House District 9 candidates face off

Scott Reichner (R) v. Edd Blackler (D)

1.What do you consider the three key issues to be addressed in the next term?

Reichner: Economy, Energy and Education.

Blackler: The key "issue" for the 2009 legislative session is to prudently handle taxpayer's money. Almost every aspect of State government depends on creating revenue and managing expenditures. I consider funding for education and human services, management of our public land, and alternative energy production the major challenges for this session.

2. Either of you would be serving in the legislature for the first time. How have you prepared to run for this office?

Reichner: I have worked in the private sector for over 19 years. Starting in the banking world and more recently being self employed. I have served for eight years on the Bigfork Schools as a board member along with being board chair for two years. I have served in our local Boy Scout Troop as Chairman for several years. I am also the father of nine children. I believe that these and other experiences that I have had have shaped me to form the man that I am today. I have learned to listen to all aspects of an issue and then be able to sift through to the key components of that issue and then make a sound, wise decision.

Blackler: I have had a keen interest in the workings of government ever since I was fortunate enough to be selected to attend Montana Boy's State when I was in high school. As a Flathead valley resident for thirty years, I have been an active participant in local community affairs and organizations. In preparation to represent House District 9, I have attended public forums and various industry related information sessions, visited governmental offices in Helena, consulted with former elected officials, and communicated with many residents of the district in order to hear their concerns. My education and the experience I have gained as a teacher, a public speaker, a state and national board member of several nonprofit organizations, and from other employment I have had will give me the ability to effectively represent the district.

3. How will you encourage smart growth in the area around Flathead Lake?

Reichner: I would encourage the county commissioners to do their job and ensure that property is being developed according to the current growth policies of the county.

Blackler: Growth guidelines are essentially developed at the County government level. I will support legislation that guides and assists local governments to adopt plans which protect water and air quality, promote local food production, provide for economic stability without jeopardizing attractive area attributes, and incorporate sustainable infrastructure.

4. In the wake of an April accident, truck traffic along Highway 35 has been a big concern for East Shore residents. What is your proposed solution to this issue?

Reichner: I would like to see that large trucks are encouraged to use Hwy. 93.

Blackler: The Department of Transportation needs to recognize the inherent physical differences between Highway 35, on the East Shore of Flathead Lake, and Highway 93, on the West Shore of Flathead Lake, so far as public safety and potential water contamination are concerned. The use of these highways by over length and over width vehicles, and vehicles transporting hazardous materials needs to be regulated by specific guidelines.

5. The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is working with local citizens to find a way to keep a 440-acre state-owned parcel in public hands. How do you hope to see this process resolved?

Reichner: Hopefully the adjacent owners of the property and the DNRC will be able to work out their differences and the property will remain public land.

Blackler: I am hopeful that the State Land Board, with the possible assistance of the State Legislature, can establish a means of assessing specific school trust lands in terms of their intrinsic value to the people of Montana, rather than their cash value to a school trust. Our public lands need to remain in the public domain. I would prefer that the parcel be declared a "Natural Area."

6.What, if any, mass transportation projects do you favor?

Reichner: I will encourage a discount airline, such as Southwest or Jetblue, to fly into Kalispell airport.

Blackler: A Flathead Valley bus service, and possibly a 'light rail' system that connects cities in Western Montana.

7. What do you feel the state's contribution to primary and secondary education should be and what would you do to change current policies to accommodate that view?

Reichner: The state has increased funding for education over the past several terms. At the same time our enrollment numbers have decreased. I believe that funding needs to continue, however, due to declining enrollment, we need to look at areas were we reduce expenditures.

Blackler: Montana must provide the level of funding for education necessary to meet the mandate of the State Constitution. I will support measures to adequately fund our schools at all levels; K-12, the University System, colleges of technology, and Tribal Colleges.

8. High cost of living precludes many younger and lower-income people from living in Flathead and Lake Counties. What would you propose to make home ownership in this area more viable for people who live and work here?

Reichner: With the slowdown in the market, home prices have become much more affordable. Interest rates are low and there are still 100 percent loans for homebuyers up to $300,000. Still, we need to make sure that our property taxes do not increase, in fact we need to lower them. Our state income tax is too high. These are two ways that make it more affordable for families to afford living in the Flathead.

Blackler: I think the concept of a "Community Trust", purchasing suitable parcels of land on which individuals can build homes, is a way to provide housing that working families can afford. When these homes are transferred to new owners, the sellers recover their building or purchase costs plus a modest appreciation, and the buyers pay an affordable price that does not include the cost of the land. I think planners and developers should be encouraged to incorporate affordable housing sectors in all of their proposals. Well-planned projects include a broad range of living accommodations which go to create a sustainable community.

9. In HD 9 there are not any incorporated cities. Would you support a proposal — like the one being floated by Flathead County Commissioner Joe Brenneman — to create a middle ground of government such as a township to give places like Bigfork more local control over decisions?

Reichner: I personally like the way Bigfork is governed. We are a village that is governed by the county. We have several advisory committees that give the county officials direction. Bigfork has always been a town that is basically maintained by its volunteer groups, which are its citizens. There is a long list of these groups and citizens that volunteer their time, talents and energy to the management of Bigfork. If anyone is interested in donating their time or money to this town, there are several different ways to participate.

Blackler: I think there may be some merit to such a proposal. Citizens who live in unincorporated communities need to consider as many ways as possible to provide meaningful guidelines to deal with the impacts of growth.

10. If elected, what would be your highest priority when you arrive in Helena?

Reichner: My highest priority would be to work on the an energy bill and an education bill. We need a comprehensive energy plan in this state to produce more energy. We now have the opportunity in Montana to begin to use its natural resources to produce energy not only for ourselves but for profit. We can use this profit for education infrastructure which is failing along with lowering our state income taxes. Clean energy production along with proper forest management and an education building fund which is derived from additional energy production, are what I will fight for when I arrive in Helena.

Blackler: I will be honest and straight-forward in working with my fellow legislators to make the best possible use of taxpayer's money. My highest priority is to look out for the concerns of the citizens of district nine and to take actions which serve to keep Montana a state where we are able to provide a clean and healthful environment and the right to pursue life's basic necessities. Montana should be a state where we can enjoy and defend our lives and liberties, acquire, possess and protect our property, and seek safety, health and happiness in all lawful ways. In enjoying these rights, we all must recognize the corresponding responsibilities.