2018 Election Special Publication

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Sunday, October 7, 20

2 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 7, 2018

Important dates loom for upcoming general election PERRY BACKUS Ravalli Republic

Some important dates are coming up quickly for voters wanting to participate in the upcoming general election.

The first one is just two days away.

“October 9th is a hugely important date for those wanting to register to vote,” said Ravalli County Clerk and Recorder Regina Plettenberg.

“That is the last day to mail, fax or email registration forms to the election office.”

After that, people will need to make the trip the county courthouse annex to register to vote.

“They will actually need to show up here to register after October 9th,” Plettenberg said.

Voter information pamphlets will be mailed over the weekend and should start showing up in voter’s mailboxes early this week.

The majority of the Ravalli County electorate will also need to keep a close eye on their mailboxes next week.

Absentee ballots will be mailed Friday, Oct. 12th.

Plettenberg said her office is prepared to send out about 14,500 absentee ballots.

The number of people choosing to vote absentee has grown dramatically over the last few years.

“We only have 25,000 active voters in the county and almost 15,000 now vote absentee,” Plettenberg said. “They’re great voters. In the last election, while the overall turnout was about 30 percent, 65 percent of absentee voters returned their ballots.”

In the last presidential election, 95 percent of the absentee voters returned their ballots.

“Absentee voters are deciding the elections now,” Plettenberg said. “They are the majority now.”

Ravalli County residents can request an absentee ballot through the mail or come into the county election office located in the county annex building at 215 S. 4th St. in Hamilton. Absentee ballots need to be returned to the election office by noon on the day of the election, Tuesday, Nov. 6.

2018 Election Guide is published by the Ravalli Republic newspaper, a division of Lee Enterprises Publisher: Mike Gulledge • Editor: Kathy Best Associate Editor: Perry Backus • Production & Design: Dara Saltzman Project Sales: Kathy Kelleher, Lauren Parsons, Linda Pollard & Jodi Wright 2018 Election Guide is copyright 2018, Ravalli Republic.

232 west Main Street, Hamilton www.ravallirepublic.com

Senate District 43

future budget looks very stable if we fund at current levels. If Jason Ellsworth anything, we should seize this opportunity to take a micro look at our expenses and return money back to the taxpayer.

Just because we have money doesn’t mean we should spend it. If Ballot Initiative 185 or 186 pass that would cause a significant burden to Montana taxpayers. I would encourage everyone to fully understand both.

2. In 1992, the state paid 76 percent of the cost of public higher education in Montana.

In 2018, the state is paying 38 Party affiliation: Republican percent. What portion of pubAge: 45 lic higher education should the Family: Father of three boys state fund, and why? Should it Occupation: Self-employed/ be closer to 38 percent or 76 owner of Bitterroot Gun Garage percent? Please be specific.

Political Experience: Finance Whether being funded locally Chair for Ravalli County or as a state is moot. Either way, Republican Central Committee. we as taxpayers are footing the Committee Member for the bill! Obviously, higher education Montana Republican Platform. is very important to train workAttending in Helena during ers for a better life. We also multiple committees and have need to make sure workers have testified as well as advocated on opportunity here in Montana. legislation.

Funding of colleges is going Online campaign info: through the roof. How much Jasonformontana.com of that money are we paying is Facebook: Jasonformontana benefiting out of state recipiContact information: email ents? Is that money being spent Jason@jasonformontana.com efficiently? Do trade schools see 1. What is your strategy to as much benefit as colleges? I balance the state budget? will advocate for us, the “taxWhat taxes, if any, would you payer,” and our students with be willing to increase? What the tremendous debt they also services, if any, would you be incur. willing to cut? Should social 3. How do you plan to service costs move to local address the housing affordgovernments? ability crisis in Missoula and It’s blatantly apparent that the other urban areas in Montana Governor was very wrong on where job growth is attractcalling the last special session. ing more people but housing It’s shameful some of our most scarcity is driving up rents and vulnerable citizens got services home prices and wages are not keeping pace? cut or stopped altogether. Our

VOTE DAVID BEDEY FOR LEGISLATURE

REPUBLICAN HOUSE DISTRICT 86 4th GENERATION BITTERROOTER CONSERVATIVE EXPERIENCED LEADER MILITARY. Led combat units and deployed during the Persian Gulf War. HIGHER EDUCATION. Served as professor and department head at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

SMALL BUSINESS. As chief financial officer, helped build a start-up engineering firm.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT. Chaired the Hamilton School Board for the past seven years.

LOCAL RESULTS. On the school board, put conservative principles into practice by leading initiatives to: Ensure budgetary discipline.

Expand opportunities for vocational education.

Require courses in civics, Western Civilization, and personal finance.

Forge a strong relationship with Bitterroot College.

WHY AM I RUNNING?

Over a lifetime of public service, I have gained the experience needed to be an effective legislator. Now I am ready to serve our community’s interests in Helena.

For more information, visit http://bedey.net.

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

Jason ellsworth

Vote November 6th or Return your Absentee Ballot

Republican for Senate District 43 STRONGER F FAMILIES | STRONGER ECONOMY | STRONGER MONTANA

ELECTIONS MATTER faith ★ family ★ community limited government

A Senator You Can Count On.

creatInG Jobs - I believe very strongly in the American dream. I opened my first business in Montana at the age of 20. I worked very hard and gained a real passion and understanding for what it takes to start and grow a successful business from nothing. Montana needs an opportunity economy which benefits workers as well as employers

transparency - I believe government should be transparent to its citizens in both the process which creates laws and the use of our hard earned tax payer dollars.

I

-

ncrease take home pay - Montanans deserve a government that allows the free market to flourish. We must modernize our environmental, healthcare, and employment laws to make Montana more attractive for business creation, development, and relocation. We must eliminate barriers to natural resource development and manufacturing; the two highest wage paying sectors.

Government spendInG & taxes - I will work to reduce our tax burden to an affordable level by holding

government accountable for each and every dollar they spend. Looking for common sense solutions to make government more efficient such as conducting regular audits and reviews of spending by state agencies to identify ineffective, redundant program programs to help set priorities.

T Taxes should be low, simple, flat, & free of loopholes. Policies need to favor savings, investment job creation, & economic growth.

Economic growth will provide adequate revenue to fund limited, effective, and efficient government.

W need to open up managed logging in western Montana. Our resources are going up in smoke year after year, wildlife is We being killed or displaced, ranchers are losing livestock & fences, people are losing their homes, and we are all choking on smoke during the best parts of summer! The list goes on and on. Almost 380 Million dollars was spent, almost 50 million came out of Montana’ Montana’s pocket. We can create jobs and bring in tremendous revenues from renewable resources that are just going to burn up anyways! W We can help stop the bleeding. Let’s get Montana together on this issue - help save our forests, our money, and our way of life from the devastation taking place every year. money

Jason Ellsworth, real leadership for the Bitterroot! www.JasonForMontana.com Paid for by Jason for Montana

1073 Golf Course Rd Hamilton MT 59840

Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 7, 2018 - 5

This is a severe problem here in the Bitterroot. Our average citizen and elderly are suffering.

First, as your Senator, I will look at ways we can reduce taxes as that is a direct reflection of ongoing affordability. People are being taxed out of their homes. Second, we have to address wages. I believe we can do that through encouraging businesses to come and prosper locally. If we don’t deal with this issue now we will become a “bedroom” community not an economic one. Our economy as a country is booming and we need to monetize that locally.

4. What role should state government play in managing federal public lands, and how should those activities be paid for?

I believe in keeping all public lands public and would never support selling those lands.

