Lieser: The job is not finished

I have decided to run for a second term in the Montana House of Representatives.

I am committed to making Whitefish and Montana places where the economy can thrive and opportunities are available for everyone to succeed, where our natural environment is sustained for future generations, and where a quality education is accessible to all. It was a privilege to represent this community in the 63rd session of the Montana Legislature and work toward these goals, but the job is not finished.

While these values are very important to me, it’s more important to take action to further these ideas.

In the last legislative session I learned a great deal as a member of the House Tax committee. I worked hard to promote a tax system that is fair, simple and progressive, especially regarding property taxes, business taxes, and income taxes.

As a member of the House Natural Resource and Fish, Wildlife, and Parks committees, I drew on my experience in natural resource management. I proposed several bills that would have protected water quality. These are critical issues that I pledge to work on.

After the last legislative session I was appointed to the Environmental Quality Council, an interim committee responsible for oversight of the Departments of Natural Resources, Environmental Quality, Fish Wildlife and Parks, and Agriculture.

Some of the items we have been working on lately include; keeping the sage grouse from becoming listed as an endangered species, proposals to either approve the Confederated Salish Kootenai Water Compact or continue to study, evaluate Dept. of FWP’s study of all Montana hunting and fishing licenses, examine the management of federal lands in Montana and the effect on the state and counties, and analyze the Renewable Resource Grant program. This appointment has provided valuable experience and should make me a more effective legislator if you chose to send me to the next legislative session.

If any of these topics interest you or you have ideas or concerns, I encourage you to call me at 471-2082, email me at liesered@yahoo.com or visit me on Facebook. I look forward to hearing from you.

— Ed Lieser is running for House District 5