District 14 candidates speak at forum

With the amount of interest generated with this year’s elections, voters have been attending forums sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce to learn about candidates and their platforms. Republican Gordon Hendrick and Democrat Judy Stang, candidates for House District 14, took questions from the audience last Thursday night as well as presented why they believe they’re the best person for the job.

In his opening statements, Hendrick told those in attendance that he represents the same issues and values that are important to the people in the district as well as the majority of Montana. He said that one of the reasons he and his wife choose to live and work in Montana and in Mineral County is because of the quality of life, which was important to them when they were raising their children.

“I support policies that protect personal property rights, second amendment rights, traditional family values and that will promote a growth in jobs and economic retentions,” Hendrick said. “I believe government has grown too big. We need less regulation and we must lower taxes. Most importantly, we have to sustain jobs.”

Stang has lived in Mineral County for over 50 years, ever since her family bought the local grocery store. She said in her opening statements that she’s held a variety of leadership roles and her time spent in the community gives her an understanding of the issues residents face and what life is like for them.

“As a commissioner, I was on the receiving end of legislature and I understand what effect the law can have on residents,” Stang said, “and I bring that to the table when making decisions. I’m no stranger to the legislature. One of the reasons I’m running is I like doing this kind of stuff. I have a clear understanding of the nature of this area...I’m committed to working with opposite parties to get things done and I won’t align myself with people in my own party. I want to work on projects that are specific to this district and get funding back to here.”

One of the first questions the two faced from the audience asked each of them to distinguish themselves and their service in the legislature. Hendrick answered first stating that it’s hard to distinguish yourself when everyone has their own ideas and concerns on how to serve the people best.

“The only thing I can say is experience does count in this position,” Hendrick said. “The seats that I hold the different committees (Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Natural Resources) are important to this district...I have experience communicating with other legislatures and working with the different offices to get the job done as quickly as possible because time is so essential when you only have that four month period.”

Stang reiterated that while she hasn’t served as a representative on the legislature she is not a stranger as she’s been going to the legislature sessions since 1990 representing counties and sitting on different committees. She said that she is also familiar with who the legislatures are as many of them used to be county commissioners as well.

“I think I could be effective as a leader. One way to do that is to get talking points and true stories from the people right here,” Stang said. “That’s how you represent them and I think...I know I would do that.”

Both candidates noted that their office is right where they live and both said they would strive to talk to people and get out and attend the different meetings as they have been doing and not just during the election season either.

In her closing comments, Stang pointed to several projects that she’s worked on and implemented throughout the county including lights in St. Regis and a sign that points travelers on Interstate 90 to travel through St. Regis and Sanders County to visit Glacier National Park.

“It’s my philosophy to work on projects that are going to bring money to House District 14,” Stang said, “...and to focus on needs of the district. I will advocate for local control of counties so our own laws will be in effect. I’m an old style democrat. I was talking to my brother and asked him if he ever knew what the platform was and he said he never cared he only cared about the needs of this district and I’m the same way.”

Hendrick touched on his diverse background of experience in his closing comments including working on the railroad, serving as mayor and years of volunteer work.

“I have a broad background to represent you from,” Hendrick said. “I support policies that provide lower taxes, less government control and real job creation...I have your interest at heart.”