There are a variety of issues that need to be looked at. We should have a “study” from Montanans that includes all stake holders. I believe the more local input we have on these issues is essential. Too often, out-of-state interests are trying to influence what happens here locally. Too often us “Bitterrooters” are not being included in the decision-making process. I’m tired of policy and politics getting in the way of common sense. Once a study is complete we can make an informed decision.

5. What do you regard as the most urgent problem facing Montana, and how do you propose dealing with it?

Income equality and lack of higher paying jobs. We need increased focus on trade jobs

also the courage to embrace technology. It’s becoming impossible for our youth and elderly to afford living in Montana. Government isn’t serving the people as it should, making life difficult for our families, workers, and small businesses. Montana has one of the fastest growth rates of income inequality and we continue to see lower and middle-class earners’ piece of the pie shrink, while seeing a push for tax hikes and growth in state government. That is not the kind of growth we want or need. _____________________________

Senate District 43 Laura Garber

Party affiliation: Independent Age: 43 Family: Married to Henry Wuensche with two children and one foster daughter.

Occupation/Employment: Farmer-Educator Education: Graduated with High Honors from University of Montana in 2000 with degrees in German and Liberal Studies Political experience: University of Montana ASUM Student Senator

Online campaign info: www. garber4MTcommunity.net Ways voters can contact you: website, phone, visit me at the Saturday Hamilton Farmers’ Market 1. What is your strategy to balance the state budget?

What taxes, if any, would you be willing to increase? What services, if any, would you be willing to cut? Should social service costs move to local governments?

Corporations headquartered out of state and whose majority of profits leave the state should contribute significantly more in tax dollars to the Montana state budget. This tax revenue should be used to fund expansion of services offered by the Departments of Health and Human Services, Agriculture and Public Instruction. Social services

should be provided to everyone and the state and local governments should share the costs needed to support the health and education of all Montanans and the productive use our agricultural treasures.

Federal monies offered to counties to support services should be accepted and put to use.

2. In 1992, the state paid 76 percent of the cost of public higher education in Montana. In 2018, the state is paying 38 percent. What portion of public higher education should the state fund, and why? Should it be closer to 38 percent or 76 percent?

Please be specific.

Montana and its residentstudents should share the cost of higher education. When Montana pays 50 percent, it makes a college education

Paid for by Rex for Montana, (D) P.O. Box 718 Helena, MT 59624

6 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 7, 2018

more attainable, which is an asset for our citizens and for our state. Out-of-state students should pay a higher percentage, possibly something in line with current instate and out of state tuition differentiations. In addition, Montana should fund the creation of training opportunities in the trades and agriculture.

Investing in higher education creates opportunity for both individuals and the small businesses who will benefit from the new skills and knowledge those future employees will learn.

3. How do you plan to address the housing affordability crisis in Missoula and other urban areas in Montana where job growth is attracting more people but housing scarcity is driving up rents and home prices and wages

are not keeping pace?

Raising the minimum wage in Montana to be closer to a living wage will strengthen many aspects of society, including housing affordability. In addition, state investment into construction of modern cost effective housing with renewable energy technology will build homes for people and create jobs for Montanans.

Stimulating Montana’s agricultural base by supporting small farms, organic agriculture and industrial hemp will bring more people back to live in our rural communities. Montana should actively support housing cooperatives in the state and help our financial institutions to find creative funding solutions for cooperative housing ventures.

4. What role should state government play in managing federal public lands and how

should those activities be paid for?

Federal Public Lands are meant to be protected for their ecological value. When and if the state of Montana presents a plan to provide equal or better protections without turning to resource extraction, corporate misuse, or other forms of degradation, then that should be discussed. Federal protection and federal funding for that protection is an important way to spread costs of management across the entire U.S. population. Otherwise low population states with large acreages of public lands may not have the funds to support the necessary management costs. Federally protected lands cannot be given away to the highest bidder.

5. What do you regard as the most urgent problem fac-

ing Montana, and how do you propose dealing with it?

What is Montana if not its people?! We have lost sight of each other and are dwelling on ‘hot button’ issues that distract us from seeing Montanans as the most important issue. By focusing on what divides us, we’ve stopped stewarding the things that unite us - clean water, clean food, truth and honesty, human health and good old fashioned neighborliness! We must each refuse to be pulled into contentious debate about hot button issues and instead engage in proactive discussions and activities that put the immediate and long-term health and well-being of our individual Montana citizens and environment first.

LIBERTARIAN ELINOR

SwanSon For U.S. House of Representatives

Decrease the Debt. Live anD Let Live.

Paid For By Swanson For Liberty, P.O. Box 20562, Billings, MT 59104

www.swanson4liberty.com

swanson@swansonforliberty.com

598-0515

Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 7, 2018 - 7

House District 85 Laura Jackson

Party Affiliation: Democrat Age: 75 Family: Great granddaughter of Bitterroot valley homesteaders Occupation/Employment: USFS wildland fire dispatcher/ lookout, retired; artist Education: Wellesley College, Yale University, University of

Montana Political experience: First time candidate Online campaign info: lauraforhd85.com Ways voters can contact you: lauraforhd85@gmail.com 1. What is your strategy to balance the state budget?

What taxes, if any, would you be willing to increase? What services, if any, would you be willing to cut? Should social service costs move to local governments?

The most equitable way to balance the state budget is an income tax increase. This tax is somewhat progressive, taking more from those with greater resources beyond basic survival needs. I am also open to exploring increased or new taxes on “luxury� goods and services.

Subsidies/tax advantages for economic sectors that do not

benefit the general population should be questioned. I believe in taxes to support social structures and services that benefit us all and would want to hear details before deciding any services should be cut. I see no public benefit in moving social service costs to local governments.

2. In 1992, the state paid 76 percent of the cost of public higher education in Montana.

In 2018, the state is paying 38 percent. What portion of public higher education should the state fund, and why?

The young people of Montana are the future of the state.

Investment in them is the best way to ensure this future is bright. Many jobs require at least 2 years of higher education/work skill training, and providing opportunities in-state increases the likelihood that

young people will stay and work in Montana. Because of this, the state should support at least half the cost of higher education for local students.

3. How do you plan to address the housing affordability crisis in Missoula and other urban areas in Montana where job growth is attracting more people but housing scarcity is driving up rents and home prices while wages are not keeping pace?

HD85 is composed of small towns and rural areas, so this question does not strictly apply here. However, affordable housing is an issue of importance throughout the state and the country. It is best addressed by building additional low cost housing in the more urban areas, where jobs are concentrated.

Existing subsidies for such housing should be continued and

JACKSON

LAURA

for

MONTANA HOUSE DISTRICT 85

Committed to listening to all & working for solutions that reflect our common goals

I Secure & sustain agriculture, open & public lands for the long term benefit of all I Reasonable & affordable healthcare for everyone I Best education & training options for all & support services for our children

Learn more: LauraforHD85.com

Believing in the

Bitterroot

Paid for by Laura Jackson for HD 85, PO Box 1821, Hamilton, MT 59840

8 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 7, 2018

creative financing should be encouraged. We should also work to preserve adjacent open land for the benefit of all; water quality, recreation opportunities, agriculture and responsible resource extraction compatible with these values are essential economic contributions of open and public lands.

4. What role should state government play in managing federal public lands, and how should those activities be paid for?

Federal public lands belong to all USA citizens; for their primary benefit at their expense these lands should be managed by the Federal Government. Our local economies benefit greatly from amenities and resources on these lands managed at federal taxpayer expense. Local/state entities properly have concerns and expertise relevant to locations and resources where their constituents live, and from which they reasonably expect to benefit. Input from these entities and populations should be respected in management of local federal public lands. This should not require significant state funding. Costs could possibly be defrayed by user fees collected within the state.

