CANDIDATE PROFILES: State Representative, District 13

NAME: PAUL C FIELDER

OCCUPATION: Retired Wildlife Biologist of 31 years, presently Montana State Representative for HD-13

EDUCATION: Master’s degree in Wildlife Biology, 1974, Murray State University, Murray, KY; Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries, 1972, Murray State University, Murray, KY; Associate in Applied Sciences degree in Agriculture, 1970, St. Univ. of NY, Cobleskill, NY

What qualities make you the best candidate for this position?

Experience and Effectiveness.  As the Representative for HD-13, I sponsored 8 bills in 2021 that were passed into law.  I served on the Fish & Wildlife, Natural Resources and Taxation committees and Environmental Quality Council – all of which are important to western Montana.  I Chair the Sanders County Republican Party, am a member of the Montana Republican Party Executive Board and serve on that party’s Rules Committee.  I have experience in sponsoring bills, running meetings and effectively participating in legislative hearings. Being well known since 2012 by other legislators, government officials, and agency personnel helps me effectively represent western Montana.  

If elected, what piece of legislation would be your top priority?

I want to sponsor a bill that puts taxpayers dollars back into the pockets of the taxpayers.  The state budget has an excess of more than a Billion dollars.  That bill would refund up to $1,250 per individual that paid Montana income taxes in 2021 (up to $2,500/joint filers); refund up to $1,000 in Montana property taxes for Montana taxpayer’s primary residence; and pay off $100 million dollars of the existing Montana revenue debt to reduce future interest payments.  I will also again sponsor the bill to exempt Social Security benefits from Montana taxable income.

If elected, how will you ensure you are working to represent all residents in your district?

I show up and work hard.  Since being elected in 2020, I have not missed one day of legislative or committee meetings.  My focus is on the natural resources and environment that surround us and the taxes that we pay.  I travel throughout my district and am available for discussion at county fairs, community events and many meetings.  My efforts are to represent the Constitutional principles that our country (which we all live in) was founded upon that include Life, Liberty and Property - to enjoy more of what we earn and to have more freedoms and less restrictions. 

NAME: COLLEEN HINDS

OCCUPATION: Retired R.N. after 40+years of nursing career.

EDUCATION: Three years at Rochester Community College @ St. Mary’s & Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota; with an A.D.in Nursing 1972.

What qualities make you the best candidate for this position?

Qualities that make me the Best candidate; I lead from my heart with caring compassion for all People and our Earthly home. I am persistent, but rational, balanced and fair, energetic, have a sense of humor, enjoy listening to people’s stories and I commit to do my Best to preserve the Montana values of openness, truth and equality.

If elected, what piece of legislation would be your top priority?

After listening to many seniors,  I hear some kind of TAX reform is a must! Not incentives for the rich but help for people who have lived their working years here in Montana and now the Property Taxes are pushing them out.

If elected, how will you ensure you are working to represent all residents in your district?

The demographics of Sanders County favor those over age forty. Remember that saying, “Don’t trust anyone over 40!” The younger generation is our Hope and Future and our responsibility to pass on a World and Life better than given to us.