Senate candidates Stang, Hinkle, Clark to meet in debate Wednesday
by Mark Hebert and John Q. Murray
County and state legislative candidates will gather Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Superior High School multipurpose room, giving Mineral County voters one more chance to consider their campaign pitches before the Nov. 4 election. After six years of peppering candidates with detailed policy questions, the Chronicle decided to change it up this year in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Lincoln-Douglas debates. In those 1858 debates, the candidates took turns addressing the audience, speaking at length about whatever topic they wished to discuss. They posed questions directly challenging one another, and offered responses that ended up changing our history.
We don't know whether that will happen again this Wednesday--but we can hardly wait to find out.
According to the rules distributed to the candidates, moderator Mark Hebert will ask a volunteer in the audience to draw a candidate's name from a hat. The first speaker will have 10 minutes, the second speaker 15 minutes, and the first speaker five minutes to conclude. For Senate District 7, the first two speakers will get 10 minutes, the third speaker 15 minutes, and then the second speaker will get five minutes to conclude, followed by five minutes for the first speaker.
We will cue the candidates at one minute remaining, and 30 seconds. If a candidate wraps up early, we will ask if they want to take questions from the moderator. The Chronicle has prepared a list of questions and distributed them to the candidates in advance to ensure that all candidates can use the full time alloted to them.
County commissioner candidates Duane Simons and Curtis Cochran will speak from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; House District 14 candidates Cindy Grimm and Gordon Hendrick from 7:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.; and Senate District 7 candidates Judy Stang, Greg Hinkle, and Paul Clark from 8:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m..
In advance of the debates, we posed our usual detailed questions to the House District 14 candidates in the Oct. 7 issue; to the county commissioner candidates in the Oct. 14 issue, and to the Senate District 7 candidates in this issue.
Chronicle: Tell us about yourself, your background, and why you are running for the Senate.
Paul Clark: I’m running for Senate because Montana needs leaders that have a proven background of working through ideological differences and across party lines to find solutions to the problems that matter most to the people of Montana. As a Legislator I worked with Republicans and Democrats to reduce taxes on small businesses to create more jobs, protect children from sexual predators, increase access to public lands and promote our hunting and fishing heritage. The issues that matter most to the people of Montana are the issues that both sides can agree on if they choose to do so. The Legislature needs someone that can articulate our similarities and shared goals, not just the issues that divide us.
I am a small business owner, an educator, an outdoorsman and a former member of the State House of Representatives. As a Legislator I was Vice Chairman of the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee where I fought for our Constitutional right to hunt and fish, access to public lands, our Second Amendment rights and productive fish and wildlife habitat.
Greg Hinkle: I have been faithfully married to Gail for almost 34 years. We live on a small organic farm in Thompson Falls. I attended a year of college for one year and was offered an all expense paid four year Machinist Apprenticeship for a large corporation. My past employment includes, but not limited to, commercial fishing, Journeyman Machinist, Diesel Mechanic, Logging in lower 48 and Alaska, Building Contractor, Alternative energy consultant, Rural mail carrier, Postal Clerk, award winning Postmaster, cabinet maker and volunteer firefighter. I have been self employed for 16 years making custom furniture plus do home inspections. I know what it takes to adapt to changing times.
Judy Stang: I am running for Senate because party line politics have taken over state government and the citizens of this district deserve representation from a candidate with a proven record of not voting partisan. If the other two candidates agreed to not become party clones, I would be willing to step aside. It is going to take a lot of non-partisan work to bring this state back around.
Chronicle: The Missoula Area Economic Development Council submitted to the Legislature a series of ideas to help the wood products industry. One idea was to transfer some federal land to be managed by the state. Please talk about Montana's wood products industry, what you think of the MAEDC initiative, and specifically about having the state manage more forest lands within Montana.
Hinkle: More timberland being managed by the state is worth looking into, but I need to study the MAEDC initiative more. The wood products industry needs to become more diversified in these changing economic times.
Stang: As Mineral County Commissioner I have already supported various land trades where federal lands are traded to the state. The state is able to manage their lands with less red tape and it creates monies for the state schools. Montana's wood products industry not only creates jobs, tax base for counties and schools, but is a much-needed tool for management of our forests. I do not agree with the “do nothing” tactics of extreme environmental groups. The wood products industry has adapted to the concerns of many that they were damaging stream beds, elk habitat, and more. Living in a county with 85 percent forested lands; this industry is needed for basic management of these lands to protect our citizens from wildland fires and for restoration of the forest.
