I am James Youso, Democratic candidate for House District 85. I believe in our system of government and believe it is our duty as citizens to make government work for all. We are a nation of laws which are the framework of the system.
That is why I was appalled to discover, recently, that my opponent, Theresa Manzella, while touting the Tea Party virtues of fiscal responsibility was late in filing her post-primary financial statement to the Montana Office of Political Practices. By late I mean 46 days late. This information is available at http://politicalpractices.mt.gov/content/2recentdecisions/GreenwoodvHoklinetalFinalDecision. A settlement Agreement between my opponent and the Commissioner of Political practices (COPP) is a public document and is also available from the Office of Political Practices.
As a result of this action, Ms. Manzella was required to pay a $100 slap- on- the- wrist fine on October 1, 2014. Besides the fine, Ms. Manzella admitted she was aware of the law requiring candidates to file post -primary financial information by June 23, 2014, and she also had to acknowledge that she had violated Montana Code Annotated 13-37-226. Also in the settlement agreement she had to acknowledge that her failure to file the required forms and disclosures was a violation of public trust.
I take my campaign seriously. Governing and legislating are serious responsibilities. The decisions of the legislature impact all of us. Representatives have a duty to represent our citizens in legal and lawful manner.
I do not believe being a representative is a part-time hobby to be indulged at my convenience.
James W. Youso
Candidate for HD 85