2022 General Election

Montana General Election 2022

Montana’s General Election will be held Tuesday, November 8th. This will be an in-person election and citizens can vote at their usual polling places. Absentee ballots are being mailed out this week.

The Bitterroot Star contacted all the candidates in the contested races in Ravalli County. We asked them a few basic questions. Here are their responses, in their own words. Hopefully, this will help you to be an informed voter.

State Races Senate District 43

legislative session, my colleagues recognized my willingness to take on difcult tasks requiring a lot of time and energy and elected me Senate President Pro Tempore heading into my second legislative session in 2021.

Montana’s 2021 session was historic in many ways. It took place during a global pandemic, was the first hybrid in-person and remote Legislature in the state’s history, and happened during a time of major political transition in Big Sky Country with the state’s first Republican governor in 16 years and unprecedented federal stimulus funds fowing in. I chaired the Leg islature’s COVID-19 Response Pan el, which successfully implemented protocols that resulted in minimal COVID cases and almost zero inter ruptions to the legislative process while preserving and increasing the public’s access to participate. I was even deputized as a public health ofcial by the local health board so that I could better coordinate with the County Health Department.

executive director. I additionally serve as chair of the ARPA Commu nications Commission overseeing Montana’s generational investment in broadband infrastructure and continue to be one of the primary liaisons between the Legislature and the executive branch.

With your vote I hope to contin ue serving in a leadership role in the upcoming 2023 legislative session.

Why are you running for this position, or if incumbent, why do you want to continue?

It’s both fulfilling and deeply important to me to be able to con tinue doing work for Ravalli County and Montana that will make a real diference to all our lives.

tion.” This bill now allows anyone to seek relief if the government or any government body if those rights were infringed during a “state of emergency”.

I feel that we were able to accomplish some really impactful legislation last session but given the direction of the world right now, there’s a lot of work to do. I’m ready to take on these challenges.

What do you see as the big gest challenges or concerns for this position?

Jason Ellsworth Republican Incumbent

Biographical information

First and most importantly I’m the proud father of three boys and soon to be grandfather. I grew up in a military family that instilled a strong sense of duty and public ser vice to our country. After spending my early career in the private sector building businesses and employ ing people, I first ran for ofce and was elected as a Senator in 2018 for Ravalli County. After only one

“2021” was crucial in preserving and initiating many eforts to assert legislative authority and strengthen the legislative branch in a bipartisan way. Many helped establish legis latively led commissions to oversee the distribution of federal ARPA funds. The Legislature successfully overrode a Governor’s veto for the first time in nearly 20 years (on a bill designed to strengthen legis lative branch oversight), including with a bipartisan, unanimous vote in the Senate.

I continue to serve in important capacities during the current inter im between legislative sessions. I sit on the Legislative Council, a 50-50 bipartisan committee that controls many administrative decisions of the branch. I was appointed to the subcommittee tasked with con ducting interviews and providing recommendations for the hiring of the Legislature’s next nonpartisan

Looking back at some of the legislation that I was able to get passed, such as SB297, which will deliver high-speed internet throughout the State of Montana. Over the next few years this will allow for not only comforts in our lives but also impact telemedicine, work from home, communication, and education opportunities. Chair ing our broadband infrastructure commission to get almost 300 mil lion dollars into our communities working with Governor Gianforte has been an absolute passion of mine and I want to make sure that this gets fulfilled.

Secondly SB114, which in creased our homestead exemption to $350,000 and put an infationary increase of 4% every year. This will hopefully help protect homeowners now and in the future.

And third SB370, which pro tects our constitutional rights during an emergency, specifically states:

“Ensure the protections under the first amendment of the Unit ed States constitution and under Article II… ensure the protection of the rights under the second amend ment of the United States constitu

Being an efective legislator requires dedication, problem solving, and caring about people. We have a lot of work to do and we need to make sure that we address important issues such as afordable housing, property tax, and safe and fair elections in Montana.

