ELECTION 2018: House District 14

NAME: Denley M. Loge

EDUCATION: BA Geography

FAMILY: Single

OCCUPATION: Rancher

EXPERIENCE: Lived on a farm/ranch all my life, Montana landowner for 43 years, timberland owner, 45 years in road construction and highway maintenance experience, Soil Conservation board member for 16 years, Farm Services committeeman for 8 years, Planning Board for over 40 years, state Private Land/Public Wildlife council (in my 3rd term), Region 2 FWP Citizens Advisory Committee for two terms, Montana Legislature (for one term), Mineral County Resource Advisory Committee, Mineral County Resource Group, Sanders County Forest Collaborative

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR THIS POSITION? I have the experience working with legislators and locals. I have worked actively on critical issues. Those include water rights, federal and state leases, access issues, landowner rights, timber management, wildlife and habitat concerns, bridge and road deterioration, resource management and education. I use co-experience and common sense to work on problems to come up with workable solutions.

WHAT LEGISLATION WOULD YOU LIKE TO SPONSOR AND WHY?

Work with landowners for some solutions to wildlife damages that may benefit hunters and landowners. Changes in the funding for bicycle trails so vehicle users don't have to foot the entire bill. More equitable fee schedule for funding fishing access sites so fisherman don't cover all the costs that rafters should share.

WHAT ISSUES ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU?

Reducing the cost of agencies doing business. We have top heavy spending within agencies that needs to be streamlined to operate more efficiently. By reducing budgets, the result did not achieve its objective. Those workers on the bottom and the public lost, so we must address the dead weight and expensive jobs at the top of all agencies and just plain reduce spending.

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

Medicaid is quite a contentious issue. With the small hospitals in the district, the Medicaid expansion is critical to save their existence. Small rural hospitals count on this program and need it to be renewed.

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

I have been on a private land/public wildlife council to help work on access issues to try to keep lands open to hunt, fish, and recreate, still respecting private property rights. I participate in the local FWP citizens advisory committee to work on fishing, hunting and trapping problem solving, and promote our Montana heritage. I also support the local 4-H shooting sports organization, so our youth learn that same heritage.

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

I use my cell phone text, e-mails, and phone. I have my answering machine always on. During the past session, I submitted newspaper articles to keep people informed.

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

The past legislature had to make the cuts we did. With grain production down, cattle prices down and oil production down, revenues were truly down, and we must pass a balanced budget in Montana. The intent was not to put pressure on the states most vulnerable. The special session had an additional $32 million available, but the governor chose to make some cuts on the bottom and not use that money.

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

I am honest.

NAME:  Diane L. Magone

EDUCATION: BSW, University of Montana; MSW Walla Walla College

FAMILY:  I live with my 94-year-old father, have two daughters, two sons-in-law and four grandchildren

OCCUPATION: Retired

EXPERIENCE:  I worked with the public in social work/counseling type settings for most of my life and have served on many boards. I am now a member of the Mineral County Library Board and the Garnet Preservation Association (as a board member).

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR THIS POSITION?

My goal is to represent all people in District 14 and consider legislation that supports the economy, the safety, and the well-being of everyone. I am willing to look at all sides of an issue, consider what the majority of my constituents want and need, and then vote accordingly. I also believe in communication and compromise as the best way to solve problems.

WHAT LEGISLATION WOULD YOU LIKE TO SPONSOR AND WHY?

As our energy shifts from fossil fuels to renewables, I would like to be involved in working to find solutions as to how to best make this work for us all. In addition to providing retraining, it is imperative that jobs in wind and solar industries pay as well as our current jobs do. Furthermore, should the number of jobs in the coal and oil industries be reduced, we need to look at ways to support our workers as they go through retraining; not only in education programs, but also in helping them to maintain their current economic status (i.e., not losing their homes, cars, insurance, etc.) as they change professions. I would very much like to work with the unions and companies in exploring ways to accomplish this and pass relevant legislation should it be appropriate.

WHAT ISSUES ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU?

As a Montana State Legislator representing HD14, I would have to say maintaining and building the economy of our area takes precedence. We all know that the lumber industry is struggling, yet the biggest employer in Mineral County is our local mill, with the hospital coming in second (in Sanders County, the hospital employs the most people). It is essential that we support our current industries as we explore other possible economic opportunities for our residents.

