Thursday night at Discovery Square in Columbia Falls, three HD3 candidates met to discuss the issues in a candidate’s forum organized by Columbia Falls’ First Best Place task force.
Independent Shawn Guymon and Democrat Zac Perry sat down with incumbent Republican Jerry O’Neil to take questions from the crowd and moderator (and CFHS’ 10 time state speech/debate coach) Michael Christensen.
So that many who couldn’t attend the forum could keep up as it happened, I live-tweeted the event on Twitter.
The transcript of my hastily typed (on an iPod Touch) transcription of the forum follows below:
Guymon introducing himself #hd3
ONeil introducing himself #hd3
Perry introducing himself. About 50 people here. #hd3
Candidates being asked what role the state should fill re: improving the economy #hd3
Perry says 3 to 5 yr biz equip tax exemption for coming here. #hd3
ONeil would repeal biz equip tax. Feels state should get out of the way. Would like to see “any jobs” here. #hd3
Guymon talking about unconstitutional rules affecting job growth #hd3
(Candidates asked about education / education funding)
Guymon wants education fund pulled out of budget similar to coal trust. Doesn’t want to use coal severance. #hd3
Forum being moderated by CFHS’ 10 time state speech and debate champion coach Michael Christensen. #hd3
ONeil talking about reappraising property due to it last being done at bubble prices #hd3
Perry talking about more frequent appraisals so they reflect market value while not penalizing homeowners. #hd3
Perry talking about restoring taxes originally earmarked for education #hd3
ONeil talking about boosting coal production and routing funds to education #hd3
Guymon calls for lower workers comp #hd3
(Candidates asked about medical marijuana)
Guymon on medical marijuana: “it’s a mess”. Blaming lawyers/bureaucracy. #hd3
ONeil wants to require med mj in own dwelling. Says that will stop “social toking”. Would require no children be present. #hd3
Perry says the people spoke. Need to “regulate the heck out of it.” Need more selective “reasonable need” for a card. #hd3
(Candidates asked about the “Montana brain drain”)
Perry on losing educated MT kids. Says tied to the MT economy. Better higher paying jobs will attract those kids back after school #hd3
ONeil would cut students some slack on student loan repayment if the stay in MT after graduation. #hd3
Guymon says wages should be raised by lowering workers comp. Talks of preserving MT’s pioneering spirit #hd3
Question: 1 in 10 people in MT (85000 people, 18000 kids) live in homes without enough food. How would you address this? #hd3
Guymon talking about overreaching government. Prefers hope, faith & charity. #hd3
ONeil agrees with Guymon. Talking about making it easier for people to work. Talking about him (first job) driving big truck at 14 #hd3
Perry talking about making sure people are aware of the many available programs and that we take more responsibility to help as a community #hd3
Perry think MT GOP homosexual platform is “ridiculous”. ONeil says not government’s job. #hd3
Guymon says same rights no more no less. Using “us and them” terminology. #hd3
Final question: what do you REALLY believe in and are you up to the task? #Hd3
Guymon: family freedom vets #hd3 (note: this was the essence of his talk, keeping up was tough on an iTouch)
ONeil: loves state and US constitution. Former needs changes. Need to protect sovereignty. Protect workers. Loosen practice of law #hd3
Perry: believes in the people of local communities. Quality jobs & education, fair prop taxes #hd3
That’s all folks. Thanks for listening #hd3
The forum continued with Flathead County Commissioner candidates Joe Brenneman and Pam Holmquist (photo below) answering questions and sharing their outlook on roads, budgets and similar issues.
