kennethbogner.com Address: Miles City

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No it should not, the Montana Legislature should not be restricting U.S. Constitutional rights. If it feels it needs to address vulnerabilities, it should work to eliminate some restrictions on gun-free zones in the state. Mental health services should be improved and focus on becoming more efficient in order to address suicide rather than taking away firearms.

The Legislature should move toward providing a budget that forces departments to become more efficient rather than continuing to increase spending on their bureaucracy. We should not be raising taxes.

We should not be negotiating university buildings as

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ExperĐľnce Matters

a part of an infrastructure bill while rural and Eastern Montana’s roads, water systems, and schools are deteriorating. Unfortunately, this partisanship over the past couple of sessions has led to this issue being an immediate need in which bonding will likely be the solution before the needs get even more expensive.

The Medicaid Expansion program is too expensive for the state in its current form.

Currently, I do not support continuing the program.

An important issue in Eastern Montana is what many refer to as “brain drain.� Eastern Montana is losing its population, especially younger, to other

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areas of the state and country.

This, coupled with Helena largely ignoring the issues of Eastern Montana has had many consequences on the local economy.

In order to get the population to stay or return, eastern Montana needs to create an environment that competes with the economy and entertainment of other portions of the state. That starts with maintaining our infrastructure, improving mental health services, updating our education system, and ensuring access to public lands. I will be that voice that ensures Eastern Montana finally gets equal representation when it comes to securing these resources.

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SENATE DISTRICT 19 Anderson CPAs; farmer Past political experience: Filed for HD 28 in 1986, withdrew Online campaign information Facebook: Schillinger for SD 19 Email: j8960@midrivers.com Address: 1400 F Ave., Circle Phone: 406-974-2478

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Jerry Schillinger - R Age: 63 Occupation: Farmer Family: Wife, Carol; sons Brett, Alex, and Paul (deceased).

Education: Graduated Circle High School; University of Montana accounting degree; CPA Past employment: Arthur

If we want to make our schools and other public places safer, quickly we need to give local officials authority to take the appropriate steps. I would suggest armed school personnel that are willing and trained, schoolbased law enforcement officers are a couple of ideas. Legally-armed people in our population can be an effective deterrent to those that would do evil. We should not give up our liberties for ineffective socalled solutions. Behavior changing drugs given to our kids seems to be a common thread in much of the violence we see today.

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I do not support increasing taxes. It appears that calling a special session was premature and ill-conceived. Collections seem to be coming in near original forecasts. The governor chose to take punitive actions against those least able to defend themselves, ignoring reasonable options given him by the legislature, i.e. utilizing $32 million set aside to fund state acquisition of the Shelby prison and one unpaid day per month for state officials earning over $50,000 annually.

It’s becoming evident that the recent gas tax increase will do more to fund bureaucracy than the promised road upgrades.

We fortunately have a constitutional requirement to balance the budget, which raises some ethical questions about spending beyond that. Past disputes seem to have centered primarily on identifying true infrastructure needs verses buying votes by spending to build pet

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projects around the state. Infrastructure investments should first target areas that are impacted by and or specifically encourages economic development. Ideally, each Legislature should have the opportunity to identify infrastructure needs, pay for them currently, avoiding tying the hands of future legislatures and administrations. Coal trust investments are long term, perhaps revenue from that could be used for some infrastructure needs.

I do not support continued Medicaid expansion.

It’s another government intrusion that distorts and inflates markets, in this case health care costs. We need to focus more on creating opportunities for people to actually have access to health care, not more expensive ineffective insurance programs. Private clinics are popping up across the country that are providing this access for a low cost monthly fee that covers most health care

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needs. Lower cost catastrophic insurance can be utilized to cover situations beyond the routine needs. Another effective option, that we participate in, is health cost sharing groups. Personal financial responsibility encourages lower costs.