Keeping our local hospitals open is critical, not only as local employers, but also as critical care facilities. I will work to do all I can to support legislation that works towards this end.

Lastly, working together to ensure that we have safe public schools with adequate funding – our children are our future.

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

Working with state and federal agencies is critical in keeping our public lands in public hands. Managing our forested areas, allowing public access to critical hunting and fishing areas, and working together to keep our waters clean and pristine all promote good hunting and fishing opportunities. In order to do this, we must work with our state agencies to promote regulations that both protect our rights in a responsible manner, yet still work to ensure protection of our resources for future generations.

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

This may very well be the most important issue facing the 2019 Legislature. Because of Medicaid Expansion, 92,000 more Montanans have insurance coverage, and approximately 5,000 more jobs in health care have been created. Additionally, because more low-income people are insured, our local hospital no longer has to write off nearly as many "bad debts," which were a serious threat in keeping the doors open. Continuing the Medicaid Expansion program is not only a health issue, but it is also an economic matter.

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

My phone numbers and email address are public, and I would encourage people to call me at any time. I also have a Facebook page, which I use now to provide relevant information that may be important to voters as well as information on certain issues that affect Montanans. I will hold town hall meetings when I am home and will continue to attend and participate in local meetings to interact with constituents regarding matters that are important locally. I also would consider round-table type discussions as a way to bring people together to consider all sides of important issues, and to maybe even come up with solutions that work for us all.

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

I think that it is unfortunate that new revenue sources were not considered to support our services here in Montana. Not only have we lost social services, but also our emergency services have been threatened. We no longer have a Department of Revenue Office in Mineral County, Sanders County lost its Health & Human Services Office, we are down an officer in the Mineral County Sheriff's Department, and cuts have been made to the Department of Transportation resulting in fewer road repair activities. Additionally, in District 14 and across the state, services for mental health and those with disabilities have been cut severely. I sincerely believe that people will pay more taxes if it's for something that they feel is important. We have witnessed this in Mineral County as levies have been passed for the construction of a new fire hall and schools, and to increase needed revenue for the hospital.

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

Should I be elected to represent District 14 as Representative for the next legislative session, I will work hard to represent ALL my constituents. This does not mean voting every time with one party or the other, it means voting for what is best for the people of our area. Working across the aisle to solve problems is the only way that we are going to be able to get things done!

NAME:  James Mortenson

EDUCATION: College

OCCUPATION: Self-employed / construction

EXPERIENCE:  Attending legislative session for bill readings and committees.

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR THIS POSITION?

I feel I am qualified because I am willing to serve our community and do what's right, not what's easy; as a father looks after his children. 

WHAT LEGISLATION WOULD YOU LIKE TO SPONSOR AND WHY?

I would support legislation utilizing our natural resources locally. If we have better forest management to properly dress and keep our forests, we won't have the smoke and fire danger. Our children can have the opportunity to stay in our area for jobs and raise their families here.   

WHAT ISSUES ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU?

Lack of justice. If real crimes that harm another's life, liberty or property had real consequences they would drop dramatically.  If we would stop criminalizing the people trying to be responsible and provide for their families, through progressive taxes and protective fines, the size and budget for government and regulatory agencies would drop dramatically.  

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

I would work to reduce the wolf population and open more gates/land to hunting and trapping access. Better forest management would also increase game habitat, populations and improve hunting. 

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

I understand that healthcare cost have risen beyond what average people are able to keep up with, and I don't want to see anyone who needs care be without.  I would take steps to help make it less expensive for care and providers to address people's health needs. Government healthcare in other countries has proven to be inefficient and ineffective.  We didn't get into this situation overnight, but I would like to help get us out of it while increasing the quality and availability of care. 

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

I would like to be available by email and phone. My email is [email protected]. My phone number is (406) 210-0379.

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

I would like to cut taxes and budgets while opening more services up to the more efficient and competitive private markets. Letting the free market provide those jobs so we don't have as many people depending on government for jobs, creating the inevitable downward spiral of, as the government grows the life of the economy slows. 

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

I believe The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.