Why are you the best choice for this position?

Most importantly, I would like to address promises I made when I got elected four years ago and how I fulfilled on those promises.

1. A conservative vote: I promised I would be a true conser vative and vote that way. In my first session I was rated the highest con servative legislator by CPAC out of 150 total legislators’. In my second session I was the top three in the entire Montana Senate.

2. A leader: After just one session at the start of my second session I was elected by my peers in the Senate to President Pro Tem pore of the Montana State Senate. I am truly humbled by such an honor. To be of service to the entire Senate is a true blessing.

3. Delivering bills to Ravalli County and Montana that will make a real diference to all our lives.

Anything else you feel is

TAXES:

MANAGED LOGGING:

RE-ELECT JASON

pertinent?

My endorsements and the com mittees I serve on:

- Endorsed by the NRA.

- Endorsed by the Montana Family Foundation.

- President Pro Tempore of the Montana State Senate

- Chair of Communications Advisory Commission (Oversees $270,000,000 funding for broad band for the State of Montana)

- Vice Chair of Audit Committee

- Member of Economic Afairs Interim Committee

- Member of Legislative Council

- Chair of Legislative Covid Committee

- Member of Local Government Committee

- Member of FWP Committee

- Member of Business and Labor Committee

John Schneeberger Democrat

Biographical information

I came to Montana from St Louis, Missouri in 1975 to go to UM, where I graduated with a degree in Polit ical Science and Economics. I am

married to Karen Coombs, who is originally from Polson. We celebrat ed our 40th wedding anniversary in June. We have three grown chil dren, who all graduated from UM. I helped start and ran Garden City Seeds for 20 years and was em ployed as an economic development specialist with RCEDA for 11 years.

I now work at the Bitterroot College UM as an administrative director.

I have been politically active all my adult life. I enjoy skiing, hiking, ten nis and am an amateur landscape pastelist. My wife and I still run a small nursery seasonally and sell plants, her crafts and my art, at the Hamilton Farmers Market.

Why are you running for this position, or if incumbent, why do you want to continue?

I have been politically involved for years in the human rights and the sustainable agriculture move ments. I respect those people who dedicate themselves to public ser

Rep. Liz Cheney (Republican) Wyoming, Co Chair, US House Select Commitee on the January 6th Atack: “Here is the worst part. Donald Trump knows that millions of Americans who supported him would stand up and defend our nation were it threatened. They would put their lives and their freedom at stake to protect her. And he is preying on their patriotism. He is preying on their sense of justice. And on January 6th, Donald Trump turned their love of country into a weapon against our Capitol and our Constitution. He has purposely created the false impression that America is threatened by a foreign force controlling voting machines, or that a wave of tens of millions of false ballots were secretly injected into our election system, or that ballot workers have secret thumb drives and are stealing elections with them. All complete nonsense. We must remember that we cannot abandon the truth and remain a free nation. ”

Bitterroot

vice. I also believe that elections are opportunities for a public debate on the issues of the day but these days both sides seem to be talking only to their “tribe”. In the conservative Bitterroot Valley, I don’t think the electorate is really hearing the case for American liberalism because Re publicans, like we Democrats, often have our views filtered through the media we choose to use for infor mation. By American liberalism, I mean support for basic tenets of this country: representative democ racy, federalism, the rule of law, the separation of powers, respect for civil and human rights, and loyalty to our republican form of govern ment. Additionally, to distinguish from conservatives, I believe in the separation of church and state, that a well-regulated market has been the engine of widespread pros perity, that people have a right to privacy, health care, education, and a clean and healthful environment.

for by John Schneeberger for SD 43

Box 2213, Hamilton, MT

continued on page 6

Dan Brandborg Treasurer

I think radicals in the Republi can party are trying to undermine free and fair elections. A free elec tion is one in which all citizens can vote. A fair election is one in which all votes have equal weight and are counted accurately. Free and fair elections are what makes a govern ment legitimate. Without them our republic cannot claim to have the consent of the people. In our federal system, election laws are made at the State level. If elected to the State senate, I will have a role to play in whether Montana expands or con tinues to restrict this fundamental constitutional right.

