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2016 Election: Senate District 7

Republican Jennifer Fielder faces Democrat Mark Sheets

By Beacon Staff
Senate District 7 candidates Jennifer Fielder, left, and Mark Sheets. Courtesy Photos

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?


Jennifer Fielder

Residence: Thompson Falls
Political Party: Republican
Family: Married, two grown kids, five beautiful little grandchildren
Occupation: Retired landscape designer/outdoor recreation planner/project manager
Education: B.S. in Parks & Recreation, A.A.S. in Ski Instruction and Coaching
Political Experience: Four years Montana Senate (2012–present); three years vice chair Montana Republican Party (2013–present); two years college student senate (1988–89)
Website: www.JenniferFielder.us; https://www.facebook.com/senatorfielder/

1. Yes, several projects are in high need of attention. We should fund critical infrastructure to repair or upgrade roads, bridges, utilities, and public buildings. We also need to ensure sound maintenance programs are in place to keep facilities in good condition and prevent expensive problems later. New projects need to be carefully evaluated to ensure they are necessary. The key is sifting out the pork barrel wish list items from the truly needed projects so we can ensure necessary priorities are addressed. That is where my emphasis will be.

2. We should be careful not to needlessly abandon one energy sector or another. Sadly, a lot of debate about energy these days is driven by competing industries and partisan politics rather than actual science and fact. We should promote scientific integrity to ensure sensible environmental protections, and beyond that it would be wise to embrace all technologies that work, and allow free markets to flow so consumers have options and workers have the freedom to choose which career path they want to pursue.

3. I am a fiscal conservative. We shouldn’t spend more than we have. Every session the Democrats try to estimate a high ending fund balance so they can justify big increases in the state budget. Republicans generally try to develop a budget based on realistic financial estimates, and if anything err on the conservative side. We don’t want to overspend or overtax the people and lead our state into the type of financial trouble the federal government is experiencing.

4. Yes, we should put together an economically viable plan to move toward state-based public land management. Washington D.C.’s failed land management model has resulted in too much access being blocked off, too many out-of-control wildfires let loose to destroy our air, water, and wildlife, too many jobs lost, and too many communities placed in peril. When the federal government continuously orders Montana fire crews to stand down instead of allowing us to put fires out when they are small and controllable, we have a real problem. Federal policies like that, along with lack of vegetation management, have needlessly risked lives, caused thousands of acres to go up in smoke, and wasted millions of dollars. It’s definitely time for significant reforms, and I have a lot more faith in Montanans’ sensibilities than I do in Washington D.C.’s.

5. There are a lot of pressing issues facing our state. Reducing wildfire risks is critical; funding infrastructure and providing a proper education for our children are also vital. But the most disturbing thing I see on the horizon is the spread of terrorism here in our own country. We must stop the unfiltered importation of refugee populations that, according to the FBI, are likely to contain Jihadists. Not all Muslims are Jihadists, but the ones who are have proven to be brutally violent. We need to recognize Islamic terrorism for the threat it is and take precautions to keep it out of our country, our state, and our communities. God help us.


Mark Sheets

Residence: Thompson Falls for 34 years; Montana resident for 58 years
Political Party: Democrat
Family: Married with two grown sons
Occupation: Retired high school science teacher
Education: B.S. Secondary Education, Area Science major, MSU-Northern
Political Experience: Thompson Falls mayor, 9 months; Thompson Falls city council, 11 years; Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Citizens Advisory Committee, Region 1, four years; Sanders County Resource Advisory Committee, four years; Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger Dist. Collaborative Group, many years

1. Infrastructure in the state is aging and needs our attention. It is hard to have any economic growth in our communities without a good infrastructure in place. Our water and wastewater systems need repair to protect public safety. Schools, roads and bridges are also in need of repair. It will have to be a long-term solution with the appropriate funding to solve this. There is a varied group that has formed to tackle this problem. They range from engineering firms, League of Cities and Towns, contractors and others to whom this is important. As a legislator, I will work with them and reach across the aisle for help with trying to solve this problem.

2. Montana’s jobs are always in a state of flux. Resource-based jobs are vulnerable to dramatic change. Retraining programs are needed to help transition workers in this changing marketplace. The retraining programs of the past just need to be updated and put into place again.

3. I would start with a budgeted amount to act as a cushion in case of unexpected loss of revenue. Then you would have to prioritize what areas to fully fund or increase funding to. My priorities are education, job retraining, infrastructure, public health, and senior citizens. I may have to change them to reflect what is important to my constituents. To get a balanced budget, the Legislature needs to work together for the people of the state and the district that elected them. As a legislator, I will work with anyone who is serious about doing what is best for the state and not pushing their own personal agenda.

4. I do not support the state taking over management or the ownership of “OUR” Federal lands. Currently, the state and federal land management agencies work very well together. There are many collaborative groups that also work with them to give more local input. Not everyone gets their way but all are willing to compromise to reach an agreement that benefits most everyone.

5. I think the divisiveness in the Legislature is the biggest problem. There is too much rhetoric and posturing. If more reaching across the aisle and working together would happen, then no matter what the problem is, an acceptable solution can be found. Everyone has to be willing to compromise and listen to each other. Place what is best for the people of the state and our future generations first.