Charles Dickens wrote “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” in his novel A Tale of Two Cities. Though the novel is an all-time best seller, I wanted to write to you about redistricting as the common sense conservative candidate for House District 92.
HD92 for decades has been one of the last conservative leaning represented areas in Missoula County. It covered exclusively areas outside the city, from Clinton to the Seeley-Swan Valley. Unfortunately, in 2023 the Districting & Apportionment Commission changed that. Areas like Seeley Lake and Clinton were traded for Lower Rattlesnake, a much different area in the city of Missoula, with a dense population. While kids from Condon attend Seeley-Swan High School, we no longer share a representative. It makes no sense.
Overall, with the redistricting in HD92, the rural voice has been diluted by political gerrymandering. A tale as old as time. I believe those that choose to live outside city limits are different from those in Missoula and they should be aware of this change.
My opponent cares about Montana, but we differ on certain bills. I appreciate her dedication to serving the people of HD91 and teaching. I am not a politician and don’t have a voting record. However, Rep. Connie Keogh does, as she has represented HD91 for three terms. HD91 encompassed exclusively Missoula neighborhoods that are much different than most of HD92.
Senate Bill 265: Increase penalty for conviction of criminal activity of human trafficking
My opponent voted no on this bill. We need to end the disturbing upward trend of human trafficking cases in Montana, especially when it comes to our children. This bill also outlines harsh penalties for those that sex traffic our most vulnerable class, children. These criminals deserve to be put in prison. I will always vote yes to the highest penalties for human and child traffickers.
SB 99: Provide for a youth health protection plan, prohibits gender-affirming medical and surgical care for transgender minors
My opponent voted no on this bill. We need to stop sexualizing children and focus on bettering our education in Montana for every family. Life altering decisions should be made by individuals when they are adults. As a teacher, I hope my opponent will change her mind and protect children who are not fully physically or mentally developed as minors. I will vote yes to protecting children.
HB 712: An act revising election laws to prohibit illegal aliens from voting in Montana
My opponent voted no. Our country was founded on free and fair elections by and for the people. Montanans should be the only people voting in our elections. With the collapse of our southern border, we cannot allow illegal aliens to vote in our Montana elections. My opponent also voted against HB 892 that prohibits double voting in Montana. I will vote yes to protecting our elections.
SB 359: Prohibit tracking of firearm sales by financial institutions
My opponent voted no on this bill. Our 2nd Amendment rights are vital to Montanans regardless of party. We don’t need financial institutions tracking legal gun sales. The government is already too large, and doesn’t need to enlist corporations to play big brother. I will always vote yes to protecting the rights of gun owners.
SB 485: Raising hourly rate of legislators compensation
My opponent voted yes. Right now, many Montanans can barely afford to live in Missoula County. There is no need for politicians to make more money when the people who put them in office are having trouble affording basic necessities. I’m not looking for a career, I’m looking to fight for affordability and tax cuts for all Montanans. I will vote no to any pay increases for elected officials.
I like Rep. Keogh as a person, but she votes far too liberal to represent the rural area of Missoula County. She has represented the city of Missoula for three terms in HD91 and we need new ideas and the next generation of legislators. I think Helena needs to hear a new voice from Missoula County, not the same voice from the City of Missoula.
Please visit my website to view issues and ideas around lowering property taxes, education, public lands and infrastructure. I’m very easy to reach by email, and would love to speak with you.
Website: Ted4montana.com
Email: Ted4montana@gmail.com
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