Our system of self-government is under attack because of actions taken by our former President. He has undermined faith in our elec tions with concocted claims of wide spread fraud and a stolen election. Spurred by this lie, his supporters

are now harassing and undermining the work of honest, hardworking election administrators across Montana, and here in Ravalli Coun ty. The local Republican Central Committee has formally rejected the results of the 2020 election and is stacked with conspiracy peddlers and believers.

Our elections can always be made more secure and accurate. The solutions these people propose, however, will only make them less secure, less accurate and certainly less fair. I believe in common sense reforms to our election system and supporting non-partisan election administration.

Other issues of concern to me include the housing crisis, an intractable problem causing a lot of pain in our community. Demo crats like me need to be advocates for low-income people and rent ers, and I will work hard for these underrepresented members of our community. I am also an advocate for protecting responsible access to

public lands. Lastly, I believe that rapid climate change is a threat to the existence of our civilization and the lives of our children. The impact of catastrophic climate change is already on our doorstep, with waves of climate refugees to follow. I sup port reviving the Montana Climate Solutions Plan that the Gianforte administration has shelved. We cannot remain unprepared and ignorant about this crisis.

Why are you the best choice for this position?

I have strong beliefs, which I have already previewed, but I am interested in solutions no matter where they come from on the political spectrum. It always seems like no one is making the case for the best solution because it may not be popular. I am not a weathervane politician, always following the winds of popularity. I do believe strongly in representing this district, but I also believe it is incumbent on the elected to show

leadership and take the time to make the case for the best course of action, regardless of its popular ity. I am not looking for a career, I don’t need the money, and I am not looking to enhance my social standing. So, I am not afraid to do the right thing despite the political or personal risks.

Anything else you feel is pertinent?

The most damaging action by our former President was his refusal to concede power after losing the election, that was judged free and fair by his own administration. We are in uncharted waters when a President of the United States in cites his supporters to storm the US Capitol because he lost the election. This was a blow to the longstanding American tradition of the peaceful transition of power. The serious ness of this cannot be understated because it destabilizes our Republic. This danger is why my campaign slogan is “Defend the Republic.”

Elect Will Lovett Moore Independent Like You!

THANK YOU

RAVALLI COUNTY!

Thanks to your 252 signatures, you now have 2 choices on the November Ballot!

I am happy to leave it in your hands.

If you want me to REPRESENT YOU in HD87 then please vote for me and I promise to do my best to do just that. If you choose to elect my competitor, I will respect that decision and go back to the tough retired life of fshing, hunting and helping my community in other ways.

Vote for Will Lovett Moore!

Independent Like You!

Donate. Money, Time or a good home for one of my signs.

Contact: willlovettmoore@gmail.com or text 406-240-7922.

Thank You and God Bless Montana!

Paid for by Will Lovett Moore Independent for Montana PO Box 37 Florence, MT 59833

What do you see as the biggest challenges or concerns for this position?

RE-ELECT DAVID BEDEY

Republican - House District 86

• Effective

- In the top 5 of all 100 House members for passing bills into law.

• Conservative

- Passed a bill ensuring elected offcials set public health policy.

- Passed a bill protecting your right to go to church.

- Passed bills that expand access to veteran services.

- Supports bills protecting life and your constitutional rights.

- Supports an Article V convention of states to propose constitutional amendments requiring a balanced federal budget and term limits.

- Opposes anti-constitutional “nullifcation” of federal law.

• Leader

- Chairs the joint education appropriations committee.

- Champions increasing career and technical education opportunities.

- Serves on a workgroup crafting commonsense election reforms.

- Spearheading effort to return the Montana values of civility and ethics to Ravalli County politics.