5. What do you regard as the most urgent problem facing Montana, and how do you propose dealing with it?

To preserve our core western life values and amenities in an evolving, increasingly interdependent world, we most need flexibility and respectful dialogue to find our way forward as Montanans. Listening, questioning, deciding together on best practices are essentials

which I propose and believe will serve us as we face urgent needs to support decent life and livelihood options, present and future, in Montana. Such a future requires affordable health care for all that respects individual choice, affordable quality education/skills training and sustainable agriculture and public and open land management for our long term common benefit and various uses. _____________________________

House District 85

Theresa Manzella (did not respond) _____________________________

House District 86 David Bedey

Party Affiliation: Republican Age: 63 Family: Deborah (wife), Karis (daughter) Occupation/Employment: 30-year U.S. Army veteran (combat engineer and professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point); currently a senior executive at a start-up engineering firm.

Education: Bachelors of Science in civil engineering, Montana State University; Masters of Arts

in national security and strategic studies, U.S. Naval War College; and a doctorate in Physics, University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Political experience: Hamilton School Board Trustee (nine years, seven of those years as chairman).

Online campaign info: bedey. net Ways voters can contact you: d.f.bedey@gmail.com 1. What is your strategy to balance the state budget? What taxes, if any, would you be willing to increase? What services, if any, would you be willing to cut? Should social services move to local government?

My strategy is to fund essential programs first and to consider raising taxes only as a last resort. To determine which programs are “essential,” legislators need state agencies to transparently reveal the benefits and costs of the programs they administer. Once I have seen this information, I can make specific funding decisions. As for the question of increasing taxes, I think it imprudent outside an actual budget debate either to rule out or to specify what increases (or cuts) might be made. When feasible, social services should be provided locally but with funding support from the state.

2. In 1992, the state paid 76 percent of the cost of higher education in Montana. In 2018, the state is paying 38 percent.

What portion of public education should the state fund and why? Should it be closer to 38 percent or 76 percent? Please be specific.

These statistics are irrelevant.

The real questions are whether

college is affordable now and whether educational quality is high. The answer to the first seems evident: in-state tuition is the fifth lowest in the country, and nonresident students (whom Montana taxpayers are not obligated to subsidize) pay less than the national average. As to quality, the success being enjoyed by MSU contrasted with the struggles facing the UM suggests that funding is not the issue.

Although system-wide enrollment has dropped 5 percent since 2013, inflation-adjusted state funding has increased by 18 percent. Montana’s taxpayers are adequately supporting their university system.

3. How do you plan to address the housing affordability crisis in Missoula and other urban areas in Montana where job growth is attracting more people but housing scarcity is driving up rents and home prices and wages are not keeping pace?

The demographic and economic conditions influencing housing affordability merit further study. But it is clear that the actions of some local governments have exacerbated the situation. Restrictive land use policies reduce the supply of housing, and high property taxes boost both rents and home costs. Cities and counties should be making the tough political tradeoffs necessary to help alleviate the problem. At the state level, I support the DEQ’s efforts to streamline its subdivision review process. If a “workforce housing tax credit” program were to come before the Legislature, I would consider very carefully whether or not to

Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 7, 2018 - 9

support it.

4. What role should state government play in managing federal public lands, and how should these activities be paid for?

I do not believe that the transfer of federal lands to state ownership is feasible. But the state should have much more influence over how federal lands are being managed since we Montanans must live with the consequences of land management policies. Current federal law requiring coordination between local authorities and federal agencies should be strengthened. A better solution would be for Congress to craft new law that directs federal agencies to “outsource” land management to the states and that provides federal funds to the states for providing such services. I am confident Montanans

could get the job done well.

5. What do you regard as the most urgent problem facing Montana and how do you propose dealing with it?

I believe that current state policies are out of synch with Montana’s changing economy and demographics. Preserving our unique quality of life will require a long-term legislative strategy that integrates tax, regulatory and education policy to adapt to these changes. This probably cannot be accomplished in a single legislative session. But if we are to succeed, legislators must be willing to look beyond narrow interests and short-term political advantage and instead commit themselves to the hard task of digging into this complex problem.

I would like to be part of a team that tackles this issue.

House District 86

University of Montana.

Political experience: none.

Jason F. Nickisch Online campaign info: https:// facebook.com/nickischhd86/.

Ways voters can contact you: E-mail: jnickisch@hotmail.com; Phone: 406-304-9450.

1. What is your strategy to balance the state budget? What taxes, if any, would you be willing to increase? What services, if any, would you be willing to cut? Should social service costs move to local governments?

Balancing our budget in Montana is a constitutional mandate and not an optional stratParty affiliation: Democrat egy. In order to maintain a funcAge: 39 tional budget we must find new Family: Married with six children opportunities to increase revOccupation/Employment: enues through job growth. As an Director of Pharmacy, example, positive job growth is Providence St. Patrick Hospital. happening throughout our state Education: Doctor of Pharmacy in the tech sector and we need and Masters in Business to support the infrastructure to Administration, both from the help amplify this growth.

Jason F. Nickish For House District 86 • As a Director of Pharmacy, Jason understands health care and will fight for affordable and accessible care, especially for our veterans.

• As a father of six and coming from a family of nine, Jason knows the importance of public education. He is endorsed by the teachers and public employees union (MPEA).

• With two degrees from the University of Montana (Doctor of Pharmacy & Masters of Business Administration) Jason understands the importance of having quality jobs for Montanans.

Paid for by Jason Nickisch for HD86, PO Box 1415, Hamilton, MT 59840, Treasurer: Jason Nickisch (Democrat)

10 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 7, 2018

I am not opposed to raising taxes, but I do feel that we need to have meaningful bipartisan efforts at the state level that will lead to positive opportunities for Montanans if we are going to increase taxes.

I would like to see our state work to support new economic opportunities to increase revenue so that we do not have to cut services.

Social services should not be moved to local governments.

This would create an undue burden on our smaller communities in Montana who would not have the ability to sustain these programs. I believe this could lead to more Montanans moving to our larger cities to seek these services and it could destroy our rural culture that we treasure as a state.

2. In 1992, the state paid 76 percent of the cost of public

A

higher education in Montana.

In 2018, the state is paying 38 percent. What portion of public higher education should the state fund, and why? Should it be closer to 38 percent or 76 percent? Please be specific.

I do not believe that our support of public higher education should be based on a perceived correct percentage of the budget. I believe that we need to better align our higher education opportunities with the economic opportunities in our state. If we are going to support economic growth then we need to train and maintain our students within our state’s borders by having good paying jobs for them when they graduate. I do believe that this will take more investment into higher education than currently exists, but I believe if done correctly we will have the revenue as a state to

C h o i c e

f o r

make a higher expense sustainable.

3. How do you plan to address the housing affordability crisis in Missoula and other urban areas in Montana where job growth is attracting more people but housing scarcity is driving up rents and home prices and wages are not keeping pace?

As a candidate running in Ravalli County, I think that we need to develop sustainable housing solutions for all of our communities and not just our urban areas. If we can expand our job growth beyond the urban areas and provide cities like Hamilton with quality jobs this will help to decrease urban congestion. Increased incomes in smaller communities will help people be able to afford housing and stay in these communities.

4. What role should state

Y o u r

government play in managing federal public lands, and how should those activities be paid for?

