Mike Phillips - Gallatin County Democrats

Mike Phillips

My name is Mike Phillips and I am seeking election as the Representative for Montana’s House District 66, an area that stretches through the heart of Bozeman. My family and I live in the district, and I am excited about the opportunity to serve our “backyard”. The district and the state alike are currently challenged by issues that are best addressed with a progressive approach advanced by an experienced, consensus-building Democrat like myself.

I’m contacting you to introduce my candidacy and ask for your support. Here are a few facts of interest.

Throughout my adult life I’ve been an active Democrat through:

Community involvement (e.g., coach of youth sports teams, member of Gallatin County Open Lands Board, founding member of the Bozeman Schools Foundation, active member Montana Conservation Voters).
My 2004 campaign to gain election to the Montana House of Representatives for House District 63.
My career as a wildlife ecologist and conservationist working on innumerable projects that embody the highest ideals of the Democrat party.
Countless informed votes that I have cast since turning 18.

After my narrow defeat for Montana’s House of Representative in 2004 I immersed myself in efforts to fix the significant structural problems that plague Bozeman Senior High. I eventually chaired the committee that led passage of a $55 million school bond (fall 2005). The money will be used to construct a new middle school and a “new” Bozeman High. Both facilities will do much to ensure high quality public education for Bozeman kids for centuries.

During my 2004 campaign I worked hard to understand the many sides of relevant issues. This prompted several prominent Republicans to quietly speak favorably of my efforts. Due to my emphasis on problem solving rather than simply agitating, I believe that Democrats as well as folks from across the political spectrum support my candidacy, and will support my legislative efforts if I am fortunate enough to serve in Helena.

In my professional life I am a wildlife ecologist with over 25 years of experience working with federal and state governments, non-governmental organizations, and private citizens. My work focuses on restoration of imperiled species. In 1997 I decided to leave the U.S. Department of Interior to co-found and direct the Turner Endangered Species Fund, a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to conserving biological diversity by ensuring the persistence of imperiled species and their habitats with an emphasis on private land. I have published and lectured extensively on my work. Projects I have directed are recognized as landmark efforts in restoration ecology.

Mike Phillips family

My wife, Linda, is a research scientist in the Ecology Department at MSU, co-chair of the local chapter of Montana Conservation Voters, and an active of the Longfellow Elementary School Parents Association. Our children (Grace - 16, Drake - 11, and Samuel - 9) attend Bozeman’s public schools.

During my 2004 campaign noted community leaders supported my efforts including Mike McGrath (Attorney General), Bill Murdock (Gallatin County Commissioner), John Vincent (Gallatin County Commissioner), Mike Wheat (Senator, District 32), Dorothy Eck (former Senator and Constitution Delegate), Chris Harris (Representative, District 66), and Larry Jent (Representative, District 64).

I am very proud that my 2006 campaign has been publicly endorsed by Bozeman incumbent legislators, including Senator Mike Wheat, Representative Larry Jent, and Representative Chris Harris. At my announcement event Harris said:

“Mike has the energy, the intelligence, the sense of fairness, and the innovative ideas that will make Bozeman and Montana better places to live. I can think of no better successor.”

As a Representative I would be a determined leader for public education, locally-owned businesses, progressive energy policies, and a healthy environment. I look forward to serving House District 66 with the same energy and common sense as Emily Stonington and Chris Harris.

I need much help to win. I need ideas about how to best serve and I need financial support for my campaign. There is no limit to the number of good ideas I can collect, but financial contributions are limited to $130 per person for the primary and general elections. Financial contributions should be made payable to “Mike Phillips for Legislature” and, along with your ideas, mailed to the address below. Please include your name, address, occupation, and employer with any contribution.

Mike Phillips
House District 66
615 South Black
Bozeman, Montana 59715
mikephillips@montana.net
www.mikephillipshd66.com
Lisa Diekmann, Treasurer
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