Letter to the Editor
HD90 Race: Working to Build a Better Bitteroot
By Ben Hillicross, 10-28-06
John F. Kennedy once said that “Things do not happen, they are made to happen.” He was referring to the precious opportunity that each one of us to has to make a lasting and positive impact on our world.
I decided to run as the Democratic candidate for the Montana State House of Representatives seat in my home district (HD90) because for the last four years the incumbent has not made things happen. A 2004 Special Election tabloid that reviews the backgrounds and records of candidates for public office points out that in his previous term, my opponent said he “had not sponsored a single bill because no one had ask him to sponsor anything”! He also commented that he had attended a lot of meetings. During his second term he did sponsor two bills but they both missed the deadline for general bill transmittal and were therefore dropped from consideration by the House!
Sponsoring legislation important to the citizens of western Montana is not rocket science. It simply requires that you ask people what they would like to see changed in Montana state law, listen to what they say, and then do something about it! As I go door-to-door I have been compiling lists of specific of issues that my constituents want me to address. I will then take the leadership role in sponsoring these changes as bills, and I will fight to win support for them.
Your current incumbent legislator voted no on many issues that I would have supported. In fact, he voted no on bills that would have: eliminated smoking in public schools; protected public access rights; kept legislators from becoming lobbyists for two years after leaving office; and, the bill that would have raised the minimum wage.
I will stay in touch with the people in my district and listen to your concerns. I will work hard to make good thing happen by providing strong leadership. My public life clearly demonstrates that I will represent your interests with integrity. I have demonstrated a deep commitment to public service and a passion for the privilege to work for the good of our community. I have a proven track record as a strong leader who stays well informed on the social, technical, educational and economic issues facing Montana. Vote for me to be your next representative for HD 90, and let's all work together to “Build a Better Bitterroot” and preserve Montana as the last best place.
Ben Hillicoss for HD90
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