Clark: Current timber management practices are far superior to the practices of the past. I fully support increased timber harvest, especially to manage our dead and dying forests. Responsible timber harvest creates jobs, improves wildlife habitat and clears cluttered forests. We can support our timber and mining industries and also conserve our valuable natural resources.
Having read the MAEDC 18-point plan, I support these goals to help the timber industry get back on its feet in western Montana. If the state manages federal timber lands, there will be more timber harvest and greater forest products production because it has become very clear that the state is a more efficient forest manager than the federal government. The burned timber from the Chippy Creek fire is still standing on federal land while harvest projects have proceeded on state and CSKT lands.
I will continue to support the timber industry in western Montana, protect important fish and wildlife resources, restore damaged habitat, and promote practices that balance the need for economic development with the conservation of our natural resources.
Chronicle: Gas prices jumped up significantly over the past few years. We also have an aging population and the run from St. Regis to Missoula includes multiple bridges that get iced up this time of year. We also have a significant low-income population - folks moved here because homes and property were affordable. Should the state play a role in helping residents on transportation issues? If so, how?
Stang: The state is already playing a role helping residents with transportation issues. There has been a transit study done for the I-90 corridor and also Highway 93. A lot of these issues are being addressed. In Mineral County the state helped fund a bus that belongs to the Mineral County Hospital. It transports folks into Missoula and around the county. Also in Sanders County there are some transport systems with vans that had some funding from the state and the Veterans. It has always been a problem for Seniors and low-income folks to pay for transportation, I think there are a lot of solutions we can work on without costing the State more than it already contributes.
Clark: As our population grows, we may be able to support more investment in public transportation. For the time being, business and citizens alike rely on the state and federal government to provide financial resources for road maintenance and improvement. We must continue to have good roads and be vigilant about our infrastructure or face serious consequences such as the Interstate-35 bridge collapse in Minnesota. State and federal funds for infrastructure construction and maintenance also provide much needed jobs for our local economy. Unlike my Republican opponent I support the efforts of Denny Rehberg, Max Baucus and Jon Tester to get our fair share of federal funds for Montana. Montana is a very large state with a relatively small population and much of our federal funding, especially for roads, supports the thousands of out of state visitors we receive every year.
Hinkle: Transportation cost and availability is always a challenge in rural areas. However, it is not the role of Constitutional government to provide transportation needs for everyone. We have to remember when we are asking the “state to play a role," we are in actuality taking the money to do so from someone else. The State could make it easier for private enterprise to provide for the need by less taxes on bus lines and/or rail lines. I would like to see railroad transportation expanded to travel from Missoula through Senate District 7 to Spokane. Local volunteer and faith-based organizations are appreciated in helping meet some of these needs.
Chronicle: Both presidential tickets have talked about energy independence - developing right here in the United States more of the energy that we use. Montana has significant coal reserves and potential for wind energy. What should the legislature do so that Montana contributes to our nation's energy independence?
Clark: Montana should be the Energy Capital of America. We have vast reserves of coal and oil and we are the “Saudi Arabia” of wind energy. I believe all of our resources; coal, natural gas, hydro, wind, biofuels, etc., should be on the table and developed in a responsible manner. Resource development means good paying, blue-collar jobs for Montana. To be a true leader we must also develop and recruit high-skilled technology jobs to make our resources more efficient, clean and effective. This will keep resource development profits in Montana and create a stronger, well-rounded economy.
Hinkle: Montana should be a national leader in all types of energy: liquid, coal, wind and solar. Environmental groups have not been business friendly in the past to Natural Resource enterprise. That must change. I have ideas to encourage more Montanans to become more energy independent. I am experienced in this area, and use wind and solar energy in our own home.
Stang: Montana is currently on the right track promoting wind energy, green energy, and exploring more coal and gas. The legislature needs to support and continue on this path. These kinds of industries contribute to tax base for counties and schools, and jobs for families. This effect helps our enrollment in schools and keeps our communities healthy.
Chronicle: The state is said to have another billion-dollar surplus ($957 million). Should the legislature handle this surplus the same way as the last one? Should the state be providing more money to small counties like Mineral and Sanders County?
Hinkle: I question there will be that large of a surplus due to the economy. Large surpluses are an indication that government is taking too much of our money. I think it should be returned to where it came from, all of it.
