Growth -- Our legislature should be giving local government the power to deal with growth and development
issues as they see fit. It should not be the Legislature's job to establish rules governing planning other than
to ensure public access to streams and public lands.
Economic Development -- Average wages
in Ravalli County are not keeping up with the rise in cost of living. Between utility costs, property tax increases,
and paying for healthcare, small businesses, farmers and ranchers are being priced out of the valley.
Energy Costs -- Gasoline and natural gas costs have skyrocketed in the last two years, hurting
businesses and individuals alike. The legislature should focus on increasing the development and use of Montana-made
energy from traditional and alternative resources as a way to lower energy costs, raise revenue, and create good-paying jobs.
Education -- Find any area with a good economy and you will find a well funded and
effective system for educating the people. As the parent of a school aged child education will be one of the focal points
of my campaign and by increasing funding at the state level we can reduce some of the tax burden on local property owners.
Healthcare -- I support the ballot initiative I-155 which will insure all Montana's
children and help to give them the healthy start they need to have a successful life. I also support an expansion of
the Insure Montana program, which helps small businesses provide health insurance for their employees.
Natural
Resource Development -- Montana is blessed with abundant natural resources, whether they be timber, natural gas,
precious metals, coal, and the beautiful wilderness around us. These resources must be used responsibly to encourage
prosperity while maintaining quality of life.
Taxes -- Hard working
Montanans are being asked to subsidize out-of-state investors who are cheating on taxes. Attempts to collect these unpaid
bills were thwarted by the House Majority, but I will support legislative efforts to pursue the tens of millions of dollars
owed us.
Gun Control -- The second amendment guarantees our right to own firearms,
whether for sport, hunting, or self protection. I would not support any gun control legislation.