• 4th generation Montanan, born and raised in Hamilton

• retired U.S. Army colonel - combat veteran - West Point professor

• former school board chairman

• small business executive

Montana Conservative Index A Montana Chamber of Commerce 99%

Montana Contractors’ Association 94%

Montana Farm Bureau A+

Montana Family Foundation 100%

United Property Owners of MT 100%

National Rife Association A

READY TO KEEP WORKING FOR YOU AND ALL MONTANANS!

Paid for by Bedey for Legislature, P.O. Box 692, Hamilton, MT 59840

House District 85

my freshman session: four pro-life bills, some second amendment reinforcement bills, free speech and other freedom loving bills. I sat on the State Administration and Veteran Afairs Committee, Energy and Telecommunication Commit tee and Agriculture Committee. I would love to continue serving on these committees. I learned how important the committees are for the legislative process. Through the interim, between sessions, I sit on the Energy Committee. It has been a wonderful experience and I enjoy participating.

Michele Binkley Republican Incumbent

My name is Michele Binkley. I was elected to represent House

We need strong, principled people with integrity sitting in these positions of power representing us. I stepped up and ran for ofce in 2019 because I felt compelled to get involved in the political process. I grew tired of watching the news and being upset with what was happen ing. How do we change things? We get involved. We all need to quit being complacent and participate in the world around us. I know we are busy working and raising families. I understand. However, if we don’t step up, who will? We have no one

Rosan Stover Democrat

I filed for ofce to give voters a choice. I’m hoping civil dialogue will help find answers to problems for people in HD85. My focus is access to health care and education

for everyone. A community college will improve the economy and ofer local opportunities. Planned growth and afordable housing would also provide benefits.

My late husband and I moved to the beautiful Bitterroot 24 years ago. I’m 82 and retired from teach ing but not retired from learning. My master degree is in secondary education from MSU. I taught sci ence at junior high and high school in Bozeman. I am a widow but with the good fortune to have a daugh ter, a stepson, two step daughters, numerous grandchildren and many friends.

Like you, I support the consti tutions of Montana and the United States and the democracy which is so vital to our success as citizens, community and a nation.

VOTE with thought and care.

David Bedey Republican Incumbent

Biographical information

David Bedey is a 4th generation Montanan, born and raised in Ham ilton. He studied civil engineering and economics at MSU before en tering the U.S. Army in 1978.

During a 30-year military career, Dave served in combat units—in cluding deployment during the Per sian Gulf War—and as a professor at West Point. While on active duty, he earned two master’s degrees in national security studies and a Ph.D. in space physics.

Upon retiring from the Army as a colonel, Dave returned home where he currently works as the chief financial ofcer of a small engineering firm. Before first being elected to the Montana Legislature in 2018, he served on the Hamilton School Board for nine years (chair ing that board for seven of those years). He is completing his second two-year term in the Legislature where he chairs the Joint Appropri ations Subcommittee for Education.

Why you are running for this position, or if incumbent, why you want to continue?

I have spent my entire adult life in service to our country and have the desire and capacity to continue doing so. Hundreds of my constitu ents over the course of this election season have expressed concern about the name calling, smears, and other hyper-partisan antics that have infested Montana poli tics. They, like me, want to live in a Montana where you are a neighbor first and your politics come second. It is possible to vigorously promote conservative policy and remain on good terms with one’s political opponents. As a “Big Tent” Reagan Republican that is what I will con tinue to do.

What do you see as the big gest challenges or concerns for this position?

We must ensure the public’s trust in the integrity of Montana elections. To that end, I served over the past several months on a bi-par tisan workgroup that has crafted commonsense legislation that bol sters Montana’s already excellent election system.

In the coming session, the Legislature must address property tax relief. I am working with other legislators to ensure people are not taxed out of their homes or of their land.