Agriculture needs a strong, knowledgeable and experienced voice in Helena. How public lands are managed has a major impact on the future viability of SD 19. A country that produces tangible goods is going to be more economically and strategically secure than a service dependent economy. I support the Republican platform emphasizing more local control of our public lands to make them more productive and accessible. Stable agriculture, timber and extractive industries are a bedrock of our economy and culture. I will support any reasonable actions that further enhance states’ rights to better control our own destiny.

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SENATE DISTRICT 19 Education: 69 years of learning Past employment: Mostly livestock related including brand inspector Political experience: Termed-out after 8 years in the Montana House of Representatives Ways voters can contact you: Facebook: Bill Harris Email: harris@midrivers.com Address: 2009 Old Stage Rd Mosby MT 5908 Phone number: 406-3666775

‌Bill Harris - R Age: 69 Occupation: Cattle rancher Family: Four grown children

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The term ‘gun violence’ is a contradiction in itself.

Guns are nearly always the tool used to curb violence. Unless society is willing to address its

failures, change will be difficult.

Examples of need for change. 1) Violent video games are training device for multi-killings for disturbed or isolated individuals 2) The avalanche of increased drug use contributes greatly to deranged action by some disturbed users. 3) Telling our children that suicide for seniors or other distraught citizens is acceptable because it becomes death with dignity. But we expect them to choose life when they feel so trapped.

Gov. Bullock has been trying to raise taxes. The legislature has been working hard to rein in unnecessary and unwelcome growth in state government. The special session was unnecessary in my view. We avoided raising taxes by reas-

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signing revenues. The governor has a lot of latitude when moving money from one account to another. The cuts to public services were determined in the office of the governor.

I don’t agree that the legislature has struggled to pass comprehensive infrastructure bills. Actually the legislature has decisively refused to borrow large amounts of money for infrastructure projects. Repayment and interest costs would put unboreable strain on future state budgets.

I don’t support continuing Medicaid expansion. It has already put a strain on state revenue. The federal money has caused expansion in the growth of bureaucracy. The increase in cost is left to Montana taxpayers to absorb. And each year the state

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accepts a larger burden while the federal share decreases. Simply stated: Montana can’t afford it!

We need to deal with the expanding drug problem. Our prisons and county jails are full.

Many felons are released back on the street waiting for a prison bed to become available. Health and Human Services have been overwhelmed with family dysfunction caused largely by drug use. Even resulting in abuse and death of children and infants.

During the last legislative session there were more than 350 nonviolent drug offenders and more than 200 DUI nonviolent offenders in Deer Lodge. It would save Montana money and help a lot of people if we had an incarceration facility for long-term addiction recovery.

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SENATE DISTRICT 22

Jennifer Merecki - D Occupation: Small business owner of Agadas Integrated Wellness Education: Psychology and biology major; licensed therapeutic massage therapist and body work specialist; licensed International personal fitness trainer; certified holistic and fitness nutrition practitioner; certified health and wellness coach; business administration.

Past Employment: Previous Yellowstone Valley Citizen

Council Sustainability Committee chairperson; previous Yellowstone Valley Citizen Council steering committee secretary; former health care executive director, Montana and multiple other states; former health care risk management administrator on multi-state level.

Past political experience: Democratic presidential candidate campaign grassroots organizer for Billings / Yellowstone County Montana; Democratic presidential candidate campaign spokesperson, rally presenter and speaker; elected Yellowstone County Montana Democrat delegate; elected Montana State National Democrat Delegate; elected National Delegate Whip for Montana; Montana Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee staff; Yellowstone Progressive Action Network Administrator; healthcare reform lobby; environmental stewardship lobby; published political columnist and author “Progressive Pioneer” in the Yellowstone County News; State Communications Director-Montana Progressive Democrats.