Stang: Of course the state should be providing monies to Counties and Schools. Some of the things not fully funded by the state include: Juvenile Detention Costs to Counties, Entitlement funds, Senior Citizen Area Agencies, Schools. This has caused counties to cut their budgets and a lot of things we take for granted, like County Fairs, Libraries, Museums are the ones who lose. A lot of services are mandated and some lose out when counties have to cut. When you need these services you usually have to go to the voters for more money, and that goes to the backs of the taxpayers.
Clark: I support using the budget surplus to stop the unfair shifting of the tax burden onto Montana’s homeowners. For too long, local homeowners have been stuck with higher property taxes to support schools, fire districts and municipal services – we deserve a property tax break. This change alone will have a significant positive impact on Mineral and Sanders County and the critical services they provide.
I also support an exemption on the business equipment tax for Montana’s small businesses. In times of national economic uncertainty we need to start planning ahead. I also support fulfilling our Constitutional obligation to fund education, which is critical to our future economy.
Chronicle: U.S. Sen. Jon Tester is calling for a modern New Deal to rebuild the nation's infrastructure. If that were to happen, what types of infrastructure improvements would you like to see in Senate District 7?
Stang: One of the things we need to work on in District 7 is Highway 200 through Sanders County. Highway funds need to be prioritized on it. That highway brings a lot of economics to Sanders County communities. We need to update technology needs so we can promote more of those types of business. Three-phase power is a problem in certain parts of Mineral County. It is very expensive and many business could expand if it was available. Water and Sewer systems, streets, and road systems and other infrastructure needs need to be kept up with our growing communities. The Frenchtown area has large amounts of traffic and growth. For new business we need the road systems to accommodate safe traffic routes.
Clark: I would like to see projects that help create a better climate for small business growth. Specifically, we need to develop comprehensive telecommunications services and affordable three-phase power accessibility. These improvements will level the playing field and open up new markets for our small businesses. In terms of infrastructure improvements, I am a strong believer in supporting local control. The best government is local government. Municipal and county governments know their needs better than the folks in Helena. One of my proudest achievements as a State Representative that affected local government was helping to secure TSEF funding for the Thompson Falls municipal water project.
Hinkle: It is vital to maintain our local infrastructure and there are many areas of government spending that are unnecessary. Those funds should be used to support the infrastructure. I think it is a bad idea to replace our Constitutional Republic with more socialist programs.
Chronicle: According to Citizens against Government Waste, which ranks "Pork Per Capita," Montana has been in the top 10 every year since 2000. In 2008, Montana is ranked #9, with $87 million in "pork" - with a population of about 1 million, it works out to $90.57 per person. Given the deficit, large expenditures for the war, the bailout, and entitlements, the federal government may not be able to sustain these kinds of payments. How can Montana replace such federal revenue in the future?
Clark: First, we will have to tighten our belts. Montana actually receives $1.7 billion in federal funding each year which equates to 43 percent of our state budget. The $87 million of pork represents just over 5 percent of our federal contribution. The big problem with pork spending in Congress is that it sidesteps appropriate checks and balances, corrupts the political process and contributes to our national deficit.
We will need to increase state productive capacity and jobs by developing energy production, supporting small business growth and utilizing our natural resources more efficiently so we can become more independent and financially sound. This will take time and there are no quick fixes. It will be a matter of the state moving forward in productive capacity at a faster rate than the decrease in federal funding.
Hinkle: I have been saying this all along, that we must begin to restrict our dependence on federal dollars. We can remedy this problem two ways. First, cut all wasteful state spending and two, expand the development of our natural resources in a safe and sane way.
Stang: Well it looks like our representatives we have in Washington DC have been doing a good job getting money for Montana. A lot of the money has been going into Interstate Highway construction, which means good jobs for Montanans. In fact a lot of federal money that comes into Montana creates jobs. If we had to replace federal revenues we may lose what is due to us. Look at all the federal lands in counties. They should have to pay for lands just as private folks do. They have impacts on counties, schools, and communities. If Montana could utilize their natural resources we could create a lot of revenue. Besides, how much per capita is going out of the United States to other countries?
Chronicle: The I-90 corridor from Missoula west to Lookout Pass has been identified as the centerline for a national energy transportation corridor. Under a proposal, a two-thirds-mile-wide corridor would be dedicated to oil pipelines, natural gas pipelines, hydrogen pipelines, and electrical transmission towers. What do you think about this proposal?
Hinkle: Why not use the median between lanes? A two-thirds mile wide strip would have an adverse effect on all the communities of Mineral County.
