Local teen announces candidacy for HD5

A local teenager is campaigning to represent Whitefish in the state legislature.

Chet Billi, 17, plans to file as a Republican in the election for House District 5 after he turns 18 years old later this year. He is on course to graduate from Whitefish High School in June.

Billi is the second candidate to enter the election at this early stage.

Democrat Dave Fern announced his campaign for the HD5 seat earlier this spring. Democrat Rep. Ed Lieser has said that he won’t seek a third term in the local district.

Billi believes too many politicians elected to office are “defensive” in their leadership approach.

“They get in there and don’t do anything except vote yes on bills they like and no on bills they don’t want,” he said. “That’s not enough right now. I want to go in there and get something done and be an offensive representative.”

Billi says his main goal if elected is to “protect Montana’s sovereignty” and to stop what he believes to be an over-reaching federal government.

“Issues like education, health care, job growth and the economy — those should not be the concern of the federal government,” he said. “The states can handle that better.”

Billi made headlines this year when he brought forward a citizen-initiated ballot proposal that would allow teachers from elementary school through college to carry concealed handguns if they have permits.

The proposal is currently under review.

Recognizing his youth, Billi said he is inspired to enter the election to get the younger generation involved in government.

“As time goes on, it’s the younger people that are going to need to step up into the spotlight and have opinions on the issues,” he said. “I’d kind of like to be the face of this new generation.”