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June 28, 2006
Governor Schweitzer's Square deal: Parks and Recreation
(BILLINGS) -Governor Brian Schweitzer today announced he intends to propose to the 2007 Legislative Session a bill to rebate property taxes to Montana homeowners. The proposal will give $100 million back to taxpayers, or about $400 per homeowner. The Governor's proposal would give all the money to homeowners not to big corporations.
"I want to give Montanans a square deal. Over the past decade property taxes have done nothing but go up for homeowners," said Governor Schweitzer. "No more camouflage taxes. We have bills to pay but so do the citizens of this state; we are partners in our government. We need to be fiscally responsible and live within our means. We can do that and give homeowners some money back."
Schweitzer also pointed out that like Montanans the state has to pay for rising utility and gasoline costs. "Everyday the hard working citizens of this state have to balance their checkbooks and account for rising costs."
The Governor"s proposal:
Property Tax Rebates – A rebate totaling $100 million of one time money or about $400 per homeowner.
The announcement today kicks off a series of announcements to come on "Schweitzer's Square Deal with Montanans."
The Schweitzer administration has not raised taxes and does not support raising taxes. In fact the business equipment tax was eliminated for 13,000 small businesses. Recently Montana was ranked number 9 in best tax code for business and 12th best in state and local tax burden by The Tax Foundation and has the third fastest growing economy.
Property Tax Charts (PDF format)
Posted by admin at 01:52 PM | Comments (0)
June 12, 2006
Democrats Deliver for Montana
Democrats Deliver for Montana
Democrats passed alternative energy development, protected Montana's public lands and access to wildlife, made college education more affordable for hundreds of Montanans, made health insurance more affordable, and more "all without raising taxes" in fact, Democrats lowered taxes for 13,000 small businesses in Montana.
We Promised We Delivered We'll Continue
Alternative Energy
We promised an energy policy that puts the needs of Montana families and businesses first, lower energy prices and adding value to our agriculture products by encouraging energy, ethanol and bio-fuel production.
* Democrats encouraged the development of Montana's wind resource, diversify our energy supply, and promote investment in rural Montana. Sen. Tester, SB 415
* Democrats helped Montanans make ends meet when it comes to high energy costs. HB 332, Rep. Buzzes
* Democrats offered energy conservation assistance and renewable energy grants to support low-income energy customers. SB 365, Sen. Ellingson.
Democrats will continue to build alternative energy resources and reduce our dependency on foreign oil.
Public School Classrooms
We promised to keep college affordable for Montana students, and to get the most value out of our education dollars.
* This legislative session Democrats enhanced a long-term solution that is good for kids, provides a sustainable, affordable and equitable funding formula, is based on educationally relevant factors and is fair to taxpayers.
* Democrats created opportunities for higher education to improve the economic future of Montana by providing hundreds of scholarships for Montana students attending Montana schools. HB 435, Rep. Branae
Democrats will continue to support our public school classrooms by offering full time kindergarten as a local option.
Democrats will continue to bolster our "best and brightest" scholarship program so that more students can afford to go to college in Montana.
Access to hunting and fishing lands
We promised we'd keep Montana wildlife a public resource and protect the right to access Montanans public lands, rivers, and streams.
* Democrats encouraged hunting access by creating more public access to private and public lands through the hunting access enhancement program. SB 77, Sen. Hanson.
* Protect wildlife SB 79, Rep. Golie
* Protect access to Montana rivers lakes, and streams HB 269 Rep. Clark
Democrats will continue to improve access to hunting and fishing.
Good-High paying jobs
Democrats promised higher wages for Montana workers, new markets for Montana resources by using Montana's abundant wind, water and good paying jobs in renewable and alternative energy
* Democrats reinstated the "Made in Montana" program to promote Montana products through marketing assistance, and on-line directory and business development assistance. SB 329, Sen. Tester
* Democrats made health benefits more affordable for main street businesses by creating purchasing pools and tax credits for small businesses that offer health insurance, because small businesses are the backbone of Montana's economy. HB 667, Rep. Wanzenried
* Democrats passed a Country of Origin Labeling law to strengthen our agriculture economy and promote the sale of Montana products. HB 406, Rep Bergren
Democrats will continue to work for good high-paying jobs with benefits.
