ELECTION 2018: House District 13

NAME: Chris Gross

EDUCATION: High school graduate

FAMILY: Married 42 years with 2 adult children

OCCUPATION: Former health care provider part-time, now retired

EXPERIENCE: 10 years on Thompson Falls School Board

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR THIS POSITION?

In the 45 years I have lived in Sanders County I have seen: funding for education go down, civil discourse on the rise, employment options decline, kids unable to afford living here, economic opportunities go downhill, drug problems get of control, and the closing of the state office that was here to help Sanders County residents. It is no longer acceptable, to me, to stay on the sidelines and watch my/our community erode. I want to get involved and create positive change.

WHAT LEGISLATION WOULD YOU LIKE TO SPONSOR AND WHY?

First, funding for education. There needs to be a dedicated percentage of lottery money reinstated for schools. Secondly, public lands. Our public lands need to stay in public hands (we only have 29% of federal lands remaining in Montana). Last, voting. We should have all voting occur through mail-in ballots. Voting should be the easiest thing we do. Mail-in ballots are more cost effective.

HOW WOULD YOU WORK WITH STATE AGENCIES IN PRESERVING MONTANA'S HUNTING HERITAGE AND PROTECTING WILDLIFE HABITAT?

I will promote active participation in a coordinated and collaborative effort between all agencies involved with the management of our public lands, forests, wildlife and environment. This is for OUR water, trees, land and air. WE are the guardians of our future.

MONTANA'S MEDICAID EXPANSION ENDS 2019. DO YOU SUPPORT CONTINUING THE PROGRAM? WHY OR WHY NOT?

I would advocate for a single payer system. I support continuing Medicaid expansion. We are a low-income county and all citizens deserve good health care, mental health care and drug rehab.

WHAT PRACTICES WOULD YOU USE TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH CONSTITUENTS?

You will see me everywhere; in the grocery store, the bank, the post office etc., because I LIVE HERE! I am very approachable and welcome your comments and questions. I am here to work for you, so I am listening. Call me anytime, (406) 242-0583.

WHAT IS YOUR STANCE ON THE RECENT WAVE OF CUTS AND BUDGET SHORTFALLS HERE IN MONTANA?

When the federal government decreases its funding, the state has less to allocate to programs that serve the citizens of Montana. I understand trickle-down economics and it does not work. Sanders County is at the end of that stream and it is drying up. We ALL are feeling these shortfalls. I want to bring creative solutions to help offset the problem of decreasing revenue.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WOULD LIKE VOTERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I am passionate about this opportunity to serve my community. WE CAN DO BETTER!