We need new representation for House District 3

On Nov. 4 this year, voters in Montana will have an important decision to make. We have the opportunity to change from legislating by the tired partisan politics of division and ideology to a reasoned, deliberative and respectful approach.  

And we should be thinking about this choice now. Once we are past Labor Day, we will be ducking our heads under the fog of negative political over-advertising and annoying robo calls.

Be honest — other than the political professionals, does anyone really pay attention to the constant whine of slick negative TV ads or flood of glossy mailers? Many, many people just tune out the mess and  then show up (uninformed) to vote in November. We can’t really blame them. Its easier to just stop after work and mark the ballot for all the Ds or all the Rs and head home. Our work is done, we participated.

But this year is one of those years when voting really matters and you need to get to really know your candidates. This year, there are real opportunities for improvement if we chose wisely.

And while there is a lot of focus this year on the U.S. Senate and House races, we will undoubtably gain more immediate and meaningful local change “down ballot” in the Montana House and Senate races. In Montana, we have just 90 days every other year for our citizen legislators to improve life for Montanans while keeping our budget balanced. To get the best results, we need to elect the most talented, informed and reasonable people to serve in Helena.

A prime example of making such a choice (and change) is in House District 3, representing the greater Columbia Falls and Canyon area. This year, we need to elect Zac Perry as our HD3 representative and thank Jerry O’Neil for participating but keep him here at home.

Why? Because Zac is better qualified, and Jerry has failed to be productive.

For those who know him, Zac is one of those local guys who everyone brags about. Grew up in Martin City. Played three sports in high school and graduated first in his class with a perfect 4.0. Zac built on a great local education by earning a bachelor’s in government and international relations at Notre Dame. After university graduation, Zac didn’t chase out-of-state opportunities. He came home to make a difference in his community.

He works hard. Using the same ethic and drive that produced a great education Zac (like many HD3 residents) works more than one job. He manages the family Ox Yoke Inn, he substitute teaches at Columbia Falls High School, and he works for O’Brien Byrd at O’Brien’s Liquor & Wine in Columbia Falls. He sings in the Community Choir, and he volunteers on the Canyon trail system and many more organizations.  

He also understands the daily needs and challenges of small businesses. From family members and friends, he knows the nuances of working with and for federal agencies. And he knows the value of a great education and the sacrifices required to get one.

Zac’s opponent, Jerry O’Neil, is the current HD3 representative. Since his election to the House in 2010, he has made no measurable progress in making life better for his HD3 constituents. He has drawn many headlines and gained much attention by focusing on controversial national issues.

In Helena, O’Neil votes the party line but advances very few bills out of committee. It is hard to review his output and find where he has provided any opportunity for job creation in the Flathead or elsewhere in the state.

Some of his proposals have been so outlandish as to be openly condemned by his own party. Remember LC1452, “Allow defendant to bargain for corporal punishment” (rather than prison time)? Thankfully that bill died in the draft process.

And while it is fun (and often well deserved) to heap criticism on Washington, D.C., it doesn’t solve problems locally. Like it or not, you can’t fix Washington from Helena. What you can do in Helena is arrive prepared to make a difference and focus on results. You can sponsor bills that can make it through the legislative process with broad bipartisan support. We need job creation at home, not job criticism of D.C. politicians.

Review Jerry O’Neil’s complete voting record at www.votesmart.org and you will discover HD3’s issues have not had an advocate since his election in 2010. The person we elected (hired) to represent us has simply failed to advance any meaningful legislation. HD3 deserves better, and we will have better by electing Zac Perry.

Zac says he supports job creation. How? By promoting Superfund status to clean up the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. site. Cleaning up CFAC will mean many good-paying jobs for industrial service companies and opportunities for local contractors. Superfund cleanup will set the stage for future industrial development. Zac has pledged to lead the charge because he knows it will translate into jobs.

Zac understands the challenges of living with sub-standard or no health insurance. He has pledged to make all-inclusive health insurance one of his priorities. And he endorses examining all ideas and working with every member of the House to find a solution with broad support.

Zac is a member of North Valley Sportsman Club and a life-long hiker, hunter, fisherman and outdoor enthusiast. He supports the timber industry and knows timberlands can be managed to benefit the environment and provide great jobs.

And he knows well managed forests and recreational lands are what attracts visitors and keeps them returning year after year. The timber and tourism industries can count on his support and innovation.

Zac believes that affordable quality education opportunities are key to earning a living wage in Montana. They are also key to attracting and keeping great employers. Zac supports Flathead Valley Community College partnering with Montana universities to offer more four-year degrees in the Flathead. He also supports partnering with local business to address their specific employee training/educational needs. Sponsoring creative targeted legislation to increase access to higher education is one of Zac’s priorities.

Most of all, Zac listens. He wants you to call him with your questions or concerns. Let him know what you think we can do to improve our state and better serve all residents. Call Zac at 261-9642 or 387-5815. Start a conversation. The best ideas come from the broadest base.

It is time to choose between Jerry and his wild ideas that support an unproductive ideology and sending a representative like Zac to Helena pledged to advance practical, inclusive solutions to real problems. We need to elect Zac Perry HD3 representative in November. He will make a positive difference in Helena.

John and Theresa Conner live in Columbia Falls.