Meet the candidates: Judy Stang

Opposing Gordon Hendrick in the race for state legislature House District 14 is St. Regis resident Judy Stang. Stang said that she decided to run because she enjoys not only enjoys serving the public, but said she is "sick of the bipartisanship politics in Helena."

"I think they need people with backbone that will work with each other across party lines in there who have experience," she said. "I'm from this area, I've lived here all my life and I just like representing it and the issues that pertain to here. I think I know them about as well as anybody."

Stang brings lots of experience to the table including 18 years as Mineral County Commissioner. As commissioner, Stang said she worked to form coalitions, came to decisions through listening to all stakeholders and was an advocate for rural issues facing the county. Stang has also served on the Montana Association of Forest Counties Board of Directors, Human Resource Board of Directors, Montana Association of Counties Board of Directors, MACO Public Lands Committee, MACO Taxation Committee and MACO Subdivision and Planning Committee among others.

"I believe that I have the knowledge and leadership skills to work with diverse groups of people and bring to the table a continued goal to find solutions," she said.

Stang described herself as an old-style democrat advocating for rural issues, small businesses and education. She said that these are the things she's also heard people talking about.

"The things I've heard people complain about the most are property taxes, jobs and education is always important," Stang said.

Stang feels that something that really needs to be looked at is the property reappraisal formula. She said that the formula has really affected a lot of people throughout the area and there has been a ton of complaints. The job losses in Frenchtown and lack of jobs throughout the area are also big concerns for Stang. She said that she feels the area needs to take small steps to build the infostructure that will attract businesses to the area.

"We need to start by taking mini steps," she said. "The area is lacking the infostructure that goes with bringing in larger businesses and we need to work on building that up so we have that in place so when companies want to come here, we're ready for them."

Stang said that the state is going to be a lot like the county in the fact that they have no money available and are also going to be short on funds. As that happens, Stang said people are going to have to continue to cut. She said she feels that education must be fully funded.

"I will advocate for education, trying to get money back," she said. "I'll also advocate for the state funding education and not putting it on the backs of property tax payers." Stang also said that she has felt the effects of taxes as a taxpayer herself.

Stang said she is excited and hopes that people will get out and vote.

"I'm excited, I've always wanted to serve in the state legislature," she said. "I hope that people get out and vote and that they vote beyond party lies. Get to know your candidates and how they feel on the issues. So many times, people just go and vote for a candidate just because they're the democratic candidate or the republican candidate."