David Bedey, Republican, Hamilton
Personal: I am a 4th generation Bitterrooter—born and raised in Hamilton. In 2008, after a 30-year career as an officer in the U.S. Army, I retired as a colonel and returned home with my wife of 36 years, Deborah, and our daughter, Karis.
Education: B.S. in Civil Engineering, Montana State University; M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies, U.S. Naval War College; Ph.D. in Space Physics, University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Occupation/Employment: U.S. Army veteran (combat engineer and professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point); currently a senior executive for a small engineering firm.
Public Service: Hamilton school board trustee (nine years, seven of those years as the board’s chairman).
Why am I running for this office?
What successes I have achieved in life I attribute largely to my upbringing here in the Bitterroot Valley. I am running to represent House District 86 because I feel that it is my civic duty to give back to my community.
I am a fiscal and social conservative who believes that our society can flourish only if we protect our constitutional order. Among the principles I hold to be true are the following: centralization of political power diminishes the rule of law; self-government at the lowest feasible level is the best way to work out our differences; free markets and secure property rights are inseparable from political freedom and a thriving economy; and dignity and opportunities must be afforded to all citizens.
I believe that conservative ideas provide the best approach for bettering the lives of all Montanans but remain open to hearing opposing viewpoints. It is only through civil but spirited debate that we can find durable solutions to the challenges that face us all. I wish to contribute to that debate.
Property Rights versus Public Access
The security of private property rights is essential to the functioning of our economy and, perhaps more importantly, to maintaining our political liberty. That said, there is no reason that prudent public policy cannot facilitate reasonable access to public lands without harming property owners, e.g., through public-private land exchange programs.
Management of Public Lands
I do not believe that the transfer of federal lands to state ownership is feasible. But the state should have much more influence over how federal lands are being managed since we Montanans must live with the consequences of land management policies. Current federal law requiring coordination between local authorities and federal agencies should be strengthened. A better solution would be for Congress to craft new law that directs federal agencies to “outsource” land management to the states and that provides federal funds to the states for providing such services. I am confident Montanans could get the job done well.
Polarization of the Electorate
Many now believe that those holding different positions on policy issues are no longer fellow citizens to be engaged in rational debate but rather are enemies to be destroyed “by any means necessary.” Reams have been written speculating on why this is so. But one thing is for certain: over the past 50 years, the rise of political correctness and identity politics has eroded our sense of a shared cultural heritage. It will require decades to repair the damage that has been done. Ultimately, we must rediscover the wisdom of our Founding Fathers by returning power from Washington to the states, which will give us the chance to resolve our differences locally as neighbors who at the end of the day must live with each other. In the meantime, our political leaders should aspire to be statemen rather that rabble rousers, and the news media should return to practicing journalism rather than spewing propaganda.
Gun Violence versus Gun Rights
The easy solution put forward by some to the problem of gun violence is to restrict Americans’ gun rights and in some instances to go so far as effectively abolishing the Second Amendment. Not only is there little evidence that stripping law-abiding citizens of a means of self-defense would be effective in this country, focusing on gun control diverts our attention from exploring why gun violence occurs. Could it be that hyperviolent video games and graphic violence on television and movie screens are normalizing violence? Could it be that the prevalence of abortion and the anonymity of the internet breed nihilism and devalue human life? Tough questions, but these and many others must be addressed if we are to have a serious conversation about gun violence and other social ills.
Medicaid Expansion
Medicaid expansion makes healthcare available to adults aged 19-64 whose earnings fall under 138% of the poverty level. (It has nothing to do with conventional Medicaid or with Medicare.) The current program was enacted on a trial basis and sunsets in 2019. Because spending on Medicaid expansion draws funding away for other critical human services, it is important for the Legislature to carefully access the cost and effectiveness of the program before considering its reenactment. Work requirements and rigorous means testing ought to be included in any extension of Medicaid expansion. Care must also be taken so that the program encourages able-bodied adults to enter the workforce rather than becoming dependent on government subsidies.
Veterans Services
Montana can do better at helping its veterans to access the VA services they have earned. Ravalli County’s Valley Veterans Service Center has proven itself to be more effective than centers operating under the current state-managed program. The Legislature should facilitate the creation of more county-based service centers. Better service could be provided to veterans across Montana without increasing state expenditures.
Vocational Education
Montana needs a skilled workforce for its economy to grow and for its people to flourish. The weak link in Montana’s educational system is vocational training that provides a pathway to well-paying jobs that do not require investment in a four-year college degree. I support a comprehensive study of how Montana’s system of two-year colleges might be modified or expanded to better fulfill this role.
Jason F. Nickisch, Democrat, Florence
Family: Married with 6 children
Job: Director of Pharmacy
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy & Masters in Business Administration, both from the University of Montana
Reason for Running for Office
I love our political system but I hate how polarized it is becoming. We need to get back to to a point where we can have difficult conversations and come to a meaningful compromise between political parties and do what is best for Montanans.
Property Rights vs Public Access
I believe that all people have a right to be able to access our public lands. Our rivers and streams in particular should remain open for everybody too enjoy.
Management of Public Lands
I believe that federal public lands should not be transferred to the states. I believe that if these lands were transferred to the state we would not be able to afford to keep them public.
Gun Violence vs Gun Rights
I am not for banning any gun that is currently legal. I do feel that we need to do more to protect our children, but I believe that this can be accomplished while continuing to respect our rights to gun ownership.
Health Care & Medicaid Expansion
I am for continuing Medicaid expansion. I feel this legislation was a solid bipartisan effort that helped 100,000 Montanans receive adequate health care coverage. We need to continue to find solid bipartisan solutions to assure that all Montanans have access to affordable health care. We also need to improve access to the health care system for our veterans.
Public Education
We must assure that our education dollars allocated by the state continue to go to our public education system. Our education dollars are already stretched thin and we must continue to support our public facilities in order to guarantee all Montanans access to a quality education.
Why I am the Best Choice
I feel that I am the best choice to represent Ravalli County and our state because I am willing to sit down and compromise with those who disagree with me. I believe that there is nothing stronger than a group of Montanans from varying backgrounds and parties working together to find solutions that help make Montana a better place to work and live.