Health care
Democrats promised to make health insurance affordable for small businesses and fund Montana's Children's Health Insurance Program
* Democrats made health insurance more affordable for small businesses. HB 667, Rep. Wanzenried
* Democrats made prescription drugs more affordable for our neighbors in need. SB 324 and SB 380, Sen. Tester.
* Democrats made health insurance available to more Montana children. HB 552, Rep. Caferro
Democrats will continue to make health care more affordable for Montanans.
Ethics and Open Government
Democrats promised to stand up for Montana values
* Democrats sponsored the only ethics reform effort in the 2005 legislature to prohibit government officials from turning their public service into private profit. The bill was killed in committee, but Democrats have revived it as a ballot initiative.
Democrats will continue to support clean and open government.
We did it all without raising your taxes
Democrats promised lower property taxes for homeowners, family agriculture, and small businesses
* Democrats lowered taxes for more than 13000 small businesses in Montana. SB 48, Sen. Harrington
* Democrats lowered taxes for small businesses that give health insurance to their employers. HB 667, Rep. Wanzenried
* Democrats lowered property taxes for wind energy facilities. SB 115, Sen. Tester
Democrats will continue to be responsible stewards of your tax dollars
Posted by admin at 06:53 PM | Comments (0)
June 09, 2006
State Democrat Job
The MDLCC (an arm of the Montana Democratic Party)is seeking motivated individuals to join our campaign team for the 2006 cycle. MDLCC's goal is to maintain and increase Democratic majorities in Montana's House and Senate. Currently, Democrats hold 50 of 100 seats in the House, and 27 of 50 in the Senate; this year's elections will be hotly contested.
MDLCC Field Staff handle a variety of responsibilities on the races they are assigned to: volunteer management, fundraising, communications, and voter contact are among the basics, but staff will need to be flexible and ready to deal with whatever challenges may come up on the ground. The position is ideal for entry level staff looking to learn the fundamentals of a range of campaign areas and tactics, and extensive training will be provided. More experienced staffers are welcome to apply as well, as we are considering adding 1-2 supervisory-level staff to the program
Because of the closely contested legislative seats, the big US Senate Race, and Governor Brian Schweitzer's high poll numbers, this state will be in the national focus for the cycle. Staffers here will gain valuable exposure, as well as highly sought-after 'red-state' campaign experience.
Interested candidates should send their resume and a cover letter to mdlcc@montanademocrats.org. Questions? Call 406-442-9520 and ask for Andy.
Posted by admin at 12:49 PM | Comments (0)
June 07, 2006
New numbers from Secretary of State
House District 63 Democrat Jennifer Pomnichowski 631 631
House District 63 Democrat John Trull 387 387 House District 63 Republican Bill Warden 841 841 House District 64 Democrat Steve Kelly 203 203 House District 64 Democrat Frank Wilmer 523 523 House District 64 Republican Jim Klug 357 357 House District 65 Democrat Brady Wiseman 466 466 House District 65 Republican Kate Reid 214 214 House District 66 Democrat Mike Phillips 517 517
House District 66 Democrat Tracy Velazquez 390 390 House District 66 Republican Gordon Vance 321 321 House District 67 Democrat Jackson Cyr 321 321 House District 67 Republican John Sinrud 603 603
House District 68 Democrat Laura Obert 624 364 260
House District 68 Republican Scott Sales 1102 538 564
House District 69 Democrat Loren Acton 418 418
House District 69 Republican Jack Wells 917 917
House District 70 Democrat John Vincent 574 574
House District 70 Republican Roger Koopman 725 725
Posted by admin at 04:40 PM
June 06, 2006