State government and its citizens deserve a say in how federal public lands are managed. However, transferring federally managed public lands to a state like Montana would not be sustainable because the state would not be able to fund the management of these lands. I believe this would lead us down a path of privatizing these lands or selling off their resources to keep them viable. This could also lead to restricted access for the public. Our public lands are a critical element of our state’s tourism economy and its beauty which we all enjoy.

5. What do you regard as the most urgent problem facing Montana, and how do you propose dealing with it?

V o i c e

It’s time for fresh ideas to chart the future of Montana and the Bitterroot Valley!

I am your choice if you want your Representative to…..

Support family farming and ranching and a natural resources industry.

Enhance the State’s ability to carryout cross boundary fire protection.

Fight for quality public education for all.

Diversify our economy and invest in needed infrastructure.

Support collaborative management of Federal public lands.

Ensure our most vulnerable citizens have access to affordable health care and services.

Training, Leadership, and Experience Matters!

Paid for by Margaret Gorski for HD 88 PO Box 110 Stevensville, MT 59870 (D)

www.margaretforhd88.com

“Let’s Get To Work!”

Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 7, 2018 - 11

recreation program specialist, District Ranger, Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Coordinator and Regional Recreation Program Leader. I retired from the Northern Region Headquarters in Missoula in 2013.

I currently volunteer on local projects and for nonprofit organizations. I am a member of the Ravalli County Collaborative, a citizens group appointed by the Ravalli County Board of County Commissioners to promote wise use of Ravalli County’s natural resources. Recently, my interest in history and expertise in recreation and tourism has motivated me to improve and promote Fort Owen State Park Margaret Gorski and the Stevensville Bridge Fishing Access Site as recreation, tourism and educational assets to Stevensville and Bitterroot Valley. For the past 7 years I have served on the board of directors of the national Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, two years as President. I am also on the Board of the Bitterroot Trail Preservation Alliance, a volunteer group that works to promote and maintain the multi- use trail adjacent to U.S. Highway 93.

Education: Bachelor of Science Party afiliation: Democrat in Forest Resources; University Age: 65 of Washington, 1975; Master Family: Married for 28 years to of Landscape Architecture and Skip Kowalski.

Regional Planning, University of Occupation/Employment: Public California Berkeley, 1982. service is in my blood. I grew Political Experience: As a public up in the Air Force and have 35 land manager and as a volunyears of work experience, startteer for nonprofits, I have been ing as a law enforcement ranger involved in politics through in the National Park Service and implementing laws, regulations, then as a program manager, and policy my entire working life. decision maker and leader in Public land management is conthe U.S. Forest Service, primartentious and political. Everyone ily in Idaho and Montana. I have has a right to express their opinions about how their tax been a landscape architect, I think the most urgent issue for Montana is to reestablish stability within our budgeting process. This past year has created a lot of stress in our hospitals, schools, and correctional facilities. I believe that everybody is looking for predictability while managing their budgets across the state and this past year has created a lot of havoc. If we can reestablish stability and predictability then I think that it will help us get back to finding meaningful solutions moving forward. _____________________________

House District 88

dollars are spent and how public resources are used, but eventually a decision must be made.

I have directed many teams of specialists and facilitated numerous contentious public debates seeking common ground to reach decisions that have consequences to people’s lives. I know that projects succeed when government is leveraged with the strength of private business and teams become much more creative when they open their ranks to members with different viewpoints and values.

Since my first run for this House Seat in 2016, I have learned a great deal about the needs and wants of my neighbors in District 88. As your state representative I will listen to all sides of issues, use my leadership experience and fight for balanced solutions that address everyone’s needs, not just those who vote for me.

Online Campaign Info: Website: www.margaretforhd88.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ margaretforhd88 Contact info: margaretforhd88@ gmail.com 1. What is your strategy to balance the state budget? What taxes, if any, would you be willing to increase? What services, if any, would you be willing to cut? Should social service costs move to local governments?

Montana will face a budget crisis when Congress cuts federal funding to the states to offset the impact of the GOP tax cut and ballooning federal deficit.

Bipartisan cooperation is essential to balance the budget without hurting our most vulnerable citizens, reducing the quality and availability of education, or trans-

ferring responsibility for funding services to counties that can’t afford it. I will seek Democrat and Republican support to convene an expert panel to evaluate and recommend structural budget improvements and to seek ways to increase revenue from specific user groups and by modernizing and making our tax code more equitable.

2. In 1992, the state paid 76 percent of the cost of public higher education in Montana.

In 2018, the state is paying 38 percent. What portion of public higher education should the state fund, and why? Should it be closer to 38 percent or 76 percent? Please be specific.

I believe education opens the door of opportunity for our children to become leaders in innovation and business. However, making America more competitive in an increasingly complex global economy doesn’t mean everyone must go to college. The amount we spend on higher education should be balanced by the quality of education at the K-12 level and the availability of trade schools and mid-career training as well. More important than setting the specific percent, the state should provide the amount necessary, based on a person’s financial capability, to ensure all Montanans have access to a quality education.

3. How do you plan to address the housing affordability crisis in Missoula and other urban areas in Montana where job growth is attracting more people but housing scarcity is driving up rents and home prices and wages are not keeping pace?

We need to look beyond

12 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 7, 2018

Missoula to address this issue.

Less regulation and lower taxes are reasons the north end of the Bitterroot is a bedroom community to Missoula. This migration is straining Ravalli County services, such as on public health and safety, county wide roads and traffic on U.S. Highway 93.

State government has a role in solving this problem by requiring cities and counties to take a regional approach so that surrounding areas are not negatively impacted in the process. Tax credits and tax exempt bonds or public/private acquisition of land and public private partnerships all need to be on the table.

4. What role should state government play in managing federal public lands, and how should those activities be paid for?

This is my area of expertise. I know the rules and can fight on behalf of the residents of HD 88 for coordinated management of our national forests. Federal public lands should stay in federal ownership and be managed by their respective agencies, but the state of Montana should be involved in planning projects across boundaries, especially vegetation management within the wildland urban interface. It is critical to have someone like me, trained in forest management, in the legislature to work to see that coordination is achieved.

Expanding the use of the Good Neighbor Authority could help pay for integrated fuels reduction projects.

5. What do you regard as the most urgent problem facing Montana, and how do you propose dealing with it?

There are numerous issues

facing Montana. My responsibility as a legislator will be to address specific district issues as well as evaluate what is in the best long run interest of the state. We should build on the assets that make Montana unique. Dependence on natural resources and agriculture makes us vulnerable to changes created by a changing climate, increasing population, depletion of water, and global crises. We need to protect our timber and agricultural industries and work together to capitalize on our natural assets of fish and wildlife, water, and world class scenery to make us more economically diverse and resilient. _____________________________

western Montana.

Contact information: sgreef@ msn.com 1) What is your strategy to balance the state budget? What taxes, if any, would you be willing to increase? What services, if any, would you be willing to cut? Should social service costs move to local governments?

I believe that by utilizing our natural resources, there will be enough jobs that contribute to our tax base and enough companies paying taxes on earnings that the state budget can be balanced. More jobs also equal less unemployment being paid and less people needing government assistance for different services.

We also need to look at inefficiencies in government. I see no need for additional taxes. Local governments do not have the resources Sharon Greef to fund social services but I believe management of these services should involve local control.

2) In 1992, the state paid 76 percent of the cost of public higher education in Montana.

In 2018, the state is paying 38 percent. What portion of public higher education should the state fund, and why? Should it be closer to 38 percent or 76 percent? Please be specific.