Stang: It would be great for the tax base and valuation of Missoula and Mineral Counties, since pipelines, and transmission towers create tax base and valuation. Of course, if the legislature gets rid of the business tax, these properties would be included, so we would not get any revenues. I would support looking at it; we already have power lines through the county. Trying to put a gas pipeline was not too popular about 10 years ago; part of the problem was the pipeline's record of leaks and unwillingness to keep them cleaned up. I know in Mineral County it would not be too popular to look at private property. A lot of the landowners have already lost land to the railroad and the interstate. There is not much private land in the county and the private land we have already follows the I-90 corridor.
Clark: I would have to thoroughly review the draft programmatic EIS to comment on the specifics of this project. It is important to protect private property rights in the Mineral County corridor and I would want to participate in a thorough review of potential impacts to the private property of local citizens. I also think it is also very important that there are no unfavorable consequences to the local tax base. It is also very important that environmental concerns are thoroughly addressed. The structural geology of the area must be the subject of thorough analysis. We have seen the troubles with leaking pipes and poor maintenance with such projects in the past and our local communities must know that best available technologies and constant monitoring will be in effect to assure quality control to protect the health and safety of local residents.
Chronicle: Any other topics you would like to discuss?
Stang: School funding should be a priority in the legislature this year. Hopefully both parties can pass a budget without a special session. We need to look at increasing the income levels for seniors who qualify for reductions in their property taxes, and we need to make sure re-appraisals do not affect our tax bills.
Clark: I make a pledge of fiscal responsibility to the voters of Senate District 7. Fiscal responsibility is a basic duty of state government. Spending taxpayer money responsibly must always remain our highest priority.
We must live within our means: We balance our checkbooks at home and the state legislature must do the same.
Tax reductions, not tax increases for Montana citizens: Montanans are concerned about the rising costs of energy and groceries. We must keep cost of living down for Montanans.
Stop shifting the tax burden: Every time the legislature cuts property taxes for corporations the burden gets shifted to homeowners. It's time to put homeowners first.
No tax increases due to reappraisal: Every home will be reappraised and new values will be put on the tax rolls January 1, 2009. The legislature must cut rates tax rates so there will be no net tax increase from the new taxable values.
Put Montana priorities first: Priorities like health care and education need to be first on our list, not tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy.
Hinkle: Before this four year term is over, water will be a major issue. I will resist any effort to sell our water to other states. There is a proposed revision of the Clean Water Act to give the Federal Government control over all water. I will oppose any control over your well by the Federal Government. We must learn to live comfortably with fewer resources, reduce personal debt, shop locally and conserve. We need to promote a community spirit in producing local food sources and energy networks.
Chronicle: In conclusion, why should voters vote for you to represent them in Senate District 7?
Clark: The people I serve come first. I work for you. Serving in the state House of Representatives from 1999-2005, I have worked hard to find common ground and focus on positive solutions helpful to my constituents. My philosophy of public service is not about Right or Left, Republican or Democrat. I believe in serving people, not parties or ideologies. As a small business owner, I am well aware of the difficulties facing small businesses in Montana. Local business growth and employment opportunities concern me a great deal.
Ideologues in the 2007 Legislature forced an unnecessary and expensive special session that cost taxpayers thousands of dollars. I’m a problem solver and I’ll work hard to find solutions for the many challenges that face the citizens of Senate District 7 during this time economic uncertainty.
I respect my opponent’s intelligence and commitment to his principles but I believe that his ideas regarding the precipitous rejection of federal funding, with no backup plan, will hurt Senate District 7 and cost Mineral and Sanders Counties too many jobs.
Hinkle: I have been a student of government and economics for years and desire to serve the people of Montana. I would like to be known as a de-legislator. We have far too many laws that do not serve the best interests of the people. Most laws need to have a "sunset" provision. I will work on "Freedom to Farm" legislation and am concerned about the high cost of health care. I mean to stand on the Constitution. I need no other platform. I consider myself a patriot, and I am proud to be an American. My aim is to fight for Montana, serve my God and the Truth. I intend to be a watchdog of your money and a warrior in protecting our Liberty.
Stang: Why should voters vote for me? I have lived in this District all my life--even my Dad graduated from Frenchtown. I have the best understanding of the needs of this District from personal experience. I have always supported the blue-collar worker and the small business. I like clean water, multiple uses of the forests and rivers. I support education and feel our schools are one of the most important components of our communities. I feel that government is like a service industry and should be there to help us with our basic needs that we actually pay for on our tax bills. Regulation is needed sometime, but should not be overdone and not constantly putting a stop to any progress we are trying to make in our lives. I would work hard and have a proven work ethic.
