Chamber sponsors candidate forum
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POLSON — The stage in the Polson High School auditorium was packed with political candidates on May 2 for a forum sponsored by the Polson Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber members submitted questions, and Rich Forbis from Anderson Broadcasting moderated the event.
Candidates began with two minutes introducing themselves and explaining why they are running.
Present were:
• District Court Judge candidates Deborah Kim Christopher, incumbent, and Thomas Kragh
• Senate District 6 candidates Carmine Mowbray, incumbent, Janna Taylor and Michael “Mike” Larson
• House District 9 candidates Scott M. Reichner, incumbent, and Frank Mutch
• House District 11 candidate Greg Hertz
• House District 12 candidates Daniel Salomon, incumbent, and Luke Walawander
• House District 15 candidates Forrestina “Frosty” Calf Boss Ribs and Jason Smith
• Lake County Commissioner candidates Paddy Trusler, incumbent, Gale Decker and Rick Jennison
Forbis asked all the candidates what the planks in their campaign platform are and how those planks separate them from their opponents.
Planks for Mowbray are state issues, such as returning to performance-based budgeting. She believes in private property and retaining state land and is not afraid to promote charter schools and healthcare reform.
Taylor explained that the planks in her platform were similar to many other Republicans: less government, less spending and more efficient governments. Taylor said her experience separates her from her opponents. She’s spent two legislative sessions in appropriations and two on the tax committee.
Two important issues for Larson are water and higher education, and he’s a big supporter of two-year colleges and trade school. What set him apart is that both of his opponents are conservative, while he considers himself “a thinking conservative.”
With his certified public accountant and business background, Greg Hertz, running for House District 11, said his main goal is to spend tax money efficiently.
“I am also all about jobs,” Hertz noted.
In House District 12, incumbent Dan Salomon and Luke Walawander talked about their platform planks.
Salomon mentioned education funding, natural resource development and the cumbersome permitting process.
“We’re trying to get it so people want to come to Montana to open businesses,” he said.
Mutch said he’s greatly concerned about families and small businesses.
“We need more jobs and less government,” he said, adding that the legislature needs to start on the spending side.
Reichner said oil and gas revenues could be used for property tax relief, and then moved right into education funding. He also said pensions for state employees and teachers need to be shored up. Medicare needs to be reformed, he said. If Obamacare remains in effect, there will be significant additional costs to Medicaid, which needs to be more efficient.
“We need to remove fraud,” he added.
Forrestina “Frosty” Calf Boss Ribs, incumbent for House District 15, said a big plank in her platform is education.
“It always is great when I can stand up and speak for the children,” Calf Boss Ribs said, noting she served in the legislature in 2009.
Her opponent, Jason Smith, said he would focus on economic development, creating jobs and encouraging small businesses. What separates him from Calf Boss Ribs is his broad experience, he added.
Although judges don’t have platforms, incumbent for District Court Judge, District 20, Deborah Kim Christopher said she has a responsibility to the law as given to her by the legislature and the State and Federal Constitutions. She’s served as a district judge for 12 years and as the Lake County Attorney for six years prior to that.
Christopher’s opponent Tom Kragh said, “I think the only thing you can ask (from a judge) is that they be fair, fairly interpret the law and reach a fair decision.”
Historically, Kragh said, judges are long-time practitioners of the law, and he has been in practice for more than 30 years.
Lake County Commissioner incumbent Paddy Trusler said he came into office with a commitment to do the very best job. Trusler said what distinguishes him from the other candidates is that he’s already shown what he can do.
“The infrastructure ... sucks,” candidate Rick Jennison said.
Since he travels all around the county for his tree business, Jennison said he knows the roads need work. He also has concerns about infringements on private property.
Candidate Gale Decker said one huge issue is the economy, and growth is stagnant. It also concerns Decker that people are leaving for North Dakota to work.
Roads are another concern. With 1,200 miles of roads in Lake County, Decker said the budget would allow repair of 10 miles per year, so it would take 120 years to reach all the roads in the county.
He also has concerns about the planning department and property rights, and the time it takes to complete a project.
After several more questions, the candidates had a chance for closing remarks and then adjourned to the lobby to speak with the crowd of about 30 people informally.
