Merrill files for HD 87

Laura Merrill of Stevensville recently filed as a candidate for the Montana House of Representatives in House District 87. House District 87 includes the communities of Pinesdale, Corvallis, Victor, and Stevensville.

Laura considers herself a moderate Democrat, who will work to unify Ravalli County constituents regardless of political affiliation. She honed her ability to listen to diverse perspectives in negotiations and find common ground during her 30 years of real estate experience in the Bitterroot Valley. Her keen understanding of issues affecting many of her constituents focuses on affordability of life in the Bitterroot, and includes the costs of affordable housing, medical insurance, child/elder-parent care, and the sustainability of family ranches, farms, and small businesses.

With a prior education in Forestry and Natural Resource Management, she worked for both the Colorado State Forest Service and the U.S. Forest Service prior to moving to the Bitterroot in 1990. Her understanding of an array of land management issues will be an asset when serving as a future legislator in Montana. 

As Laura recently reflected, “Public service is important to me, and I would be most honored to represent the residents of my District in the Montana State Legislature.”

She has lived in the Victor-Stevensville area for 30 years with her partner Janine Benyus. When not at work she volunteers for a number of non-profit organizations throughout the Bitterroot Valley, including the Bitter Root Water Forum, 

Bitter Root Land Trust, Bitterroot Valley Board of Realtors, the Bitterroot Human Rights Alliance, the Bitterroot Forest Restoration Committee, and currently as the President of the Bitterroot Performing Arts Council.  

Laura is running as a Democrat, and will face one of three Republican challengers in the District on November 3, 2020 for the position vacated by previous incumbent Republican Nancy Ballance who served for the past four consecutive terms.