Montana’s education system must prepare our children for citi zenship and provide them the skills necessary to thrive in a 21st century economy. I am continuing to lead eforts to expand career-and-tech nical (vocational) education oppor tunities across the state and to pro vide local school boards and parents the fexibility to meet the education al needs of their communities.

Why you are the best choice for this position?

My record shows that I have the breadth of experience and proven ability to efectively confront the challenges facing Montana. Last session I was in the top 5 of all 100 Montana Representatives when

it comes to passing bills into law. Although I stood with my party 93% of the time, I bucked the party on bills that were either unconstitu tional or not in the best interest of my constituents. If re-elected, I will continue to lead in the efort to pro mote conservative policy solutions and am committed to restoring the civility that makes Montana “The Last Best Place.”

Anything else you feel is pertinent?

I would appreciate your support in the upcoming election and look forward to continuing to serve the citizens of House District 86 and the state of Montana.

Anne W. Brown Democrat

Biographical information

· Resides in Hamilton with her partner, Rusty Munn, two dogs, a promising garden, and way too many books. Loves to wilderness camp, fy-fish, and write unpub lished tomes.

· Mother of one daughter, many international “daughters” and two adorable grandsons.

· Recently retired from over

40 years in the art industry, the last decade+ as Associate Publisher of two international art magazines.

· Graduated with MFA from Brown University, BS from Univer sity of Rhode Island, and AFA from Sullins College.

Why are you running for this position?

· To give voters a choice in HD 86.

· To show every person we have the right and responsibility to be part of sustaining a robust democracy.

· With the valley’s rapid growth, we need multiple perspec tives to improve policies.

What do you see as the big gest challenges or concerns for this position?

· Resistance to forward plan ning and reluctance to pay for same. Perfect example is your ballot to keep Bitterroot College here!

· Eliminate wasteful time on prevailing distrust of facts and analysis of experts from climate change to health issues, particularly relating to our elderly and margin alized citizens.

Why are you the best choice for this position?

· I bring decades of experience in collaboration and compromise with individuals and groups holding opposing views.

· Having lived in states throughout the country, and almost a decade in Montana, I have seen alternative ways to govern. Each of the successful communities have learned to compromise to give voice to all who wish to be heard and have found common ground for forward thinking solutions.

· I am committed to a vibrant, healthy and successful Ravalli County.

Anything else you feel is pertinent?

Bitterroot Star General Election -- Page 9 continued on page 10

from

· Climate change is the single largest concern as I see the earth as an uninhabitable place by the end of this century without cooperative policy changes.

· Participation is critical from household recycling to continuing to rid the planet of all fossil fuels. household recycling to continuing to rid the planet of all fossil fuels.

· Right now 28% of global en ergy comes from renewable sources such as wind power and solar. I hope this grows to 100% with the help of solar power, such as we have on our barn reducing our electric bill to almost nothing.

Will

Lovett Moore Independent

Biographical information

I, Will Lovett Moore, am a 64-year-old Retired Licensed Union Electrician who specialized in Building Automation Systems for an excellent company here in Montana the past 26 years. My Gardener/ Horticulturist Wife Jane (of the last 6 years) and I are building a Sus tainable Educational Small Farm on our land (27 years) here in the Bitterroot.

What do you see as the big gest challenges or concerns for this position?

1) The infux of people, especial ly rich people, moving to Montana, buying up property and raising property values to the point that average hard working Montanans are priced out of the market. I will work with my Advisory Board and Legislators on both sides of the aisle to address this problem.

2) Good Jobs. Montana needs good jobs for it’s citizens. Therefore, I can not support proposals to crush the Unions. It has been shown time and again that pay for all jobs is better when Unions are present. That does not mean that we cannot negotiate with the unions. Of course we can and should but I think Mon tana’s Police, Nurses, Construc tion Workers and others need and deserve our support.

3) Public Access! no one will work harder for Public Access to Public Lands. I will also fight to keep prime public lands in public hands and NOT give it away to greedy corporate interests.

Why are you the best choice for this position?