Online campaign info: Twitter: @merecki4montana

Facebook: @Merecki4MTSD22 Website (if any): http://jennifermereckisd22.com/ Email: merecki4montanasd22@outlook.com Address (Do you live in the district?): Yes Phone: 406-672-7190

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We need to address gun violence in the order of public safety. As a gun owner, I believe in and respect the Second Amendment and value my Constitutional right to legally possess firearms.

Though, I know that with rights come responsibilities. While protecting the Second Amendment, we must implement common sense. My stance is not to eliminate or confiscate firearms but bipartisan, sensible gun legislation that protects life and liberty.

As a seasoned executive with expansive budget experience, I see financial opportunities that have not been utilized.

We need to focus on restoring the service cuts effecting people with disabilities, the elderly, mentally ill and children. We need to be fiscally responsible by creating a budget that is accurate and realis-

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tic, not designed to fail. The government needs money coming in, just like a household. We need adequate funding for the long term.

The Montana legislature needs to put people above politics and we need to eliminate waste and ensure oversight to take necessary steps to guarantee a balanced budget.

We must emphasize the benefits of infrastructure projects as employment opportunities and as economic stimuli.

My top proposal is to have the ultra-wealthy and corporations pay their fair share of taxes to fund infrastructure. To date, that is not happening. In addition, cutting red tape and back door deals to safeguard wise spending, initiated through an impartial bidding and contractual process to eliminate favoritism. Allocating a larger portion of state gas taxes to cover funding and exploring grants for water and sewer projects. I will look at the ability to tax the purchases of tourist goods, such as hotels.

Health care is a right, not a privilege. Hardworking, low-income Montanans lacking access to healthcare face a vicious

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cycle, especially within small rural communities. People cannot work if they don’t have their health. Denying people healthcare results in large medical debt. We should use tobacco taxes and the future possibility of tax revenue generated from medical cannabis, as well as allocating funds from corporate taxes to take care of our citizens healthcare needs.

Need to control the profit driven medical facilities that put a strain on the budget. Reasonable caps on durable medical goods and equipment and reducing administrative costs.

For Senate district 22, our vision is for Heights residents to explore, encourage and foster the planning and coordination of Heights resources through effective transportation routes, encouraging small business development and expanding community facilities. The Inner Belt Loop and pedestrian path completion is a primary concern. I will be heavily involved to formulate the best possible outcomes in a timely manner. We need to look at transportation availability as well as protecting open spaces and the rights of land owners.

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SENATE DISTRICT 22 David Graves - D Age: 62 Occupation: Retired teacher/coach, 38 years at Shepherd School Family: Wife: Jeanne Close Graves; sons Ryan Graves and Sean Graves; step-sons Andrew Wagner and Eric Wagner Education: Attended the University of Montana and Eastern Montana College. Graduated with a bachelor’s of science degree from Eastern Past employment: Groundskeeper for Cobb Field and the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Past political experience: President of my teachers’ union

Online campaign info: Facebook: David Graves for Senate District 22 Email: graves@q.com Address: 2259 Wabash Path Billings, 59105 Phone: 406-860-8055, 406373-6295

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I shot trap at the Billings Trap Club for 20 years. I believe in the Second Amendment. We need to address the mental health issue.

Make schools safe and secure. We need common sense discussions about weapons of war.

We need to restore funding to public services. The 2019 Legislature needs to look at other avenues of revenue and the pos-

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sibility of raising taxes. No one in Montana should lose the services they need. We need to protect the benefits of Montana employees. No revenue should ever come from Montana retirement programs.

We need to pass a infrastructure bill. The longer the state waits the more expensive the repairs will be. Montana is our house, we need to take care of it. All of Montana’s state-owned buildings belong in an infrastructure bill. We need to look at other funding ideas for Montana such as economic development.

Every Montanan should have healthcare coverage.

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I would support Medicaid expansion as long as family, children, and the elderly need the program. Healthcare is a human right.