Phillips declared winner in HD66
Posted by admin at 11:49 PM | Comments (0)
JP wins, Franke wins, Phillips leading
State House - District 63 - Dem Primary
Gallatin
5 of 6 Precincts Reporting - 83.33%
Name Party Votes Pct
Pomnichowski, JP Dem 522 60.77
Trull, John Dem 337 39.23
State House - District 64 - Dem Primary
Gallatin
5 of 6 Precincts Reporting - 83.33%
Name Party Votes Pct
Wilmer, Franke Dem 456 72.38
Kelly, Steve Dem 174 27.62
State House - District 66 - Dem Primary
Gallatin
4 of 5 Precincts Reporting - 80.00%
Name Party Votes Pct
Phillips, Mike Dem 439 57.01
Velazquez, Tracy Dem 331 42.99
Posted by admin at 11:29 PM | Comments (0)
11:28
Alex Russell Declared winner in Senate District 35 race
Posted by admin at 11:23 PM | Comments (0)
11:23pm
State House - District 66 - Dem Primary
Gallatin
4 of 5 Precincts Reporting - 80.00%
Name Party Votes Pct
Phillips, Mike Dem 274 53.62
Velazquez, Tracy Dem 237 46.38
Posted by admin at 10:55 PM | Comments (0)
11:55pm
State House - District 66 - Dem Primary
Gallatin
2 of 5 Precincts Reporting - 40.00%
Name Party Votes Pct
Phillips, Mike Dem 215 54.71
Velazquez, Tracy Dem 178 45.29
Posted by admin at 10:53 PM | Comments (0)
Results 10:50pm
State Senate - District 35 - Dem Primary
Gallatin
8 of 13 Precincts Reporting - 61.54%
Name Party Votes Pct
Russell, Alex Dem 305 54.56
Fairhurst, William Dem 254 45.44
Posted by admin at 10:36 PM | Comments (0)
Results 10:33
Morrison concedes.
Posted by admin at 10:33 PM | Comments (0)
Daily Kos
Update: There were about 55K Democratic voters in the 2002 primary. We're already at what, 44K with a third of the precincts in? Some precincts are bigger than others, of course, but maybe Montana will buck the trend of low Democratic turnouts. It would bode nicely for November.
Posted by admin at 10:18 PM | Comments (0)
Results 10:19pm
State Senate - District 35 - Dem Primary
Gallatin
5 of 13 Precincts Reporting - 38.46%
Name Party Votes Pct
Russell, Alex Dem 104 59.77
Fairhurst, William Dem 70 40.23
State House - District 63 - Dem Primary
Gallatin
5 of 6 Precincts Reporting - 83.33%
Name Party Votes Pct
Pomnichowski, JP Dem 72 59.02
Trull, John Dem 50 40.98
State House - District 64 - Dem Primary
Gallatin
5 of 6 Precincts Reporting - 83.33%
Name Party Votes Pct
Wilmer, Franke Dem 185 74.90
Kelly, Steve Dem 62 25.10
State House - District 66 - Dem Primary
Gallatin
2 of 5 Precincts Reporting - 40.00%
Name Party Votes Pct
Phillips, Mike Dem 174 58.39
Velazquez, Tracy Dem 124 41.61
Posted by admin at 10:16 PM | Comments (0)
Gazette predicts Franke win
Posted by admin at 10:12 PM | Comments (0)
Results 10pm
State Senate - District 35 - Dem Primary
Gallatin
5 of 13 Precincts Reporting - 38.46%
Name Party Votes Pct
Russell, Alex Dem 104 59.77
Fairhurst, William Dem 70 40.23
State House - District 63 - Dem Primary
Gallatin
5 of 6 Precincts Reporting - 83.33%
Name Party Votes Pct
Pomnichowski, JP Dem 43 60.56
Trull, John Dem 28 39.44
State House - District 64 - Dem Primary
Gallatin
5 of 6 Precincts Reporting - 83.33%
Name Party Votes Pct
Wilmer, Franke Dem 75 74.26
Kelly, Steve Dem 26 25.74
State House - District 66 - Dem Primary
Gallatin
1 of 5 Precincts Reporting - 20.00%
Name Party Votes Pct
Phillips, Mike Dem 67 57.76
Velazquez, Tracy Dem 49 42.24
Posted by admin at 10:03 PM | Comments (0)
Election Results
We'll keep this post updated on the election results. As of 9.06PM there is no local results, yet. They are counting absentee ballots.
Posted by admin at 09:06 PM | Comments (0)
June 05, 2006
Issues not gender
During the 2005 session of the Montana State Legislature, I was privileged, as a legislative spouse, to observe discussions in the legislative chambers and committee rooms. Knowledge of the issue, the ability to think on one’s feet, and the artful use of words did much to persuade. Periodically, humorous quips relieved the pressure-laden atmosphere. Above all, respectful dialogue won the day.
