Editor's note: Over the next few weeks, the Independent Record will present brief profiles of the candidates in 10 area legislative races. This is the first.
With Republican Harry Klock’s four-term tenure ended by term limits, House District 83 is up for grabs.
Two candidates running in their first race are vying to replace Klock. Republican Wylie Galt edged out Jonathan R. Jackson, of East Helena, in the Republican primary in June, while Marla C. Clark ran unopposed for the Democratic slot.
HD83 includes the eastern edges of East Helena, Townsend and the Helena Valley and runs east to include White Sulphur Springs, Harlowton, Ryegate, Lavina and Judith Gap.
Here are their unedited answers to questions posed by the Independent Record
Clark:
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What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?
I am the most qualified candidate for House District 83 because of my experience. I’ve lived through many trying times in our nation’s history, including segregation, wars, and mortgage interest rates that were upward of 17 percent. I understand global, national, statewide and local issues, and how they affect us. I am a small business owner, so managing a budget is no stranger to me. I have sat in on the legislative process, watching a bill going from introduction, to the floor for debate, into committee, and on to the vote in the Capitol. I have worked for attorneys and know some of the legal jargon used in the process.
I have talked to many, many people during this campaign, getting their views and perspectives on a variety of issues. (I also do a lot of independent research.) I am just like the people I talk to, somewhere in the middle on issues, not radical in either direction. But what is most important to me are those viewpoints of the public, and I will put aside personal preferences to the dictates of my constituents, real people, who are not corporations. We should not have the "best democracy money can buy." I’ve spent about $1,200 on my campaign.
If elected, what will be your top legislative priority?
My top priority for the legislature would be to re-establish our state’s autonomy. It seems that the federal government is ever intruding and over-riding the wishes of the peoples’ vote. Eminent domain laws need to be changed or inserted into Montana Code Annotated to reflect "crucial, public need" before any corporation attempts to take away anyone’s land. Another top priority would be to balance the budget, and make sure all our obligations, such as public employee retirement system, are met.
What can and should the Legislature do to promote economic development in your district and across Montana?
I have several ideas for economic development in my district. We have vast natural resources, some of which are renewable. I support the timber industry and believe we can get a lot of people back to work if we break the strangle-hold on the Forest Service by some pseudo-environmentalists who sue every forest management plan at taxpayers’ expense. Logging can be done responsibly and in such a way to add to the forest health. Also, I would like to see more infrastructure in agriculture, to promote Montana-grown products within the state, as well as out of state. My motto is, No Farms, No Food. Very important. I am not against coal or oil drilling, but want to see good environmental standards upheld. It can be done.
We need to set aside partisan differences and work together in the legislature to create a better future right now.
Galt:
What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?
I am more qualified because I have attended many conventions where I have been a voting member for Meagher County, I am vice chair for Meagher County central committee, and I am vice president of the Montana Young Republicans. Through these different organizations I have learned a lot about the legislative process.
If elected, what will be your top legislative priority?
My top priorities if elected are lower taxes, smaller government and develop our natural resources.
What can and should the Legislature do to promote economic development in your district and across Montana?
We can help promote economic development by developing our natural resources. Harvesting the dead and dying timber in the area will not only develop jobs but it will also help with the substantial fire danger. If a fire was to break out in these areas it may cost the state millions instead of creating a source of revenue. Also decreasing taxes will cut down the finical burdens on small business allowing them to free up capital to reinvest into their business and expand.
