The Questions:

1. Are infrastructure improvements a major concern for Montana and, if so, what would you do to help pass a comprehensive infrastructure package?

2. Montanans rely on extraction-based industries for jobs, even as demand grows for clean and renewable energy in the region. How would you help employees in the coal, oil and natural gas industries maintain their livelihood, or pursue training in other fields in Montana’s changing economic landscape?

3. Given that the Legislative Fiscal Division has projected an ending fund balance that is considerably less than what was anticipated, what would be your budgetary approach heading into the session?

4. Should the state of Montana push to take more control of some federal land management?

5. What do you think is the most pressing issue facing the 2017 Legislature, and how do you propose dealing with it?

Democrat David McGarry did not provide responses.

Mike Cuffe

Residence: Eureka
Political Party: Republican
Family: Married 48 years to JoAn
Occupation: Legislator retired from marketing/publishing and lumber/plywood businesses
Education: B.A. Journalism, University of Montana
Political Experience: Completing third term in Montana House of Representatives
Website: None

1. Yes. I will start where I left off in 2015. I chaired Appropriations Long Range Planning, and I carried, or helped write, most infrastructure bills which passed. These provided millions of dollars to water projects, sewage systems, bridges, irrigation, reclamation and more all over the state, based on special state funds dedicated to infrastructure. The funding source for school projects was already overspent, in part because of payments for earlier bonding. The governor rejected using cash, and legislators turned down more bonding, so we have work to do. Same for oil boom projects. A bonding proposal with a $205 million sticker shock bill won’t fly. Available cash is better. Bond for smaller amounts based on need, not convenience.

2. Greg Gianforte, my choice for governor, has proposed some novel ideas. I support them. Interim committees have several good proposals already prepared. I support cutting-edge work for cleaner coal emissions. Legislation may be necessary. I did arrange meetings and speak with legislators in Washington and Oregon when Montana sent four senators to oppose anti-coal bills. We gained some concessions but the Washington governor overruled them by veto.

3. I have served on Appropriations for three terms. In 2011, we rolled over all the rocks in search of outdated statutory automatic funding. It is time to roll the rocks again. Frivolous and political use of the governor’s airplane is increasing. We cautioned Gov. Bullock about this last session, but he won’t use common sense, so it’s time to sell the plane. His decision to send our marketing contract to an out-of-state firm reduces jobs, profits, and state revenue. Go figure!

4. Yes, since little or no management exists. Forest health is poor. We can do better. I will bring resolutions asking Congress to remove the grizzly bear from endangered species listing and to require substantial bonds when timber sales are appealed.

5. Job-killing regulations, and Greg Gianforte has a list. We must make it easier to do business in Montana. I hear lots of frustration from constituents trying to set up a business or deal with meaningless requirements that cost time, money and frustration. Greg Gianforte wants to get rid of the unfair business equipment tax, and I agree. I helped reduce it twice already. Elimination will stimulate businesses to invest, create jobs and increase wages. Just ask the owners of SmartLam in Columbia Falls.