Why I am the Better Candidate for State Representative for HD 46?

The nature of my education, my experience in public service and my previous service in legislature gives me a decided edge. With term limits in the legislature and only every other year session it is vital to have legislators with experience. I have that experience. 

I know many members of the legislature who are still serving and they know me. I know the legislative procedure. I served on the Judiciary Committee (both sessions), the State and Local Government Committee, the Education Committee, the Human Services Committee, the Fish Wildlife and Parks Committee and the State Tribal Relations Interim Committee (both sessions).

My life’s experiences are broad and varied and I can bring them to bear on the issues before the 2009 legislature.

I am a native Montanan. My early life was spent in a small town on the Blackfeet reservation close to Glacier National Park. I understand the needs of small towns and the necessity of preserving the Montana way of life.

I attended grade school in Babb, Montana, and graduated from High School in Conrad, Montana. While in High School and during the summers while in College, I worked in the construction business, retail business and in farming and ranching. I have worked and understand the concerns of the working men and women.

Following High School, I joined the United States Navy and received an Honorable discharge after I completed my service. I understand the concerns of veterans.

I have a college degree and a professional degree. I was the first of my family to get a college education. I understand the need for education and the benefits that come from education.

I am a family man, I have been married for 49 years and have 6 children. I understand the needs of Montana families.

I own property in Yellowstone County including real property in HD 46 and understand the concerns about property taxes.

I have served on the YMCA youth board and have been a member of the Billings downtown Rotary Service Club for in excess of 28 years. I have worked in some aspect of the public sector on some level during my entire professional life.

When I graduated from U of Montana, I went to Washington state and practiced law for about 6 years. While there I represented two small towns in Washington. I also taught business law at one of the local community colleges. I have never worked full time for any governmental entity.

When we moved back to Montana (1973), I opened my own law practice with a friend here in Billings. I know what it is like to operate your own business and make ends meet.

In 1977 the City of Billings started to operate under the City Charter as a self government City as authorized by the 1972 Montana Constitution and the laws. I was the first City Attorney under that Charter. I represented the City of Billings for about 6 years as the City Attorney. I also acted as the City Administrator for about a 6 month period. During that time I performed the duties of City Attorney and City Administrator. Following my service as the City Attorney, I served as Chairman of the Board of Adjustment and continued to represent the City on special matters through the 1990s. I understand the needs of local governments (Cities, Towns and Counties).

I served as Chairman of the Probation and Parole Board until 2005. I understand the problems created by crime and the problems facing corrections in dealing with crime and overcrowded prisons. Corrections next to education is the biggest item in the state budget.

I understand the roles of the 3 branches of government and education as declared by the Constitution.  I also understand the role of government as it relates to the people. All power is reserved to the people and does not reside in the government.  I believe as did, Thomas Paine, “That government is best which governs least.”