I think in everyone’s dream world, many things would just be happily taken care of by the Party affiliation: Republican government. But as our world Family: Married to Ed, two married daughters, five grandchildren changes and things become ever more expensive, that is just not Occupation: Retired. Prior work realistic. Young people used to experience includes two sesbe responsible for the majority of sions on Montana House of Representatives staff, 2015, 2017. their education. I feel with all of Managed log home supply store the other demands on our state budget, 38 percent has to be the in Stevensville. Worked for 20 plus years in the grocery industry, figure that makes sense in today’s both as a sales representative and budget. I also feel strongly that there needs to be more emphasis an auditor in western and north-

House District 88

on increasing funding in the vocational skills area.

3) How do you plan to address the housing affordability crisis in Missoula and other urban areas in Montana where job growth is attracting more people but housing scarcity is driving up rents and home prices and wages are not keeping pace?

Housing costs are a definite problem in Montana and those working in the service sector are finding it impossible to make ends meet. Encouraging clean industries to come to Montana with good paying jobs and training will help a great deal.

Minimum wage service jobs will always be needed but it is just not realistic to expect that those wages will pay for housing costs.

And let’s look at and encourage co-op housing, such as the new Riverside Crossing in Hamilton.

4) What role should state government play in managing federal public lands, and how should those activities be paid for?

I strongly feel there needs to be collaboration between the state and the feds in managing our public lands. I do not feel the lands should be turned over to the state. We cannot afford the costs associated with that. But local input on decisions made would make a huge difference in how these lands are used. We need to be using these resources, not just watching them go up in smoke. We have a duty to protect these lands and not open them all into industrial areas but we can arrive at common sense solutions that will be good for the public and the forests. An idea worth exploring more is finding ways the state land agencies already

Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 7, 2018 - 13

here can be expanded through contract agreements with the Feds.

5) What do you regard as the most urgent problem facing Montana, and how do you propose dealing with it?

I feel the most urgent problem facing our state today is not using the resources God gave us. Our state has been blessed. We are The Treasure Stat.! But are we using what we have? Certainly not. We have allowed special interest groups to dictate how we live. We do need to be aware of what we are doing that will permanently affect us but enough is enough. God did not give the spotted owl dominion over us ... neither did he say leave the coal in the ground or the minerals unmined. By carefully using the resources we have, we can do what we are supposed to do. We can have the best schools in the nation. We can provide for those that truly need our help. We can have an infrastructure that is sorely needed. _____________________________

Ravalli County Commission District 1 Greg Chilcott

Party affiliation: Republican

Hometown: Stevensville Age: 59 Family: My wife Vickie and I have been blessed with seven children and thirteen grandchildren.

Experience: I have more than 35 years of management experience in both the private and public sectors. It has been an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Ravalli County as your commissioner for nearly 16 years.

1. In your opinion, what are the qualities of a good county commissioner? What is that you would bring to the residents of the county if elected?

Integrity, willingness to listen and learn about the issues and a strong work ethic.

I believe that I possess the aforementioned qualities as well as 17 years of private sector business management experience and 20 plus years of service experience in the public sector. I have assisted in positioning our county fiscally for the future by working with our department heads and elected officials to reduce our debt service, build reserves and create sustainable operational budgets. I have been elected by my peers to serve in leadership positions for the Montana Association of Counties (MACo), National Association of Counties (NACo) and Western Interstate Region (WIR) to represent county issues at the state, regional and national levels.

2. The county commission is about to go from five members to three. What do you envision that will mean for county governance and for the remaining three commissioners?

I am looking forward to going back to a three-member board, though I will miss work-

ing with two dedicated public servants, Ray Hawk and Doug Schallenberger. I believe the transition should go very smoothly as Commissioners Burrows, Hoffman and I have developed an excellent working relationship. While we do not agree on everything, we work together to find solutions to the problems facing our county. Ravalli County is blessed with an incredibly talented and dedicated staff and I am confident that, together, we will continue to provide a high level of service to the citizens.

3. Recently, the county commission has made decisions to speak out on issues concerning public lands. Those decisions have been met by some who say the commission should focus its efforts more on roads and county services? How would you answer those who feel the commission’s focus should be focused on issues directly under county control?

Public safety and roads are, and will always be, our number one priority.

I believe it would be irresponsible for Ravalli County not to be actively engaged with our federal and state partners. 73 percent of Ravalli County is under federal ownership (Bitterroot National Forest) and received nearly $3.6 million in Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) and Secure Rural School (SRS) funding this year, making them our largest taxpayer.

What happens on these public lands directly impacts our citizens and local economy. Catastrophic wildfire continues to threaten public health and safety. It is incumbent upon this board to be at the table with the U.S. Forest

Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Montana Department of Natural Resources, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, etc.

The federal lands agencies are required to solicit and consider local government’s input on decisions within their jurisdiction. I am very proud of the working relationship and partnership the Ravalli County Board of Commissioners has fostered with the Bitterroot National Forest and Region 1. This relationship has benefited not only the citizens of Ravalli County but also the agency.

4. It has been a decade since county residents voted to repeal the county’s growth policy. Is it time to revisit that issue? Why or why not?

When our community is ready to have that discussion I am more than willing to participate. The citizens should vote on any proposed growth policy prior to its implementation. _____________________________

Ravalli County Commission District 1 Lyndsay Stover

Party affiliation: Democrat Hometown: Florence Age: 34

14 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 7, 2018

Family: Married to my husband Devin, together we have four beautiful children; Cora (4), Breccan (1), Gavin (10) and Brayden (12).

Experience: In 2007, I graduated from the State University of New York College at Buffalo with a dual bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and anthropology, and in 2010 I pursued a master’s degree from the University of Montana focusing on cultural and medical anthropology. I was appointed as a Program Coordinator for the Montana World Affairs Council working with political dignitaries from around the world. In 2012, I was hired by Ravalli County and currently serve as the director of the Ravalli County Tobacco Prevention Program and work closely with our local school districts, county/political officials and community organizations.

1. In your opinion, what are the qualities of a good county commissioner? What is it that you would bring to the residents of the county if elected?

I believe the qualities of a good commissioner include being an active listener, a good researcher, being fully prepared for all meetings, provide leadership, and take decisive action and follow-through with all decisions that are made. A commissioner’s salary is paid for by the citizens of Ravalli County and a good commissioner should maintain an open-door policy, be accountable for the work week, work regular office hours like all other county employees and be readily accessible to everyone. A good commissioner checks their emails and voicemails daily and shows up for the day ready to work and does not leave after morning meetings.

As the next Ravalli County Commissioner, I will bring a good work ethic, accountability, perspective and much-needed compromise to the commission.

I will understand the role of commissioner as it relates to local, state and federal laws on issues that are impacting the community. I will listen to the community and protect the public health and safety of all residents. I will maintain a visible presence in the community, bring the community together and encourage active participation among community members.

It is time to elect a commissioner that will work hard to build a foundation that will leave a sustainable legacy for an enhanced quality of life, not only for our current residents, but for our future generations as well.

2. The County Commission is about to go from five members to three. What do you envision that will mean for county governance and for the remaining three commissioners?

Ravalli County is home to people from all walks of life, and I think that residents are tired of being represented through a single-party lens and philosophy.

I believe that reducing the number of County Commissioners will bring more accountability, responsibility and integrity to the position no matter what political position is represented.

Commissioners will not have the opportunity to “pass the buck” onto another commissioner and as a result the commissioners will become better educated on topics that are important to Ravalli County residents and taxpayers.

County Commissioners will be held to a higher standard, they

will be expected be present at work and meetings, conduct their research, consult with experts and advisory boards to make decisions that benefit the most people in the county, and I believe it will foster a greater aptitude in leadership, that is so desperately needed.

The move will also save the county a large amount of money in administrative costs that could be used to cushion county projects or departments that have been underfunded.

