Brown, Reichner contend for district 9
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RONAN — Republican incumbent Scott Reichner is vying for the House District 9 seat against Democrat Neal Brown.
Both candidates believe in stricter penalties for drunk driving offenses, but Brown and Reichner differ on specific issues including Montana’s energy solutions and workers’ compensation.
Reichner gives “equal opportunity” to all sources of energy.
“I sat on the energy committee, and I’m a pro-energy guy,” Reichner explained.
He believes that alternative sources of energy such as wind and hydro-power should be developed and utilized, in addition to using traditional sources of fossil fuels and “rich natural resources that the state of Montana has.”
“I think the way to go about it is alternative energy,” Brown said.
Brown believes that neighborhoods and communities would benefit from greener energy sources.
For Reichner, Montana’s unemployment rate is directly related to Montana’s business climate. He believes that Montana needs to become a more “business friendly” state.
“There are a few things we can take shots at,” he said, mentioning that workers’ compensation rates are some of the highest in the nation.
Brown said he was cautious not to draw too many conclusions about workers’ compensation without seeing statistics and figures but didn’t think reform was necessary.
“I like to have protected workers,” he explained.
Brown also mentioned that recent property tax increase has been hard on people, but his experience leads him to believe that property tax hasn’t risen abnormally.
If re-elected, Reichner will introduce seven bills that would reform the state’s property appraisal assessments.
He explained that property owners have been hit hard with property taxes due to property assessments completed directly before the economic downturn in 2008.
“We are overtaxing people,” Reichner said. “Some of our seniors are going to be taxed out of their homes.”
His bill would provide additional tax breaks and incentives for seniors.
It would also allow for appeals to the property assessments every year.
House District 9 includes precincts 13, 14, 15 and 17 in Lake County. The elections will be held on Nov. 2. Voters in precincts 15 and 17 can vote at Swan River State Forest Headquarters. Voters in precinct 13 can vote at the Ferndale Community Center. And precinct 14 voters can cast their ballot at the Bear Dance Club House.