I am Independent Like You! As an Independent, I believe that I am in the perfect position to facilitate constructive discussions between the parties and push forward the best ideas of both sides, especially when the 2 sides mostly agree on an issue. Let’s get things done! I listen. I am already forming an Advisory Board comprised of Residents with views on the Right, the Left and the Middle to get a pulse of my Ravalli County District so that I can Repre sent them properly.

Anything else you feel is pertinent

I am a big believer in the saying, “Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke.” That rule can apply to ALL legislation that the Montana Legislature con siders and will be a guiding princi ple in my tenure as your House of Representatives Legislator. I will always ask the question: “What are we fixing?” when new legislation hits the House foor.

the job. I am comfortably retired and now have the time to do the job justice.

House District 88

crisis and the high increase and infation rates.

Why are you the best choice for this position?

I have devoted my career to servicing my community. I have gained knowledge through my work and schooling that I believe makes me well qualified for this position. I am an active member on several conservation groups insuring our wildlife for future generations. My professional experience has helped me connect with community mem bers and gain insight into aeras of need.

Ko Moua Democrat

Biographical information

I work in the service industry as a clinical social worker candidate and licensed addiction counselor candidate. I am 40 years old and was born and raised in Missoula. I attended the University of Montana and achieved a bachelor’s in social work and an associate degree in addiction studies. I attend Walla Walla University in Missoula for my master’s degree in social work. I have been married for 12 years and my wife and I have two kids.

Why you are running for this position, or if incumbent, why you want to continue?

I chose to run for ofce this year because I have seen the efects of policy change and understand the importance of policy. I aim for mental health awareness and con tinuing our rights to access public lands.

What do you see as the big gest challenges or concerns for this position?

Some of the biggest challenges I see coming is our growing housing

Wayne Rusk Republican

Biographical information

My name is Wayne Rusk. I am 52 years old and have lived in the valley for 30 years. After spending some years in aviation I started my own tile business and have for the last 23 years been an independent contractor. I am married and have two children.

Why are you running for this position?

continued on page 12

Elect Wayne Rusk

Constitutional Conservative Republican for House District 88

“Uniting the Conservative Community of Ravalli County”

continued from page 11

I am running for legislature because I believe I can contrib ute to the political discussion in a productive way. While I appreciate grassroots participation in our pol itics, single issue activism becomes a distortion at the elected level that ends up light years from our platform, and even farther from the aspirations of ordinary Americans. In contrast, I have gained a work ing knowledge of the issues facing Ravalli County by years of active involvement and look forward to hearing from you, not pressing an agenda.

What do you see as the big gest challenges or concerns for this position?

There are several issues before us right now. Our economic situ ation is foremost in the minds of many I talk to, and I have taken pains to familiarize myself with

what has occurred and how we go about returning to the fiscal conser vatism that keeps markets strong and deficits low. I am committed to

resentative, I will bring a working knowledge of our principles, a com mitment to the truth, and a spirit that will invite voters our way, not repel them. Uniting the conserva

standards, and will uphold them as your Representative.

Sincerely, Wayne Rusk, Candi date for House District 88, 1-406370-8486.

County Commissioner

Biographical information

I grew up in the Bitterroot Valley, graduated from Hamilton High School and received a degree in environmental engineering from MT Tech. I worked for the USAF as a civilian engineer in Colora do Springs for a few years before returning home to Hamilton. I was elected as a County Commissioner in 2012 and am currently serving. I have been involved in volunteer activities including coaching youth sports, fundraising for non-profits and am a Captain in the Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department. I have

this position, or if incumbent, why do you want to continue?

I want to continue to serve as county commissioner because I love our community. I have served with a number of excellent county commissioners and am proud of our accomplishments. There is still work to do and I look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve as your Ravalli County Commissioner.