In the Democratic primary for House District 66, we have two candidates who are knowledgeable, quick thinkers, but only one of those candidates has chosen to persuade through the use of positive, reasoned words. That candidate is Mike Phillips. Mike has a history of resolving difficult issues in a collaborative manner. One of Mike’s greatest strengths is that of inclusion.
That cannot be said of his opponent, Tracy Velazquez, who chose, for example, in one of her campaign flyers to pit women against men. Tracy featured a composite of individual photographs of our present-day Gallatin County legislators, Democrats and Republicans. She gave no information as to their views on women’s issues, or any other issues; she simply suggested that you vote for her because she was a women and they were men. She chose to operate in a divisive manner. Yes, women and men do have differing perspectives on some issues. Yes, we do want more women in our Legislature. Fortunately we do have other excellent candidates running in the June 6 primary, and they have chose to play the “issues” card, not the “gender” card.
In the upcoming primary, vote for the person who will give you the best chance of winning acceptance of your positions when representing you in the Legislature. Vote for the person who has consistently shown respect for colleagues and constituents. Vote for Mike Phillips.
Jane Hawks
Bozeman
Posted by admin at 07:20 AM | Comments (0)
June 04, 2006
A Candidate’s Final Words
The primary election is almost here (June 6). During the last few months I have visited with hundreds of residents from District 66 and have held many conversations with community leaders. I have a good understanding of the needs and concerns of the district and Bozeman and remain excited about redoubling my efforts on behalf of our community by serving as the district’s Representative.
I am a Democrat who will use collaboration to build progressive and long-lasting solutions. It's easy for legislators to blast the other side and score points in the press. However, it's hard but more important to work through disagreements and share the credit to achieve sound policies. I have dedicated myself to those tasks on behalf of House District 66.
In Gallatin County there are 11 elected officials who have relevance to Democrats in a democratic primary. Included in this tally are all five City Commissioners that serve in non-partisan positions, five democratic legislators from Gallatin County, and the lone democratic County Commissioner. I take great pride in the fact that 10 of these 11 have publicly endorsed my campaign.
I would be grateful for your support as well and honored to serve as the Representative for House District 66.
Mike Phillips
615 S. Black
Bozeman, MT 59715
406-522-8938
Posted by admin at 07:46 PM | Comments (0)
June 03, 2006
Tracy a champion for environmental health
As a legislator in the 2001 session, I carried a bill asking the state to help people afffected by asbestosis and mesothelioma in Libby access federal programs. The state agreed to fund a grant writer to help us through the maze of programs available. Tracy Velazquez was that grant writer and was able to obtain two grants -an environmental justice grant from the EPA and a federal health care grant - which have been beneficial to providing for the needs of those left behind by W. R. Grace. When the grants were due to expire, Tracy wrote a bill asking for an extension for a year until we were eligible to re-apply. She was extremely helpful in getting the bill through the legislative process. When elected to the legislature, Tracy will put her experience in understanding the process to good use in helping her constituents. The affected citizens of Libby have been grateful for her help.
Eileen Carney
Former State Representative
Libby, Montana
Posted by admin at 12:54 PM | Comments (0)
Dear Editor,
In a time when politics is not a very popular vocation, Mike Phillips restores my faith that campaigning can be done honestly and positively. He is running his campaign for House District 66 in a very ethical way.
He brings to the political scene a real desire to serve our community. He is what Governor Richardson of New Mexico calls the New Progressive--a fiscal conservative with a strong social conscience. Mike has an incredible knowledge of economic realities and workable ecological reforms and the commitment to work hard for Montana. This man also has the know-how and experience to make our public education system the best it can be for the children of Montana.
Mike’s life, his work, and his devotion to his family reflect his high moral values. He will make a great legislator. Vote for him on June 6.
