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2016 Election: Senate District 3

Incumbent Republican Keith Regier faces challenger Democrat Melissa Hartman

By Beacon Staff
Senate District 12 candidates Keith Regier, left, and Melissa Hartman. 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?


Keith Regier

Residence: Kalispell
Political Party: Republican
Family: Wife: Jolene; two daughters, one son, two grandsons – all living in the Flathead Valley
Occupation: Retired teacher; small business owner of Stillwater Sod
Education: B.S. in Education
Political Experience: 17 years school trustee at West Valley and Flathead/Glacier; four terms in Montana House of Representatives
Website: www.Regier-SD3.com

1. There are many cities across the state that have needs to improve their water and sewer systems. Many county and school districts have buildings that could use repair. In the last two legislative sessions, the governor has been an obstacle to the state providing infrastructure help to local governments. He has vetoed infrastructure bills and pushed for building a state museum instead of true infrastructure. If elected, I will propose a regional infrastructure bill that will spread any extra general fund money to counties, cities and school districts around the state.

2. Renewable energy is weak energy. It is unreliable and without subsidies is more expensive. Montana coal is some of the highest quality in the world, and the world will keep burning some coal and petroleum. Montana needs to educate the populace on the high quality of energy it produces.

3. The Legislature should always be looking at trimming the pork from the state budget. If revenue is falling, that means the economy is not doing well, and citizens and businesses are earning less. Cutting taxes will leave money in people’s pockets. They will spend that money, and that will stimulate the economy.

4. In Northwest Montana, there have been many forest fires because of the buildup of fuel through the years. State lands generate a positive financial return to the state, where federal lands operate at a deficit. I think that a systematic transfer of forest and BLM land to state control would be beneficial. Any liability with land would need to stay with the federal government. Public access to federal lands has been more difficult in recent years. Gated roads and roads being removed are common. Instead of Washington-directed one rule applies to all, state control would apply regulations that serve the public and lands better.

5. I think the economy and jobs need to be improved. But I am hearing from constituents that safety is a big concern. Un-vetted immigration and not feeling safe going to a public restroom are common responses. The Legislature needs to pressure Washington, through our Congressional delegation, to address the safety issues. State regulations that are an obstacle to businesses need to be reduced and taxes cut.


Melissa Hartman

Residence: Whitefish
Political Party: Democrat
Family: Husband, Dave Hartman
Occupation: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Education: B.A. from Connecticut College, Masters Degree in Social Work from New York University
Political Experience: I was a political appointee at the Department of Commerce in the Office of Technology Policy from 1990 to 1991
Website: www.votehartmansd3.com

1. Given that Montana has been given a C-rating in this area, infrastructure is a major concern. Roads, dams and drinking water systems are among the areas in greatest need. Since there is bipartisan agreement on this issue, the Legislature should be able to identify projects that need to be prioritized. In the most recent bill, infrastructure was combined with capital projects but failed to get the required votes. It may be necessary to separate the two so that we can at least move forward in the area of infrastructure. I would also take advantage of Montana’s AAA bond rating to help finance these projects.

2. We need to provide extended unemployment benefits and provide retraining for employees while taking advantage of the growing market for renewable energies like wind power. Montana will be facing a dramatic labor shortage due to an aging population with 130,000 people retiring from the workforce in the next decade, so the demand for labor will be high. There is already a need for skilled laborers in the state, such as carpenters, welders, concrete workers, heavy equipment operators and electricians. We also need to take advantage of the funding written into the EPA Clean Power Plan to assist with any transitions, similar to the TransAlta coal plant in Washington State, which received a $55 million transition package.

3. Although the ending fund balance is less than anticipated, Montana is still in a fiscally sound position with top rankings by JP Morgan and the Mercatus Center. Montana’s rainy-day fund can absorb this shortfall and still fall within the historical range for this fund. Looking ahead, Montana needs to focus on increasing wages through minimum-wage legislation. There is a growing body of economic research indicating that it is not wealthy businesspeople that drive job growth and creation, it is a thriving middle class that drives job growth and creates the environment for businesses to thrive. Raising wages for Montanans will grow the economy and increase state revenues.

4. I do not support Montana taking more control of federal land management due to the economic burden that would place on our state. However, I do believe that coordination between the federal and state governments, as well as between the state and counties, could be improved.

5. The overburdened criminal justice system is our most pressing issue. We need to revise sentencing laws and find ways to address unmet mental health and addiction treatment needs. We should also consider the recommendations of the Justice Center. This includes focusing services on re-offenders while providing more probation and parole officers to supervise those at low risk for re-offending. Additionally, we should close the 26-month gap between prisoners being eligible for parole and getting a parole decision. Lastly, restorative justice practices can help with prevention. In Flathead County, the Center for Restorative Youth Justice has contributed to a 28 percent decline in youth going to detention centers.