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County and state legislative candidates will gather Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Superior High School multipurpose room, giving Mineral County voters one more chance to consider their campaign pitches before the Nov. 4 election. After six years of peppering candidates with detailed policy questions, the Chronicle decided to change it up this year in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Lincoln-Douglas debates. In those 1858 debates, the candidates took turns addressing the audience, speaking at length about whatever topic they wished to discuss. They posed questions directly challenging one another, and offered responses that ended up changing our history.
We don't know whether that will happen again this Wednesday--but we can hardly wait to find out.
According to the rules distributed to the candidates, moderator Mark Hebert will ask a volunteer in the audience to draw a candidate's name from a hat. The first speaker will have 10 minutes, the second speaker 15 minutes, and the first speaker five minutes to conclude. For Senate District 7, the first two speakers will get 10 minutes, the third speaker 15 minutes, and then the second speaker will get five minutes to conclude, followed by five minutes for the first speaker.
We will cue the candidates at one minute remaining, and 30 seconds. If a candidate wraps up early, we will ask if they want to take questions from the moderator. The Chronicle has prepared a list of questions and distributed them to the candidates in advance to ensure that all candidates can use the full time alloted to them.
County commissioner candidates Duane Simons and Curtis Cochran will speak from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; House District 14 candidates Cindy Grimm and Gordon Hendrick from 7:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.; and Senate District 7 candidates Judy Stang, Greg Hinkle, and Paul Clark from 8:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m..
In advance of the debates, we posed our usual detailed questions to the House District 14 candidates in the Oct. 7 issue; to the county commissioner candidates in the Oct. 14 issue, and to the Senate District 7 candidates in this issue.
Chronicle: Tell us about yourself, your background, and why you are running for the Senate.
Paul Clark: I’m running for Senate because Montana needs leaders that have a proven background of working through ideological differences and across party lines to find solutions to the problems that matter most to the people of Montana. As a Legislator I worked with Republicans and Democrats to reduce taxes on small businesses to create more jobs, protect children from sexual predators, increase access to public lands and promote our hunting and fishing heritage. The issues that matter most to the people of Montana are the issues that both sides can agree on if they choose to do so. The Legislature needs someone that can articulate our similarities and shared goals, not just the issues that divide us.
I am a small business owner, an educator, an outdoorsman and a former member of the State House of Representatives. As a Legislator I was Vice Chairman of the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee where I fought for our Constitutional right to hunt and fish, access to public lands, our Second Amendment rights and productive fish and wildlife habitat.
Greg Hinkle: I have been faithfully married to Gail for almost 34 years. We live on a small organic farm in Thompson Falls. I attended a year of college for one year and was offered an all expense paid four year Machinist Apprenticeship for a large corporation. My past employment includes, but not limited to, commercial fishing, Journeyman Machinist, Diesel Mechanic, Logging in lower 48 and Alaska, Building Contractor, Alternative energy consultant, Rural mail carrier, Postal Clerk, award winning Postmaster, cabinet maker and volunteer firefighter. I have been self employed for 16 years making custom furniture plus do home inspections. I know what it takes to adapt to changing times.
Judy Stang: I am running for Senate because party line politics have taken over state government and the citizens of this district deserve representation from a candidate with a proven record of not voting partisan. If the other two candidates agreed to not become party clones, I would be willing to step aside. It is going to take a lot of non-partisan work to bring this state back around.
Chronicle: The Missoula Area Economic Development Council submitted to the Legislature a series of ideas to help the wood products industry. One idea was to transfer some federal land to be managed by the state. Please talk about Montana's wood products industry, what you think of the MAEDC initiative, and specifically about having the state manage more forest lands within Montana.
Hinkle: More timberland being managed by the state is worth looking into, but I need to study the MAEDC initiative more. The wood products industry needs to become more diversified in these changing economic times.
Stang: As Mineral County Commissioner I have already supported various land trades where federal lands are traded to the state. The state is able to manage their lands with less red tape and it creates monies for the state schools. Montana's wood products industry not only creates jobs, tax base for counties and schools, but is a much-needed tool for management of our forests. I do not agree with the “do nothing” tactics of extreme environmental groups. The wood products industry has adapted to the concerns of many that they were damaging stream beds, elk habitat, and more. Living in a county with 85 percent forested lands; this industry is needed for basic management of these lands to protect our citizens from wildland fires and for restoration of the forest.