Beverly Barnhart
Former State Legislator
Posted by admin at 12:51 PM | Comments (0)
Tracy really the candidate with the honesty and integrity
The last two letters to the editor that Mike Phillips posted on the Gallatin Democrats website - one from Christine Smith in Gardiner and one from Elizabeth Roberts in Bozeman - deserve some comment since they were published in the Chronicle too late to respond and both contain misrepresentations about Tracy and about why they support Phillips. In regard to Smith, she is the wife of Doug Smith, project leader for the Yellowstone Gray Wolf Restoration Project in Yellowstone National Park -- the job that Phillips formerly held. Tracy has never misrepresented the work of the Gallatin County legislative delegation, as Smith states, unless pointing out that they were all men is a misrepresentation, which, based on their photos at least, appears not to be the case. So this letter really isn't about gender as an issue in HD 66 as much as it is about Phillips recruiting colleagues, who don't even live in Gallatin County, to attack Tracy's integrity and character.
In regard to Roberts' letter, it seems a bit disingenuous for her to state that Phillips has her vote when she doesn't live in HD 66 but in HD 64, according to her address on the internet. What the reader also doesn't know is that she works for American Wildlands, an organization that in 2004 received $40,000 from the Turner Foundation. Phillips by his own account is the environmental advisor for Turner's philanthropic endeavors.
If either of these two letter writers had commented on Phillips' abilities as a wildlife biologist and how that qualifies him for the legislature, that would have been fine. But clearly, they were recruited to bash Tracy with half-truths and outright lies in the 11th hour of the campaign. In light of this, listening to Phillips - and his supporters - talk about his transparency, honesty and integrity is really getting tiresome.
Dennis C. Alexander
Bozeman, Montana
Posted by admin at 12:49 PM | Comments (0)
Real action
When deciding who to vote for in the upcoming primary election, note the distinction between talk and action. In House District 66, one appears to be simply talk, and it is difficult to tell what he actually stands for. The other candidate, Tracy Velazquez, is real down-toearth action. I have worked for Tracy for two years now. I started working for her during her 2004 congressional race and now am an administrative assistant for her consulting company. Being around Tracy every day I can vouch for her commitment and desire to solve problems and truly make a difference.
Not only does Tracy have professional experience in health care, hospitals, senior issues and public health, but she has also been a vocal advocate for many issues ranging from equality to civil liberties. Through her work as a consultant for nonprofits, she has been extremely active in regard to drug and alcohol abuse, homelessness, poverty, child abuse, domestic violence, as well as many other tough issues facing Montana.
While Tracy has not held public office before, she has been able to accomplish more than most of our elected officials. Some may recognize her from CNN last year, when her thoughts about the parking garage and Hurricane Katrina ignited a nationwide debate on pork barrel politics. She also played a major role in passing the local clean air ordinance.
These are just a few of Tracy's accomplishments, and while I could continue to note all of the amazing things that she has accomplished, there is a word limit to adhere to in these letters!
Please vote on June 6, and when you do, vote for Tracy Velazquez in House District 66. A vote for her is a vote for real action.
Sheena Rice
Bozeman
Posted by admin at 10:50 AM | Comments (0)
Wilmer an inspiration
When I read Cort Felts' letter to the editor on Saturday, May 27, accusing Franke Wilmer of political hackery, I had to laugh. Cort used to be my next door neighbor and when he married Twila Saylor (whose letter to the editor also appeared on May 27) and moved to Wyoming, I despaired because Bozeman was losing a great activist and I was losing a wonderful neighbor.
About Franke … she brings out the best in people and is an inspiration to many. I've had several classes with Franke at MSU. As an older student, Franke became a mentor for me. She understands the challenges of working families trying to put food on the table and pay for their children's education. And she knows that our decisions on energy now will have an impact on our economy and the environment later. As the former head of the political science department at MSU, she had to consider a variety of interests, from the viewpoints of students, to the students' parents, the faculty, the university, and finally the taxpayer. To work toward the good of the whole, she had to balance these diverse interests.
While Franke has a core set of principles, she realizes that people with the same core values can have legitimate differences of opinion. She won't let heartfelt differences on issues create an untenable "either/or" situation. She'll reach across the aisle in Helena to listen to good ideas too. Franke is that rare individual who can look at all sides of an issue.
By the way, I've had classes with Jerry Calvert also. Because of his research he's followed candidates and elections throughout his career. Believe me, no one tells Jerry what to say. And Jack Jelinski … well, he's published many articles, chapters in books, and writes poetry. I don't think he needs coaching either.