I support education, healthcare, protection of our public lands, unions, and protection of teachers and public employees’ benefits. I would work hard using common sense and listen to the people of District 22, the Billings Heights. I will not support special interest groups and people with hidden agendas. I chose to make the Billings Heights my home. I will work with my neighbors in the Height to make us a stronger community and a better Montana.

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SENATE DISTRICT 29 experience in high-growth and entrepreneurial enterprises.

Past political experience: Current member of the Stillwater County Planning and Economic Development Committee Online campaign info: Twitter: https://twitter.com/ ForcierForMT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForcierForMontana/ Email: forcierformontana@ outlook.com Address: Lives in district, in Columbus Phone: 406-780-0141

‌Andrew T. Forcier - R es

Age: 43 Occupation: Human resourc-

Family: Wife, Jeni.

Education: MBA, marketing and strategy and business analysis; bachelor’s degree, Rutgers University, political science Past employment: 20 years

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Gun violence is at historic lows, down 75 percent since 1993, while firearm homicide is down nearly 50 percent. However, we continue to see youth violence despite these declines. Ensuring that our children have access to proper support resources, both familial and mental health, would be an important first step to ensuring that the value of human life is better recognized.

The suicide issue has similar unfortunate symptoms with a different result. Many of these victims live in rural areas without access to the support necessary to address their mental health issues, and improving this network of providers should be our priority.

Our governor is out of touch and does not know how to prioritize spending. While residents are struggling to keep up with increases in taxes, especially property taxes, Gov. Bullock creates new positions in our government where the need is questionable, at best. Office of Outdoor Recreation? I can hardly fathom stripping a family of their health care so that we can have a bureaucrat that outside lobbying interests can put on speed dial.

We need to cut spending, but do so in a fashion that prioritizes essential services for our citizens, not the preferences of special interests.

Nearly 60 percent of graduates of Montana colleges

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move out of state with their new degree, leaving our taxpayers to subsidize growth in other states.

Our educational institutions contest donations on immaterial ideological grounds. Is there really any question that the state universities should fund their own infrastructure?

Any other funding should be in cash. Bonding only taxes future generations for the misplaced priorities of the current one.

However, we also need a comprehensive infrastructure audit to ensure that every dollar is spent wisely, and that where there has been past neglect and misappropriation, it is not rewarded with more funding.

Issues in the health care system run deep, and there are no easy solutions. Yanking the rug out from under some is not the answer, but there are disincentives for those participating to keep their benefits. Income restrictions need to be graduated so individuals can move up and out

old predators that are going to walk into our schools or anywhere to commit violence unless we have prevention programs in place.

This is a sad fact of life in America today. Blaming guns is like Custer blaming bows.

The purpose of the Constitution is not to meet the needs of the people; it is to ensure the people have the liberty to meet their own needs. Montana’s biennial budget has grown to $10 billion, and Montana is $4+ billion in debt. Montanans pay about $4.5 billion and the federal government gives us $5.5 billion and their $21 trillion in debt is growing. Montana doesn’t have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem.

We need long term solutions and one of them is raising Montana’s wages that are presently 46th lowest out of 50 states.

The Gazette should have asked, “Should the Legislature obligate Montanans to more

long term debt to pay for more infrastructure?” There were millions of dollars of infrastructure appropriated over the last five legislative sessions, but it is never acknowledged. The governor and organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and unions who would benefit wanted to borrow millions on the back of Montanans when Republicans were worried about a budget shortfall that came to pass.

It is irresponsible to create more debt when the state funds less than half its budget, $4.5 billion out of $10 billion, and while Montana is $4 billion in debt.

First, we need to know how Medicaid expansion is run in Montana. All of the present 91,000 on Medicaid expansion are non-disabled, and 47,000 claim zero income, pay no income taxes with ample employment opportunities in Montana. Second, if a person becomes unemployed they can obtain Medicaid for the next

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of the system without an arbitrary cutoff point.

However, when we already face spending issues, it is irresponsible to raise taxes further.