The only major downfall I see with the restructuring is that it could create an opportunity for two commissioners to meet informally to discuss issues without public notice.

3. Recently, the County Commission has made decisions to speak out on issues concerning public lands. Those decisions have been met by some who say the commission should focus its efforts more on roads and county services? How would you answer those who feel the commission’s focus should be focused on issues directly under county control?

Public lands have both positive and negative impacts on the quality of life in our county — from recreation, forest fires and smoke, to watershed and the economy.

While management decisions about National Forest resource uses are not within County Commissioner authority, I believe it is important to maintain positive communication and coordination with members of the public and other local, state and federal agencies. We can work together to decide the best approach for solving short-term problems and agree on a long-term manage-

ment direction of our public lands.

That being understood, I firmly believe that the Bitterroot National Forest should continue to be managed by the Forest Service, and the Board of County Commissioners should focus on the county budget and issues of public health and safety which includes roads, health, and law enforcement. These issues if not managed efficiently can have a significant impact on our daily lives.

Although Federal timber sales or Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) has been, and continues to be an important source of funding for the county, we have to start looking toward other economic avenues as well to find new sources of income to fund County services. Until we do, we will never see enough money for county road maintenance or improvements. When was the last time your road was grated, paved or repaired? New businesses, generating new sources of revenue would allow for more time, resources and money to be allocated to law enforcement and improving our infrastructure.

4. It has been a decade since county residents voted to repeal the county’s growth policy. Is it time to revisit that issue? Why or why not?

I believe that it is important for Ravalli County to revisit a growth policy. Having a growth policy in place will help prepare for a potential influx in population, and help to accommodate the steady growth that Ravalli County is experiencing. A growth policy can guide the long-range planning that is needed to diversify our economy, sustain home values, improve our road system, protect

Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 7, 2018 - 15

our ground water and rivers and preserve our agricultural land.

Zoning is a considered a bad word by some people in our county, but it does not have to be if we use it as a minimal function of the policy, such as keeping agriculture with agriculture; residential with residential; commercial with commercial; and industrial with industrial. We currently have hodgepodge development across the valley, which has created a lack of consistency throughout the county, and will ultimately increase the cost of services as our population density increases. Establishing a growth policy would protect homeowners, farmers and business owners alike, while preserving our natural resources like clean air, clean water and our public lands.

Unless your property falls under a voluntary zoning district, our current system has zero regulatory authority over where commercial and industrial businesses should be located. Having no guidelines on the placement of these establishments means homeowners and residents could be at risk of an industrial facility moving in right next to your home or in your neighborhood, which could significantly diminish your property value and quality of life.

I want to be clear on my views regarding the potential use of zoning to implement a growth policy. Zoning can be as restrictive or as permissive as citizens want it to be. I would support a permissive approach. A growth policy in our community should not be utilized to restrict how many chickens a person can have or what color their house needs to be, that is not Montana, that is not Ravalli County.

Bitterroot Area Conservation District Supervisor Area 1

and how we can learn to protect those resources for future generations. Over the past 23 years my interest has grown with every Bitterroot Conservation District project leading to a deeper understanding of how important the natural environBob Nelson ment is to each of us and how conservation efforts add value to our daily lives.

2. What relevant qualifications do you have to serve in that position?

I have served as a volunteer member of the Bitterroot Conservation District Board of Supervisors for the area south of Como to the Idaho border for over 20 years. This valuable experience is my most important qualification to continue in this position.

Hometown: Conner, Mt. I have the knowledge and Age: 69 experience in administrating the Family: Wife (Pam) Children Montana Natural Streambed (Ethan 18 and Evan 16) and Land Preservation Act (310 Experience: Carpenter-builder Permit). Each proposed project From 1971; commercial fishis somewhat unique and there erman on the Yukon River in Alaska; Bitterroot Conservation is legal guidance from county, state and federal agencies which associate supervisor 1995must be evaluated and some1998; Bitterroot Conservation times tempered with on the District supervisor 1999 to ground experience. present; involved in over 800 As a builder and operator of hours of 310-permit applicathe conservation district watertions and inspection; designed, shed trailer I am responsible for built, operate and instruct the Bitterroot Conservation District’s a large part of the Bitterroot watershed trailer; Solar systems, Conservation District’s educational outreach. This outreach design, build and maintain; off grid since 1980; substitute voca- involves local school students and frequent request from tional instructor Trapper Creek Job Corps from 2009 to present. nearby counties. Each year I teach watershed conservation 1. Why do you want to serve practices to at least 30 groups as a Bitterroot Conservation and I am very proud to do that.

District Supervisor?

3. Are you aware of specific I have always had a fascinacoordination requirements tion with natural resources, in with other responsible organithe way they work, how they zations which have statutory affect us, how we affect them

authority to deal with activities the BCD must decide? How would you handle such coordination?

While the supervisors of the district have authority under the 310 law to permit work to be done in streams, there are other agencies that may also have a say in what is permitted.

The Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Fisheries, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, Department of Environmental Quality, the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and the Ravalli County Floodplain Department may also have authority in some cases. To move proposed projects from concept to successful completion requires knowledge, experience and a spirit of cooperation.

Over the years, I have learned to value that process. It works. _____________________________

Bitterroot Area Conservation District Supervisor Area 1 Bill Campbell My name is Bill Campbell.

I reside in Conner and am running for Supervisor of Area l in the Bitterroot Conservation District.

I have been a Montana resident residing in Ravalli County since 1987 and feel deep concerns regarding water and soil conservation within the county due to increasing population and the shift in the economic basis from agricultural to seasonal occupants and tourist trade.

Due to the encouragement of friends and neighbors my

16 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 7, 2018

interest increased to the point that the district’s twice monthly meetings were attended for over a year. What I found was a very effective and efficient, board run organization focused on activities to effectively manage the natural resources within the valley.

Further inquiry disclosed the extent to which the activity is integrated into the Montana Department of Natural Resources, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks and other state and county organizations of similar interests.

As an 83-year-old widower I have both the time necessary and the desire to pursue mutually beneficial conservation activities as needed. I have long been involved in public service with approximately 16 years with Sula Volunteer Fire Department having served both as training officer and then safety officer during that period.

Additionally, I served on the Sula Quick Response Unit (Medical Emergency Response) for approximately 10 years during which time I served as the director of services for two terms.

Previously I worked full time as a structural and hazmat firefighter for two years after military service and left to begin school. During school I worked on both farm and ranch interests to supplement my G.I. Bill benefits. During that time I saw firsthand the results of both good and bad conservation practices.

Public service has long been a part of my life and it is my hope to continue that and become a part of the team of the Bitterroot Conservation District.

Bitterroot Area Conservation District Supervisor Area 1

negative health impacts due to the historic fires and smoke we deal with every summer. I would like to see more effort put into restoring a healthy forLee Foss est that has multi uses, instead of unmanaged forest that is being left to burn thus destroying our water shed. With over 70 percent of our valley under US Forest Service management, they control the safety of our watershed.

2. What relevant qualifications do you have to serve in that position?

I have attended many workshops and seminars on conservation of our natural resources both locally and region wide.

Hometown: Hamilton native In my work with the USFS the Age: 70 training included training in Family: married, 4 children and several grandchildren and great these areas as well. I have completed the Montana Private grandchildren Experience: I worked for the US Pesticide Weed Certification, attended multiple educational Forest Service for several years classes on water and land use from smoke jumping to recrepractices. As a farmer/rancher, ation guard where my duties I deal with conservation on a were advising land and cabin owners on the dangers of forest daily basis. My family has been fires and how to prevent fires on ranching and farming here since their property. I have served on the early 1900s. Our ranch borders the USFS and I worked the county planning board and side by side with the fire fightnatural resource committee. I ers when the 2016 Roaring Lion am a life time farmer/rancher. I graduated from U of M Western Fire threatened our neighbors and our ranch. I work with the in Business and Social Science.