Franke Wilmer will be a great legislator in Helena for House District 64. And one more thing, Jon Testor will be a great senator for Montana.
Get out and vote on June 6.
Drusha Mayhue
Bozeman
Posted by admin at 10:43 AM | Comments (0)
June 02, 2006
Base Your Vote on Honesty and Integrity, Not Gender
Governor Schweitzer works on my behalf far more effectively than Judy Martz ever did. As a woman I am fully aware that sometimes a man is better suited to work on behalf of women's issue than a woman. This is why I urge you to support Mike Phillips for House District 66.
Without doubt Mike is better suited to address the needs and concerns of women than his opponent, Tracy. Velazquez. Her consistent over-simplification of complex issues for the sole purpose of gaining votes is offensive and evidence that she would be ineffective in Helena. Her gross misrepresentation of the fine work done by Democratic legislators from Gallatin County is clear evidence of her willingness to use innuendo and deception to rally voters to her side. Moreover, she has consistently failed to recognize the great work done by the women who currently comprise nearly 40% of the Democratic caucus in Helena. Fortunately, the women I know in House District 66 are smart enough to see through Velazquez's shenanigans.
Most women, including myself, strongly prefer representation based on honesty and integrity, values that will guide Mike Phillips in Helena. Regrettably, it seems that the same cannot be said of his opponent, I urge you to cast your vote for Mike on June 6.
Christine Horner Smith
Gardiner, MT
Posted by admin at 04:33 PM | Comments (0)
Making gender an issue in HD 66 primary race upsetting
When it comes to voting for the president of the United States, I vote on the candidate's values and substance on which s/he would like to run our country. When it comes to voting for a candidates running for our state's legislature, my behavior will be no different.
As a women voter and a supporter of equal representation of gender in our political system, I am always excited to see female candidates running for political office. I am interested to learn what they are saying about their voting record, personal beliefs, and thoughts about issues facing us; things of substance.
Therefore, it upsets me when a candidate, any candidate, uses gender as the sole reason for why they should be elected. This is what Tracy Velazquez, a women Democrat for the house seat in District 66 running against Mike Phillips, did in her recent ad campaign. Having worked professionally with Mike for years, I am aware of his value system, position on issues, and achievements in our community; my vote for Mike is decided. However, I was interested to hear what Tracy had to say about herself and all I received was jargon and spin.
I would encourage Tracy to stop using flashy, sound bite schemes of the mass market and treat her community members like the intelligent, curious people they are. Please tell us, Tracy, what would you do for your community if you were voted for in HD 66 – aside from just being a woman.
Elizabeth Roberts
Bozeman, MT
Posted by admin at 04:31 PM | Comments (0)
June 01, 2006
Voters in House District 63 are fortunate
Voters in House District 63 are fortunate to have a very qualified
candidate to represent them in the Montana State Legislature. Jennifer
Pomnichowski has all of the qualifications we look for. She is honest,
intelligent, dedicated, and experienced. As your representative, JP will
continue to be committed to working for responsible, sustainable growth,
protecting Montana's natural assets, funding our schools, and supporting
strong business development. Jennifer Pomnichowski is a lady we can be
proud of to help keep Montana a special place to live and work. Make your
vote count on June 6.
Nancy Riebe Belgrade, MT
Posted by admin at 04:38 PM | Comments (0)
Dear Bozeman Neighbor,
I am writing to ask for your vote this Tuesday in the Democratic primary for Montana House District 66.
My family has lived in this district since 1995, and I have a degree from Montana State. My kids attend Bozeman public schools. I have worked for Montana non-profit organizations such as the Cancer Society and the MSU Foundation, and volunteered with civic groups like Business & Professional Women and Rotary.
Through my business, Commonweal Consulting, I have learned about and worked on many critical issues facing Montana, such as: affordable healthcare; the needs of seniors and at-risk kids; methamphetamine use and its effects on families and communities; alternative energy; economic development; and the impact of industrial pollution on public health and the environment. My broad experience will help me make good decisions in the legislature.
I am a longtime advocate for progressive values. In addition, as a business owner, I know how to make hard budget choices and demand results. If this is the kind of representation you’d like in Helena, please vote for me on June 6th.
Tracy Velazquez
Posted by admin at 07:40 AM | Comments (0)