To keep expansion, we need to find money in the budget to fund the 10 percent cost that the federal government is passing to us, not create new revenue streams.

Folks that I talk to in my district want to see better jobs in Montana. Special interests are making those harder to come by.

Outside lobbyists push for occupational licensing — for their benefit, not ours — making Montana among the top 10 states for licensing growth. This is not a list to be at the top of. And natural resource development continues to be artificially constrained.

I seek to limit the influence of special interests, and constrain our government’s growth and regulatory influence. Our economy will be much healthier when the bureaucrats and lobbyists stop meddling with it.

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SENATE DISTRICT 29 Past employment: FBI agent, chief of law enforcement BLM, and self-employed Past political experience: three Montana House terms, one Montana Senate term Online campaign info: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.howard.7161 Email: SenDavidHoward@ gmail.com Address: Lives in the district, P.O. Box 10, Park City, Montana 59063 Phone: 406 633-2762 For 20 years, I consulted businesses how to prevent workplace violence. The experience has proven that deterrence is the key.

David Howard - R Deterrence is the action of disAge: 71 couraging or preventing an event Occupation: Self-employed through instilling fear of discovFamily: Wife, six daughters ery or subsequent consequence in the mind of the perpetrator. With and 15 grandchildren Education: Master’s degree no deterrence, there is no prevenin public administration, DePaul tion. We have to come to the realization that there are young and University

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year even if they are re-employed.

Through bad management seasonal employees can receive Medicaid for the next year even after they resume working and make over $16K yearly. Third, about 2,900 of Montana’s Medicaid beneficiaries live out-of-state. Fourteen beneficiaries have addresses in Hawaii. Seventy-three have addresses in Florida and Montanans are paying for it.

Property taxes are one of the biggest concerns for homeowners, including ranch and farm owners in Stillwater and Carbon counties. Those on limited incomes, like seniors, are the most at risk of being forced out of their homes with the constantly rising property taxes. Plus, the two year re-assessment is raising property taxes too quickly. We need a statewide cap on the amount property taxes can increase or it will become catastrophically damaging to Montanans.

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The information you need to register to vote ‌Visit your county election office Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and complete a registration form.

Fill out and sign a voter registration application and drop it off at your county election office, or mail it to the county election administrator.

Fill out and sign a registration form when you apply for or renew your driver’s license or Montana ID. You must provide your Montana driver’s license number or Montana MVD ID number when you register. If you do not have a Montana driver’s license number or MVD ID number, you will need to provide the last 4 digits of your Social Security number. If you have neither number, you will need to provide another form of identification.

You will need to provide a residence address or specific geographic location information from

which your residence address may be determined. The residence address must be in the county in which you are registering.

The deadline for regular registration is 30 days before any election. If you miss that deadline, you can still register and vote in the election by late registering at your county election office or designated location.

Once you’ve registered, you’ll get a voter confirmation notice from your county election office verifying your registration and telling you which precinct and which polling place you vote in.

Late registration is available at any time right up through the close of polls on election day, except between noon and 5 p.m. the day before the election.

Be sure to keep your voter registration current by filling out a new form if your name or address changes. You can check to see the

most current information on file at My Voter Page. If you move and become a resident of another Montana county, you must re-register in that county.

If you are a student going to college in another county you can: Choose to vote in your county of permanent residence, either by going to the polls or by absentee ballot, or Register in the county where you are going to college and vote in that county.

If you are an out-of-state student going to school in Montana, choose to become a resident of Montana if you have resided in Montana for at least 30 days, and vote in the county where you are going to school, OR Vote in your original state, but you cannot vote in both states.

Provided by the Office of the Montana Secretary of State.

