by Gary MacLaren, Former Representative HD 87, Victor
Representatives David Bedey and Kathy Love are Republicans running to represent Senate District 43 (the southern half of Ravalli County) in the Montana State Legislature. The two couldn’t be more different.
During my eight years serving in the Montana legislature, I found that most Republican legislators fall into one of two categories: Those who work hard at studying the issues and then bring their conservative principles to bear when solving challenges facing their constituents, and those who come to Helena with a fixed ideology that dictates how they vote on bills. The former burn the midnight oil; the latter go to lobbyists’ parties.
Bedey and Love illustrate this difference.
David Bedey has consistently been in the top 5-10% of all legislators at getting bills passed into law. His leadership over almost eight years of service has substantially increased vocational training opportunities for Montana students, brought property tax relief to 90% of Montana homeowners, improved the security of Montana’s election system, and enhanced the financial stability of our state’s rural hospitals.
Contrast his record with Love’s. During her one term in office, she voted AGAINST rural hospitals and providing meaningful property tax relief to homeowners. Closer to home, she voted AGAINST funding for needed repairs at Painted Rocks Dam, AGAINST maintenance of state fishing access sites, AGAINST upkeep of state parks, and AGAINST improvements for irrigation projects in the valley.
Another striking difference between the two candidates is that David Bedey served his country in the United States Army. It is notable that during his service he deployed during the Persian Gulf War and was a physics professor at West Point. As a fellow veteran, I recognize the discipline, wisdom and integrity provided by military service.
Kathy Love has sworn an oath of allegiance to party bosses and has placed her John Birch Society ideology ahead of her duty to serve her constituents.
David Bedey recognizes that most issues facing the legislature are not black and white. Tradeoffs must be considered. Hard choices must be made. Care must be taken that when solving one problem, another is not being created. By both word and deed, David has demonstrated the statesmanship needed to best serve the citizens of Senate District 43. He deserves your support in the upcoming June primary.
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