County Weed District to deal 1. Why do you want to serve with the constant battle with as a Bitterroot Conservation new invasive species that show District Supervisor? up every irrigation season. A Since the fires of 2000 I specific example of working have observed, as have many with multiple entities is that I residents of Ravalli County, the worked for one year after the destruction of our watershed. fires of 2000 for FEMA. A team The Bitterroot Valley and all of of four was charged with meetthe west has suffered tremening all impacted survivors of the dous loss of irrigation water, fire, to assist them in accessing quality of life, the huge loss the direct and indirect impact in our tourism and agriculture from the fires and then helping , and the often overlooked

at every level to ensure they received all of the assistance they needed from not just FEMA but all agencies from federal, state and local governments as well as medical and insurance entities to help with their recovery at all levels of impact. We worked with a team social worker and each community from Sula, Darby, the West Fork, Hamilton, Pinesdale and the firefighters from around to valley to share their stories, access the loss and impacts of the fire and help prepared plans for recovery. We traveled every impacted area for months and I saw first hand the loss of vegetation and its impact of our water shed, loss of soils and wildlife. The flooding and mudslides the following spring brought a new devastation to the people and land impacted by fire.

3. Are you aware of specific coordination requirements with other responsible organizations which have statutory authority to deal with activities the BCD must decide?

How would you handle such coordination?

Conservation supervisors must remember that conservation improves our local environmental quality and economic growth. Cooperative agreements with assisting agencies bring state and federal tax dollars and services back to the county conservation districts that can help Ravalli County from soil surveys to grants.

As our current Secretary of the Interior says, there are too many agencies that get involved in individuals who are trying to acquire grants to help

Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 7, 2018 - 17

with conservation projects.

Anyone who has ever tried or done a 310 permit or conservation project knows that it is a very time consuming and costly endeavor for most land owners. I would work to see more coordination among agencies to streamline this process.

Ravalli County Conservation Supervisors need to work with 4-H clubs, FFA, Boys and Girl Scouts and other organization in restoring our forested lands. Supervisors need to work with other agencies to prevent resource problems before they happen instead of after they happen, especially flooding, weeds, habitat destruction, watershed, etc. all caused by catastrophic forest fires. _____________________________

Bitterroot Area Conservation District Supervisor Area 1 Jeffrey Mark

Hometown: Hamilton, MT Age: 55 Family: Wife (Brenda) and our two (2) grown children Experience: • Bitterroot Conservation Associate Supervisor (2016)

• Bitterroot Conservation District Supervisor (2016-Present) • Involved in 151 310-permit applications and Inspection • Involved with 2 Federal Grants and 2 State of MT Grants • Led the Bitterroot Conservation District Annual Operational Audit for 2016/2017 1. Why do you want to serve as a Bitterroot Conservation District Supervisor?

My desire to continue to serve on the Bitterroot Conservation District is centered on protecting our land and the state’s natural resources for all Montanan’s and our future generations.

My experience as an avid outdoorsman, landowner, and conservation steward allows me to bring stakeholders together for responsible dialogue and brainstorming to solve the problems that are identified by our community.

2. What relevant qualifications do you have to serve in that position?

• 2 ½ years serving on the Bitterroot Conservation District as either an Associate Supervisor or District Supervisor (Board Member) • 28 years’ experience as a Military Officer. Served on many multi-functional staffs • Served on the staff of the United States Property and Fiscal Office for the State of Nevada, managing budgets and property in excess of $400 million dollars • Worked directly with our

many stakeholders, including: Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Ravalli County Flood Plain Manager, and the US Army Corps of Engineers • Hold a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice • Have worked with my family in the Bitterroot Valley for the past 9 years in ranching and agriculture. Utilized “best practices” for the wise management of the land for both sustainable use resource benefit 3. Are you aware of specific coordination requirements with other responsible organizations which have statutory authority to deal with activities the BCD must decide?

How would you handle such coordination?

As mentioned above, it is our responsibility to coordinate with other agencies, due to statutory requirements and regulations, during our permitting process. These organizations, such as FW&P, Ravalli County Flood Plain Manager, the State of Montana Department of Environmental Quality, and the United Stated Army Corps of Engineers, are our partners.

Maintaining a positive working relationship is paramount. We must continue to work with, and not against, all responsible organizations (including individuals) to develop workable solutions that are in the best interest of all parties involved, meets statutory and legal requirements, and protects the natural resources of the State of Montana.

Justice of the Peace Perry Johnson

Hometown: Hometown: Hamilton Age: 61 Family: my wife, Betty, and I have been married for 40 years. We raised our four children, Luke, Wendy, Jojo, and Nicki, in the Hamilton School District. We also have 11 grandchildren: seven granddaughters and four grandsons, from age 15 to age 1. My sister and brother-in-law, Diane and Alton Cottrell also reside in Hamilton.

Experience: Since my retirement from the Ravalli County Sheriff’s office in August 2013 I have been employed as the Executive Director of the Montana Public Safety Officer Standards and Training Council (POST Council). For the past five years I have commuted back-andforth between the Montana Law Enforcement Academy and our home on Grantsdale Road, south of Hamilton, nearly every week.

As the executive director, my responsibilities include reviewing and approving training applications for sheriff’s deputies, police officers, highway patrol troopers, detention and correction officers, probation and parole officers, tribal officers, fish and game officers and others. In addition to approving

18 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 7, 2018

★ VOTE ★

PERRY JOHNSON for Justice of the Peace Department 2

WHEN CHARACTER COUNTS FAMILY VALUES • FAIR • CONSISTENT HONEST • DEDICATED • COMMON SENSE

Reputation for ★ Honesty ★ Integrity ★ ★ Compassion ★ Fairness ★ • Ravalli County Sheriff 1999-2003 Ravalli County Undersheriff / Ravalli County Detective Ravalli County Deputy • Hamilton Police Detective / Hamilton Police Officer • 32 Years Public Safety Career • Graduate Montana Law Enforcement Academy • Graduate FBI National Academy CURRENT EMPLOYMENT Executive Director: State of Montana Public Safety Officers Standards & Training Council (406) 363-7442 Paid for by Perry Johnson for Justice Court #2 Tim Huls, Treasurer 288 Grantsdale Rd, Hamilton, Montana

training I am also responsible for certifying the nearly 5,000 Public Safety officers in Montana. I also have the responsibility to review allegations of misconduct against officers and to conduct investigations into the allegations and make decisions in regards to sanctions, including certification suspensions and revocations relating to officer misconduct. These sanctions can be serious enough that officers can lose their entire career.

Prior to that, I served as the Ravalli County Sheriff from 1999 to 2003. During my career I served as undersheriff to Sheriff Jay Printz, undersheriff to Sheriff Chris Hoffman, deputy sheriff, detective and Hamilton police officer and detective. I have thousands of hours of law enforcement training and over three decades of experience. Parts of my training were obtained at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy, the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, the Montana Sheriff’s Institute, the National Sheriff’s Institute in Longmont, Colorado, and many other local and regional training venues. Prior to lawenforcement I worked on ranches, oil drilling rigs, drove freight delivery trucks, bartended and worked on construction crews.

1. In your opinion, what are the qualities of a good judge?

I believe to be a good judge, you must be a good listener. I also believe that you have to have a well-rounded background and the ability to make decisions based on common sense and life experience.