LARRY MAYER, Billings Gazette‌

Voters line up to register and turn in absentee ballots at the Yellowstone County Courthouse in November 2016.

t c DON JONES for e l E

County Commissioner

DON JONES

• PROVEN FISCAL CONSERVATIVE • BRINGS CONSUMER BASED BUSINESS MODEL TO COUNTY GOVERNMENT • SUPPORTS PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS • QUALIFIED TO START ON DAY ONE • SMALL BUSINESS OwNER wITH LOCATIONS IN LAUREL AND BILLINGS www.electdonjones.com

Paid for by Don Jones for Yellowstone County Commission 1945 Clark Ave., Billings, Mt. 59102

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LARRY MAYER, Billings Gazette‌

Voters gather at the Montana Pavilion to vote in November 2016.

Election officials can help with voting process ‌Your voter registration confirmation card lists the location of your polling place. If you’ve misplaced your card, call your local election administrator to find out where to vote or, for federal/state elections, check your polling place location on-line at My Voter Page: https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo/.

If you’re unable to drive to the polls yourself, contact your county election office for options for voting including voting by absentee ballot, or getting a ride from a community service organization that may be providing transportation in your community.

have a photo ID with your name on it, you can provide a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, voter confirmation notice, government check or other government document that shows your name and current address.

If you do not have any of the items listed above, you can still vote by requesting and filling out a “Polling Place Elector ID” form.

Or, you can vote a provisional ballot and provide one of the items listed above. Your provisional ballot will be counted if you provide one of the items on the list to the county election office by 5 p.m. the day after the election, or mail it to the county election office postThe polling place‌ marked by the day after the elecBefore you will be permitted to tion. receive a ballot, you will need to If you arrive at the polling place present a current ID. If you do not and inform the election officials

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that you have changed residence but have not updated your voter registration: If your name appears on the register at that polling place, you can vote one last time at that polling place, after filling out a voter registration application with your new residence address; If your name does not appear on the register at that polling place, in order to vote in the election you must go to the county election office, update your registration information and cast a ballot based on your updated residence address, or go to your old polling place and vote one last time at the old polling place.

Once you have presented ID, an election judge will have you sign the precinct register.

An election judge will give you

your ballot(s), and explain how to mark it and what to do with it once you have voted.

Each polling place has a voting machine accessible to people with disabilities that allows them to vote independently and privately.

If you wish to use this machine, known as an AutoMARK, let the election judge know.

You will enter a private voting booth or station. Instructions on marking your ballot are posted in the booth or station, and are on the ballot.

You do not have to vote on every issue on the ballot. However, if you vote more than once on a candidate or on an issue with only one choice allowable, the vote(s) in that race will not be counted.

Turn the ballot over to see if there are candidates or issues on

which to vote on the back of the ballot.

If you damage a ballot, make a mistake, or change your mind, take the ballot back to the election judge and request a new one.

Do not try to erase or cross out as it may cause a vote to not be counted.

Do not make any identifying marks anywhere on the ballot — doing so will invalidate your ballot.

When you have finished voting, follow the instructions given to you by the election judge. Hand the voted ballot to the appropriate election judge or place it in the voting system if one is provided.

Never hand your ballot to anyone besides an election judge.

Provided by the Office of the Montana Secretary of State.

CASEY PAGE, Billings Gazette‌

Voter John Ericksen leaves a voting booth at the Lockwood Intermediate School in June 2012.

Dusty Deering for Montana House District 52 • Born & Raised in a working class family in eastern Montana • Hunter & Fisherman • Supporter of Public Lands • Worked all across the state as a union pipefitter • Understands the needs of working families of Montana • Endorsed by the Montana Federation of Public Employees

★

★★★

★★★★★★★

Yellowstone County

★★★★ ★13th★ Judicial District Dept. 7

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE

Equality. FairnEss. JusticE. ★ U.S. Marine ★ Iraq Veteran ★ Small Business Owner ★ Endorsed by Judge Pedro Hernandez, Ret. Paid for by Deering for Montana, Democrat, PO Box 80434, Billings, MT 59108

Paid for by Roth for District Court Judge PO Box 428 Billings, MT 59101

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