Clark: Current timber management practices are far superior to the practices of the past. I fully support increased timber harvest, especially to manage our dead and dying forests. Responsible timber harvest creates jobs, improves wildlife habitat and clears cluttered forests. We can support our timber and mining industries and also conserve our valuable natural resources.
Having read the MAEDC 18-point plan, I support these goals to help the timber industry get back on its feet in western Montana. If the state manages federal timber lands, there will be more timber harvest and greater forest products production because it has become very clear that the state is a more efficient forest manager than the federal government. The burned timber from the Chippy Creek fire is still standing on federal land while harvest projects have proceeded on state and CSKT lands.
I will continue to support the timber industry in western Montana, protect important fish and wildlife resources, restore damaged habitat, and promote practices that balance the need for economic development with the conservation of our natural resources.
Chronicle: Gas prices jumped up significantly over the past few years. We also have an aging population and the run from St. Regis to Missoula includes multiple bridges that get iced up this time of year. We also have a significant low-income population - folks moved here because homes and property were affordable. Should the state play a role in helping residents on transportation issues? If so, how?
Stang: The state is already playing a role helping residents with transportation issues. There has been a transit study done for the I-90 corridor and also Highway 93. A lot of these issues are being addressed. In Mineral County the state helped fund a bus that belongs to the Mineral County Hospital. It transports folks into Missoula and around the county. Also in Sanders County there are some transport systems with vans that had some funding from the state and the Veterans. It has always been a problem for Seniors and low-income folks to pay for transportation, I think there are a lot of solutions we can work on without costing the State more than it already contributes.
Clark: As our population grows, we may be able to support more investment in public transportation. For the time being, business and citizens alike rely on the state and federal government to provide financial resources for road maintenance and improvement. We must continue to have good roads and be vigilant about our infrastructure or face serious consequences such as the Interstate-35 bridge collapse in Minnesota. State and federal funds for infrastructure construction and maintenance also provide much needed jobs for our local economy. Unlike my Republican opponent I support the efforts of Denny Rehberg, Max Baucus and Jon Tester to get our fair share of federal funds for Montana. Montana is a very large state with a relatively small population and much of our federal funding, especially for roads, supports the thousands of out of state visitors we receive every year.
Hinkle: Transportation cost and availability is always a challenge in rural areas. However, it is not the role of Constitutional government to provide transportation needs for everyone. We have to remember when we are asking the “state to play a role," we are in actuality taking the money to do so from someone else. The State could make it easier for private enterprise to provide for the need by less taxes on bus lines and/or rail lines. I would like to see railroad transportation expanded to travel from Missoula through Senate District 7 to Spokane. Local volunteer and faith-based organizations are appreciated in helping meet some of these needs.
Chronicle: Both presidential tickets have talked about energy independence - developing right here in the United States more of the energy that we use. Montana has significant coal reserves and potential for wind energy. What should the legislature do so that Montana contributes to our nation's energy independence?
Clark: Montana should be the Energy Capital of America. We have vast reserves of coal and oil and we are the “Saudi Arabia” of wind energy. I believe all of our resources; coal, natural gas, hydro, wind, biofuels, etc., should be on the table and developed in a responsible manner. Resource development means good paying, blue-collar jobs for Montana. To be a true leader we must also develop and recruit high-skilled technology jobs to make our resources more efficient, clean and effective. This will keep resource development profits in Montana and create a stronger, well-rounded economy.
Hinkle: Montana should be a national leader in all types of energy: liquid, coal, wind and solar. Environmental groups have not been business friendly in the past to Natural Resource enterprise. That must change. I have ideas to encourage more Montanans to become more energy independent. I am experienced in this area, and use wind and solar energy in our own home.
Stang: Montana is currently on the right track promoting wind energy, green energy, and exploring more coal and gas. The legislature needs to support and continue on this path. These kinds of industries contribute to tax base for counties and schools, and jobs for families. This effect helps our enrollment in schools and keeps our communities healthy.
Chronicle: The state is said to have another billion-dollar surplus ($957 million). Should the legislature handle this surplus the same way as the last one? Should the state be providing more money to small counties like Mineral and Sanders County?
Hinkle: I question there will be that large of a surplus due to the economy. Large surpluses are an indication that government is taking too much of our money. I think it should be returned to where it came from, all of it.