What do you see as the big gest challenges or concerns for this position?

ity under proactive management to achieve a healthy forest ecosystem, resistant to catastrophic wildfires, while providing clean water, clean air, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, economic benefits and stability and I am working col laboratively with state and federal land agencies to achieve these goals. Decades ago, revenues from forest projects adequately funded the Ra valli County road department. The loss of those forest revenues left a void in the road department budget which is currently funded by a ded icated road levy (which only 4-5% of property tax fund) is inadequate 300 paved and 250 gravel. The road

Experience and leadership.

One of the things I am most proud of as a county commissioner is the financial position we are in as a county. We have developed a balanced, sustainable budget every year I have been on the board. After this year, the county will have absolutely no debt and nearly fully funded operational and capital re serves. The County Commissioners’ relationship between employees, department heads, elected ofcials, state and federal agencies and our community has never been better. I come into the ofce every day and try and make our community a better place. Thank you for the sup port, it has been an honor serving and I look forward to the oppor tunity to continue keeping Ravalli County as “the last best place.”

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

grown boys and 2 wonderful grand daughters, and a great daughter in law. I grew up on a very large family cattle ranch and was raised with a tremendous work ethic, having many responsibilities thrust upon me at a young age. I graduated High School with scholastic and athletic honors. I am a graduate of the University of Montana with a Bachelor degree in Bus. Admin. with extra credits in Bus. Law and Marketing. I am the co-owner of Northwest Fencing (34 yrs) with my oldest son Marlin Jr. Before that I owned and operated Northwest Concrete Pumping. Through the years I have also worked for the City of Hamilton in the Water, Sewer. and Street Dept’s. Starting in 1988 myself and 3 other gentlemen com pletely rebuilt the Hamilton base ball program. I am an extra efort individual that does not stop until the project is completely finished.

Why are you running for this position, or if incumbent, why do you want to continue?

I am running for this position because I possess the business ex perience, people skills, construction experience, education, negotiating skills, common sense, customer service, toughness, and country boy work ethic that my opponent lacks. The great people of Ravalli County deserve more. You will get your money’s worth and then some if you hire me with your vote Nov. 8th. This I promise.

What do you see as the big gest challenges or concerns for this position?

concerns are afordable housing, sky rocketing taxes, afordable child care (which would allow hundreds of willing moms to go back to work or school!) No one person can solve our growing problems, but I know in my heart we can do it if we com bine our eforts, not divide them. I have had a lifetime of ‘Big Challeng es’ that I have addressed, worked through, and completed. My only concern is that we are going stay and accept the ‘Good ol’ boys’ club one more time and keep going down the same road, an unpaved road at that!

Why are you the best choice for this position?

Bitterroot Star General Election -- Page

any time at Marlincommish3@aol. com or 406-381-2076 and check my website Vote4Marlin.com

Thank for your time in this important matter, Marlin Sr.

Letters

What determines how you vote?

Marlin

Ostrander Sr.

Libertarian

Biographical information

I live in Hamilton, and have for 42 years. I am 64, single with 2

My biggest challenge is going to be breaking through the political divisiveness that is totally getting in the way of outright problem solving. We all drink from the same well so let’s just relax and start acting like neighbors again for God’s sake. I would like to form 2 or 3 ‘Ronald Reagan’ style kitchen cabinets he called them of just regular people of various backgrounds as ‘think tanks’ for ideas and comments. My biggest

I am the best choice for this position because first and foremost I have a full and complete under standing that I work for the resi dents of Ravalli County. It is not the people’s job to try and see me when it’s convenient for me, it’s my job to be available to the public at any time, anywhere. I will come to your house, or any meeting place any time day or evening if that’s what it takes. Re-read # 2 for more reasons I am the best choice. I also plan on having townhall style meetings every 4-6 weeks in my District 3 or all 3 if needed. The most important skill a County Commissioner can possess is to sit there quietly, listen, take notes, and then listen some more. We have a wealth of knowl edge and experience within our residents in the county and I plan to hear EVERYONE’S opinions and ideas. Why am I the best choice for this position? The answer is I will listen to YOU, I will work for YOU, and my voice will be YOUR voice. Hire me Nov. 8th with your vote. Make America Neighborly Again!