I believe a judge must be honest, unbiased and invested in the community that he serves. I also believe that a judge must have a foundation and understanding of the law and how it is applied. I feel a good judge is compassionate, empathetic, consistent and coura-

geous, all while making difficult decisions, based on the rule of law and justice. I, as well as the citizens of Ravalli County, have a tremendous investment in the skills, education, training and experience that I bring to this court.

2. What is that you offer county residents as justice of the peace?

I offer the citizens of Ravalli County a tremendous amount of personal and community investment based on my law enforcement service and hometown values. I bring fresh energy to this court, as well as common sense, honesty, integrity, fairness and consistency. I treat all with dignity and respect. My experience in regards to reviewing allegations of misconduct against public safety officer’s careers, positions me to make fair and consistent decisions based on the law and facts, in each situation. Finally, I bring life experience: as a father, husband, son, brother, friend and neighbor to this position. I like and value people and have the ability to balance the requirements of the law with the needs and circumstances of each individual case.

3. Why do you want to serve as justice of the peace?

For the past 32 years my life has reflected service: to the citizens of Ravalli County and the state of Montana. I would like to continue that service as your next justice of the peace. I believe my experience, training and communication skills provide a roadmap to success in this position. My track record and reputation lend themselves to continuing my career as a justice of the peace. I have been and continue to be invested in Ravalli County, and I bring a “can-do attitude” and fresh energy to this position. It would be a tremendous honor to provide this service to the Bitterroot Valley for me.

Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 7, 2018 - 19

The county recently created a budget line item to continue the misdemeanor probation officer position that helps ensure that a jail diversion program from misdemeanor defendants functions correctly. Are there other possibilities for county officials work together to create additional efficiencies in the local court and detention system? The misdemeanor probation program will, and should, address issues that relate to alcohol and drug addiction. By providing alternatives to incarceration, we are beginning to move towards analyzing and changing behaviors through oversight and treatment, rather than simply punishing behaviors. It’s a first step. I think veterans courts provide additional options that should be examined as a means to accommodate the men and women returning from military service to our country. The structure, oversight and discipline appear to provide alternatives to detention centers for these returning soldiers.

4. In your opinion, what factors should a justice use to determine a sentence in a misdemeanor case?

A justice should look at the crime and circumstances under which the criminal act occurred, the planning or spontaneity of the crime, criminal history of the offender, relationship to the victim, the damage to property, quantity of injury to the victim, motive (if known), regret and compassion of the offender to the victim or community. In general the totality of the entire incident or event should be considered. Finally, I believe victims should have the right to be involved in the process, from the beginning to the end, including the right to be heard, if they choose!

Justice of the Peace

ence and education to do my job efficiently, fairly and impartially. I Jim Bailey offer my honesty and integrity to do the job necessary as a Justice of the Peace.

2. Why do you want to serve as justice of the peace?

I have over 17 years of judicial experience and 31 years of law enforcement experience. I use these 48 years of experience in the court room every day. I like being a justice of the peace and I love serving the citizens of Ravalli County. Going to Justice Court is not always a fun experience. Many come to court on minor infractions. I try to make it a pleasant experience and most Hometown: Mostly Ravalli County people when leaving, say thank you.

Age: 70 I want to serve because every day Family: I am married to Jennie. is a new experience. I see people We have two adult sons and seven accused of minor violations all the grandchildren.

Experience: 31 years in law enforce- way to murder. A judge must know ment. Over 17 years as your justice human nature and be able to read a defendant standing in front of him. of the peace.

These abilities are learned through 1. In your opinion, what are the years of experience and I want to qualities of a good judge? What is continue to use that experience it that you offer county resident as as a justice of the peace of Ravalli Justice of the Peace?

County.

A good judge must be fair and 3. The county recently created a impartial. Those two qualities are budget line item to continue the first and foremost. However, a good misdemeanor probation officer judge must also be compassionate position that helps ensure that and understanding. Experience and a jail diversion program from education are also qualities a good misdemeanor defendants funcjudge must possess. tions correctly. Are there other I offer the resident the same as I possibilities for county officials to have offered the last 17 years. I will work together to create additional do a good job. I will strive to keep efficiencies in the local court and the citizens safe by using the tools detention system? provided. We have GPS devices to The jail diversion program is keep tabs of alleged stalkers. We more than what the name implies. have three methods of keeping The probation officers keep track drunk drivers from drinking alcohol of certain misdemeanor and felony and we use these devices frequently. suspects. They also administer drug We have drug patches to put on tests and run the 24/7 alcohol testdrug users which test them to verify ing program. They are also capable they are remaining drug free. We of using GPS devices on certain also put people on pre-trial supervi- suspects. This program is the newsion through a probation officer. est program to provide security and safety for Ravalli county citizens. I I offer my many years of experi-

don’t know of any other programs available with the exception of drug courts, which can be very good, but are very expensive to run.

4. In your opinion, what factors should a justice use to determine a sentence in a misdemeanor case?

There are many factors a judge has to determine before a person can be properly sentenced. The first would be, what has he/she plead guilty to. Some sentences carry minimum and maximum jail and fines.

And by law the judge must abide by the guidelines. Many of these guidelines apply to driving under the influence of alcohol. The law specifically states that depending on if the charge is a DUI first, second or third offense that a minimum amount of jail must be served and the defendant must pay a minimum amount of fine. The defendant will lose his driving privileges a minimum amount of days. A defendant must do an alcohol counseling program called ACT and the defendant is not allowed to drink alcohol during the probationary period of his/her sentence.

These are the legal factors a judge must use.

The common sense factors would be knowing exactly what happened. If two people are charged with assault, should they receive the same sentence? No. One person may have shoved his friend while another may have beaten him severely. Both are charged with assault but the sentence will be that one is going to jail and the other will receive probation.

A judge also has to determine financial ability, medical conditions, prior criminal history and a host of other things.

My sentences are fair, impartial and done with as much knowledge as I have at my disposal in order to properly sentence someone. I have done it for a long time.

jim bailey RE-ELECT

justice of the peace • dept. 2 Personal History Bitterroot Valley resident for over 40 years. Married to Corvallis girl, Jennie, for 45 years. Raised 2 boys in the Bitterroot. Steven and Kevin both graduated from Darby High School and the University of Montana.

We now have 7 grandchildren.

Military Experience I served in the U.S. Air Force from June 1966 to June 1970. I served a year tour in Vietnam at TUY HOA AFB from June 1968 to June 1969.

Member of Montana Magistrates Association National Judges Association Vietnam Security Police Association Vietnam Veterans of America

Education Attended Hamilton’s Washington Grade School, Jefferson Jr. High and Hamilton High School.

Associate of Arts degree from ‘The College of the Canyons’ in Valencia, California, Numerous military and law enforcement academies, as well as many months of training at schools and seminars in Montana and throughout the United States and Canada.

Graduate of the F.B.I. National Law Enforcement Academy, in Quantico Virginia, in 1998.

31 years of law enforcement experience.

Certified by the Montana Supreme Court to serve as Justice of the Peace.

The best education of all is what I have learned while working as a law enforcement officer and a Justice of the Peace in Ravalli County for the last 38 years. I know the people and the needs of the community.

Over 17 years as Ravalli County Justice of the Peace.

A vote for Jim Bailey is a vote for a man who will do the best job he can. Who will always listen to all sides of an issue. Who will be fair and impartial and always respect and support the laws of Montana.

Paid for by: Jim Bailey • Ravalli County Justice of the Peace • PO Box 1801• Hamilton, MT 59840