Stang: Of course the state should be providing monies to Counties and Schools. Some of the things not fully funded by the state include: Juvenile Detention Costs to Counties, Entitlement funds, Senior Citizen Area Agencies, Schools. This has caused counties to cut their budgets and a lot of things we take for granted, like County Fairs, Libraries, Museums are the ones who lose. A lot of services are mandated and some lose out when counties have to cut. When you need these services you usually have to go to the voters for more money, and that goes to the backs of the taxpayers.
Clark: I support using the budget surplus to stop the unfair shifting of the tax burden onto Montana’s homeowners. For too long, local homeowners have been stuck with higher property taxes to support schools, fire districts and municipal services – we deserve a property tax break. This change alone will have a significant positive impact on Mineral and Sanders County and the critical services they provide.
I also support an exemption on the business equipment tax for Montana’s small businesses. In times of national economic uncertainty we need to start planning ahead. I also support fulfilling our Constitutional obligation to fund education, which is critical to our future economy.
Chronicle: U.S. Sen. Jon Tester is calling for a modern New Deal to rebuild the nation's infrastructure. If that were to happen, what types of infrastructure improvements would you like to see in Senate District 7?
Stang: One of the things we need to work on in District 7 is Highway 200 through Sanders County. Highway funds need to be prioritized on it. That highway brings a lot of economics to Sanders County communities. We need to update technology needs so we can promote more of those types of business. Three-phase power is a problem in certain parts of Mineral County. It is very expensive and many business could expand if it was available. Water and Sewer systems, streets, and road systems and other infrastructure needs need to be kept up with our growing communities. The Frenchtown area has large amounts of traffic and growth. For new business we need the road systems to accommodate safe traffic routes.
Clark: I would like to see projects that help create a better climate for small business growth. Specifically, we need to develop comprehensive telecommunications services and affordable three-phase power accessibility. These improvements will level the playing field and open up new markets for our small businesses. In terms of infrastructure improvements, I am a strong believer in supporting local control. The best government is local government. Municipal and county governments know their needs better than the folks in Helena. One of my proudest achievements as a State Representative that affected local government was helping to secure TSEF funding for the Thompson Falls municipal water project.
Hinkle: It is vital to maintain our local infrastructure and there are many areas of government spending that are unnecessary. Those funds should be used to support the infrastructure. I think it is a bad idea to replace our Constitutional Republic with more socialist programs.
Chronicle: According to Citizens against Government Waste, which ranks "Pork Per Capita," Montana has been in the top 10 every year since 2000. In 2008, Montana is ranked #9, with $87 million in "pork" - with a population of about 1 million, it works out to $90.57 per person. Given the deficit, large expenditures for the war, the bailout, and entitlements, the federal government may not be able to sustain these kinds of payments. How can Montana replace such federal revenue in the future?
Clark: First, we will have to tighten our belts. Montana actually receives $1.7 billion in federal funding each year which equates to 43 percent of our state budget. The $87 million of pork represents just over 5 percent of our federal contribution. The big problem with pork spending in Congress is that it sidesteps appropriate checks and balances, corrupts the political process and contributes to our national deficit.
We will need to increase state productive capacity and jobs by developing energy production, supporting small business growth and utilizing our natural resources more efficiently so we can become more independent and financially sound. This will take time and there are no quick fixes. It will be a matter of the state moving forward in productive capacity at a faster rate than the decrease in federal funding.
Hinkle: I have been saying this all along, that we must begin to restrict our dependence on federal dollars. We can remedy this problem two ways. First, cut all wasteful state spending and two, expand the development of our natural resources in a safe and sane way.
Stang: Well it looks like our representatives we have in Washington DC have been doing a good job getting money for Montana. A lot of the money has been going into Interstate Highway construction, which means good jobs for Montanans. In fact a lot of federal money that comes into Montana creates jobs. If we had to replace federal revenues we may lose what is due to us. Look at all the federal lands in counties. They should have to pay for lands just as private folks do. They have impacts on counties, schools, and communities. If Montana could utilize their natural resources we could create a lot of revenue. Besides, how much per capita is going out of the United States to other countries?
Chronicle: The I-90 corridor from Missoula west to Lookout Pass has been identified as the centerline for a national energy transportation corridor. Under a proposal, a two-thirds-mile-wide corridor would be dedicated to oil pipelines, natural gas pipelines, hydrogen pipelines, and electrical transmission towers. What do you think about this proposal?
Hinkle: Why not use the median between lanes? A two-thirds mile wide strip would have an adverse effect on all the communities of Mineral County.
