Candidate Questionnaire: House District 61

Jim Hamilton (D) — House District 61

Peter Bower (R) — House District 61

As of press time, Bower had not responded to the Exponent’s questionnaire. Responses received after press time will be published on msuexponent.com.

Steve Kelly (G) — House District 61

As of press time, Kelly had not responded to the Exponent’s questionnaire. Responses received after press time will be published on msuexponent.com.

Why did you decide to run for office?

Hamilton: Being my 4th term, the reasons are similar and deeper than my first decision to run for office. I have felt as a former business owner I could bring a relatively unique perspective to the Democratic caucus while working to assist those in need. In addition to those motivations, this session I feel we are in a very imbalanced situation for Montanans and my experience will help in trying to fend off threats to our State’s democracy. There are threats to our constitutional rights including the right to privacy, right to vote and right to know. Protection of those rights and others is top priority.

What do you think is the biggest issue MSU students should have on their radar? What state action would you support to address that issue?

Hamilton: Multiple issues should be on the radar. The constitutional issues listed above are very important to the survival of our democracy. I believe those three rights combined would be the biggest issue though housing issues and university funding should be close behind. We should use some of the budget surplus to boost University funding and begin a variety of measures to help on housing including renters’ assistance and perhaps incentivizing landlords to charge less rent.

What steps should the legislature take to address climate change and mitigate its impact on Montanans?

Hamilton: I proposed a bill to expand the alternative energy credit which should be attempted again. The State appears to be moving toward sizable increase in electrical charging stations, that should be supported. When solving the housing issues we should encourage building homes with alternative energy. I would support assistance for wind and energy projects. We should help those whose jobs are affected by reduction in coal use but not subsidize the usage of coal.

What action would you support to make housing more affordable in Bozeman?

Hamilton: The housing problem will be improved by a sizable number of small steps rather than one silver bullet. Some examples: To increase housing supply help the cities and counties hire more people in planning departments. At the State level add staff to DEQ to help with those permits. Collaborate with large employers to fund housing projects. Expand state tax credits gaining access to more federal credits for workforce housing.

Why should MSU students, faculty and staff vote for you?

Hamilton: Having started my career as a teacher, education is very important to me. Funding a full range of public educational opportunities is one of my high priorities. Specifically, that would include supporting a state-wide pre-K option. I am a strong advocate for more support for the programs and facilities of Gallatin College. The decline in the share of State funding for the University system is leaving us increasingly dependent on maximizing the percentage of non-resident students and private donations. Though highly successful now, those approaches may contain more risk and we need a better balance. In a broader perspective, being re-elected and continuing my role as a member of the budget committee allows me to help construct and defend a compassionate budget that serves the needs of all Montanans.

What do you love about Bozeman? How would that reflect in your policy-making decisions?

Hamilton: My love for Bozeman includes the people and our natural amenities just a few minutes from downtown. The people of Bozeman and Montana as well as the viewsheds, accessible public lands, clean water, good wildlife habitat and lots of trails to explore motivate my service. Those amenities need to be preserved and the right of all Montanans to enjoy them protected. As a legislator endorsed by both the Montana Conservation Voters and the Montana Sportsmen’s Alliance, one can see that my voting record is testimony to my passion.