Three locals stump for SD 6 seat
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POLSON - Three Republican candidates are vying for the seat for Senate District 6, and they have no Democrat opposition since Craig McClure withdrew from the race.
Running are incumbent Carmine Mowbray, a retired publisher, communications consultant and commercial real estate manager; Janna Taylor, rancher, farmer, orchardist and veteran of House District 11; and Mike Larson, businessman who owns and operates Business One.
The candidates were asked why they were running for office.
“I’m passionate about serving my district,” Mowbray said. “I believe Montana can do better.”
She has strong business, personal and professional relationships throughout this district, Mowbray said.
“They know my business principles and my personal family values,” Mowbray explained. “And they support me.”
Her constituents deserve and expect integrity in government, she said, “That’s what I bring.”
Taylor said, “I am running to make Montana a place where people can find jobs that pay well, our young people can stay here and our seniors and veterans can thrive.”
The last legislature didn’t get the business done, Larson said, and he doesn’t think all of Lake County is being represented. He describes himself as a sensible conservative, meaning he maintains conservative principles but has respect for the other side. He’s a believer in getting facts from the far right and far left and collaborating.
“I’m hoping I’m representing the majority of the people,” Larson said, noting that the conservative population has two candidates and the more moderate people will have him.
As for how she differs from her opponents, Taylor said she has proven leadership experiences. She’s worked on a zero-based budgeting system, served on appropriations and tax committees and in leadership.
Taylor received a champion of business award from the Montana Chamber of Commerce, a rating from the NRA, a 100 percent voting record from the Montana Family Foundation and a stewardship award from the Flathead Basin Commission.
She voted against radical sex education for schools and against the introduction of Obamacare insurance exchanges. She is pro life.
“I still sign both sides of a paycheck,” she said since she works and pays employees.
Larson differs from his two opponents because, he said, “I’m positive I’m the only one that’s a true leader.”
With legislation that’s going to need Republicans, Democrats and leadership all working together, Larson said he can listen and bring people together
“You don’t have to compromise your principles to compromise issues,” he explained. “You can’t just close the door.”
Mowbray has experience in the state senate, and she has integrity, one strong point.
“I have strong conservative values,” she said, illustrated by her decision to decline all state benefits. “I pay my full measure of taxes, and I know what’s it’s like to work, raise a family and grow a business.”
As far as sex education in schools goes, Mowbray said parents can count on her to protect and preserve parents’ rights to opt out of sex ed for their children.
The candidates were also asked what would be their top three issues to address as a legislator.
Larson said his first issue is water, it’s extremely important now and for the future.
He’s also a strong proponent of higher education. That doesn’t mean writing blank checks, Larson said, since he believes in maximum accountability.
Montana demands job skills and trade schools and two-year community colleges are providing training for those jobs.
“We need jobs in Montana,” Larson said of his third issue. “We need young families coming in with spirit and hope.”
Jobs will be created through the environmentally responsible harvesting of our natural resources, he said. The system needs to move more efficiently, but with common sense, so private enterprise can go after natural resources.
Taylor and Mowbray agreed. Taylor named “jobs, jobs and jobs as her first issue.”
Mowbray said, “Certainly we need to improve Montana’s business environment in harmony with our special quality of life.”
Taylor’s second issue medical costs and her third was taxes, including lowering property taxes.
Mowbray said performance based budgeting would be her second issue for the legislature.
“No more baseline from the previous year,” she explained. “I’d rather see merit-based budgeting.’
Private enterprise, for example, uses merit-based budgeting for success and efficiency.
“Whether (the issue is) weeds, water or taxes,” Mowbray said she wants to continue creating positive relationships between tribal and non-tribal entities while protecting private property rights.