Stang: It would be great for the tax base and valuation of Missoula and Mineral Counties, since pipelines, and transmission towers create tax base and valuation. Of course, if the legislature gets rid of the business tax, these properties would be included, so we would not get any revenues. I would support looking at it; we already have power lines through the county. Trying to put a gas pipeline was not too popular about 10 years ago; part of the problem was the pipeline's record of leaks and unwillingness to keep them cleaned up. I know in Mineral County it would not be too popular to look at private property. A lot of the landowners have already lost land to the railroad and the interstate. There is not much private land in the county and the private land we have already follows the I-90 corridor.
Clark: I would have to thoroughly review the draft programmatic EIS to comment on the specifics of this project. It is important to protect private property rights in the Mineral County corridor and I would want to participate in a thorough review of potential impacts to the private property of local citizens. I also think it is also very important that there are no unfavorable consequences to the local tax base. It is also very important that environmental concerns are thoroughly addressed. The structural geology of the area must be the subject of thorough analysis. We have seen the troubles with leaking pipes and poor maintenance with such projects in the past and our local communities must know that best available technologies and constant monitoring will be in effect to assure quality control to protect the health and safety of local residents.
Chronicle: Any other topics you would like to discuss?
Stang: School funding should be a priority in the legislature this year. Hopefully both parties can pass a budget without a special session. We need to look at increasing the income levels for seniors who qualify for reductions in their property taxes, and we need to make sure re-appraisals do not affect our tax bills.
Clark: I make a pledge of fiscal responsibility to the voters of Senate District 7. Fiscal responsibility is a basic duty of state government. Spending taxpayer money responsibly must always remain our highest priority.
We must live within our means: We balance our checkbooks at home and the state legislature must do the same.
Tax reductions, not tax increases for Montana citizens: Montanans are concerned about the rising costs of energy and groceries. We must keep cost of living down for Montanans.
Stop shifting the tax burden: Every time the legislature cuts property taxes for corporations the burden gets shifted to homeowners. It's time to put homeowners first.
No tax increases due to reappraisal: Every home will be reappraised and new values will be put on the tax rolls January 1, 2009. The legislature must cut rates tax rates so there will be no net tax increase from the new taxable values.
Put Montana priorities first: Priorities like health care and education need to be first on our list, not tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy.
Hinkle: Before this four year term is over, water will be a major issue. I will resist any effort to sell our water to other states. There is a proposed revision of the Clean Water Act to give the Federal Government control over all water. I will oppose any control over your well by the Federal Government. We must learn to live comfortably with fewer resources, reduce personal debt, shop locally and conserve. We need to promote a community spirit in producing local food sources and energy networks.
Chronicle: In conclusion, why should voters vote for you to represent them in Senate District 7?
Clark: The people I serve come first. I work for you. Serving in the state House of Representatives from 1999-2005, I have worked hard to find common ground and focus on positive solutions helpful to my constituents. My philosophy of public service is not about Right or Left, Republican or Democrat. I believe in serving people, not parties or ideologies. As a small business owner, I am well aware of the difficulties facing small businesses in Montana. Local business growth and employment opportunities concern me a great deal.
Ideologues in the 2007 Legislature forced an unnecessary and expensive special session that cost taxpayers thousands of dollars. I’m a problem solver and I’ll work hard to find solutions for the many challenges that face the citizens of Senate District 7 during this time economic uncertainty.
I respect my opponent’s intelligence and commitment to his principles but I believe that his ideas regarding the precipitous rejection of federal funding, with no backup plan, will hurt Senate District 7 and cost Mineral and Sanders Counties too many jobs.
Hinkle: I have been a student of government and economics for years and desire to serve the people of Montana. I would like to be known as a de-legislator. We have far too many laws that do not serve the best interests of the people. Most laws need to have a "sunset" provision. I will work on "Freedom to Farm" legislation and am concerned about the high cost of health care. I mean to stand on the Constitution. I need no other platform. I consider myself a patriot, and I am proud to be an American. My aim is to fight for Montana, serve my God and the Truth. I intend to be a watchdog of your money and a warrior in protecting our Liberty.
Stang: Why should voters vote for me? I have lived in this District all my life--even my Dad graduated from Frenchtown. I have the best understanding of the needs of this District from personal experience. I have always supported the blue-collar worker and the small business. I like clean water, multiple uses of the forests and rivers. I support education and feel our schools are one of the most important components of our communities. I feel that government is like a service industry and should be there to help us with our basic needs that we actually pay for on our tax bills. Regulation is needed sometime, but should not be overdone and not constantly putting a stop to any progress we are trying to make in our lives. I would work hard and have a proven work ethic.
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