Anything else you feel is pertinent?

In closing I am also going to do nate $300 a month from my salary to a needy family, individual, or group. Paying it forward is what life is about… or should be. Please feel free to contact

A few days ago I was putting up a “VOTE REPUBLICAN” sign up when a longtime friend stopped and gave me thumbs down. I went over to her car and ask her why the thumbs down. She said “I will never vote Republican.” She said, “I always vote Democrat.” I asked her why. She said, “My dad always voted Democrat, my grandpa al ways voted Democrat.” I asked her why. “We have just always voted for Democrats,” was her reply. I told her my dad was a Democrat all of his life yet he was more conserva tive than I am. He would be very sad to see what the liberal progres sives have turned his party and his beloved country into today. Her response was, “Well, I don’t like to talk politics,” and drove of.

Had I had the opportunity to ‘talk politics’ with her I would have asked if she is happy with the direction our country is headed; the out of control border with millions of illegal aliens coming into the country, the hundreds of thousands of our younger people dying from fentanyl, the out of control and increasing crime, the lack of sup port for and attack on law enforce ment, and total out of control of the FBI and DOJ and its threat to our freedom. What about the woke agenda and Critical Race Theory, gender and transgender discussion in our elementary classrooms; the false and unsustainable “green new deal,” the fact that we have gone from total energy independence to

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dependence on foreign sources, as well as tapping our energy reserves intended, if needed, for our mili tary; the out of control spending and the highest infation in 40 years and still increasing; sanctuary cities, the homeless crisis, and many of the most beautiful cities in our country being destroyed by lack of support for our police and governmental mismanagement? And finally, I would ask her “What would your father and grandfather think about the current state of the country they loved and supported? Would they vote Democrat because they have always voted Democrat?”

What determines how you vote? THINK ABOUT IT and then VOTE, and make sure your vote is recorded accurately.

Tom Round Florence

Choice should not be Republican

Born into a Montana Republican family, I have puzzled over why I became an independent voter. This election has brought into focus the underlying Republican philosophy of defining what they are against without outlining policies they support.

They are against all abortion while leaving women with no medi cal options or personnal control.

They are against reality! The reality is they lost the presidential election, yet 2 years later they tap dance with the diehard Trump base while trying to appealing to the rest of America.

They cut taxes, are against high er minimum wages and at the same time they claim support for the working man. Their tax cuts apply mostly to the rich, add to federal deficits, push wealth upward, re duce availability of childcare, hous

ing, higher education and medical coverage.

Further, Montana is benefiting from recently Democrat-supported infrastructure including broadband access, lower prescription drugs costs, capped insulin cost and highway funds not supported by the Republican party. Yet local Re publicans take credit for the same benefits they oppose.

They claim strict constitution al interpretation unless they win or lose an election. National Re publicans attempted to present a new slate of electors against the US constitution when they lost. In Montana they attempted to restrict voter access through legislation, mainly afecting Native Americans and university students under the Montana constitution; this after they won most statewide races in the last election. This legislation was ruled unconstitutional. These racist measures, aimed at unproven election fraud within our Native American and college communities,

is driven by national politics and cost Montana taxpayers $1.3 million in nonrecoverable legal fees.

In short, the Republican party has abandoned mine and most voters’ values. The Grand Old Party of small government, state’s rights, conservative government spending plus personal privacy has turned into a party of blind loyalists no longer believing in our elections or style of democracy.

This time around midterm elections are unique; by not vot ing Republican the local voter has an opportunity to discourage lies, authoritarian government and invasion of our privacy. As a retired small business owner of over 45 years, the Republican party as I knew it is no more. Like it or not, concerned Republicans will have only two choices. The choice should not be Republican.

Archie Thomas Corvallis