1. Should the state of Montana expand Medicaid to Montanans earning less than 138 percent of poverty, as allowed under the Affordable Care Act? Why or why not?
2. Should the state encourage or discourage the production of coal, oil and gas? How?
3. The state of Montana has had budget surpluses in recent years. Should this money be invested in public services, returned to taxpayers in some form, or both? Please be specific.
4. Do you support freezing tuition for in-state students attending state colleges and universities for two more years, as the 2013 Legislature did? Why or why not?
5. Montana schools are implementing new math and English standards and testing known as the Common Core standards. Do you support these? Why or why not?
(Editor’s note: Democratic candidate Catie Henderson did not respond to the Beacon’s questionnaire.)
Name: Frank Garner
Age: 52
Occupation: Security Chief Kalispell Regional Healthcare/Retired Kalispell Police Chief
Political background: First time seeking elected office
Political affiliation: Republican
Place of residence: Kila
1. No. I believe we should look at premium support for private insurance for those who are currently left out of the Affordable Care Act. That is a group much smaller than is envisioned by those wishing to expand Medicaid.
2. The state should encourage the development of natural resources by maintaining reasonable production taxes and a fair and consistent regulatory environment. Production of these resources responsibly will keep the jobs in Montana and prevent us nationally from being dependent on foreign sources.
3. We should cut the payroll tax and allow millions of dollars of the surplus to stay in our communities. If we can’t cut taxes when we have surpluses in the hundreds of millions, when can we?
4. Yes, but efficiencies will have to be found to pay for increased costs. I recognize the value of having a well-educated work force and in improving the chances of our kids to compete.
5. I believe the issue is about who should control our curriculum. I trust our local school boards and teachers and I am product of our local school system. I support the right of our parents to control our curriculum through their locally elected school boards and will support legislation that guarantees that right.