Gubernatorial candidates pitch ideas for keeping graduates in state

Editor’s note: This is the first story in what will be a continuing series in which Montanans can ask the major political party candidates for governor about the issues.To ask questions of candidates, send them to Charles Johnson at the Lee Newspapers State Bureau, P.O. Box 1676, Helena, MT 59624, or fax questions to (406) 443-0034, or e-mail them to: [email protected] . Participants are asked to include their addresses and phone numbers for verification and list their occupations.

By CHARLES S. JOHNSON Missoulian State Bureau

http://missoulian.com/articles/2004/04/06/news/mtregional/news08.txt

HELENA – All six of the major party candidates for governor are offering their own economic development plans so that Montana young people might have the option of staying in the state and finding good-paying jobs here.

Jeff Francis of Butte, owner of the Piccadilly Museum, a transportation museum, asked this question: "As governor, what will you do to stop the outflux of Montana’s young people after they finish high school?"

The Missoulian State Bureau forwarded the question to the four Republican and two Democratic candidates for governor for answers. They are seeking their respective party’s nomination in the June 8 primary election. Here are their responses:

Bob Brown, Republican, secretary of state and former legislator from Whitefish: "My plan to help private businesses create 13,200 new jobs is the best way to create opportunity to keep our young people in Montana. And it is important to note that these are good jobs paying real wages. Only that kind of growth in our economy will give our young people the opportunity to stay here and raise their families."

Pat Davison, Republican, business consultant from Billings: "If there are family-wage jobs and career opportunities for our children (they) will stay in Montana. We must build on the strengths of our colleges and universities to create career opportunities. I have outlined a detailed plan to help Montana businesses create jobs through lower taxes and tax incentives.

I have outlined a plan to support our state’s natural resource industries. Lower taxes that support business investments and growth, careful management and wise use of natural resources, and a strong higher education system – these are the keys to allowing our young people to remain in Montana after high school."

Tom Keating, Republican, petroleum landman and former state senator from Billings: "Expanding the development of our natural resources and then processing those raw materials into added-value products will create a variety of jobs. Repealing unnecessary permitting laws will create more freedom of investment. Enforcement of the clean air and water laws will protect the environment.

High school graduates may have to attend two years in vo-tech training to learn the skills needed for these jobs. If they want to work Montana, the opportunities for jobs will be there."

Ken Miller, Republican, furniture outlet store owner and former state senator from Laurel: "My wife of 23 years and I have a 15-year-old son, Max, and an 11-year-old daughter, Kyndall. I find myself running for governor because of our concern that they will not have the natural opportunity to stay in Montana and raise their families.

We need a diverse economy with resource development, agriculture, manufacturing, high-tech and tourism all growing and creating the $50,000-per-year jobs that are needed to raise families. Montana must have major comprehensive tort reform, lower taxes, common sense and clearly defined regulations and a stable pro-business attitude."

Brian Schweitzer, Democrat, Whitefish farmer-rancher: "Our children deserve the opportunity to live and work in Montana. Creating jobs with good wages will keep our young people here. John Bohlinger and I have 60 years combined experience running successful businesses.

We know that jobs are created when new businesses start and grow. That’s why economic development is my highest priority. My Grow Montana Plan will provide access to investment capital to help start and expand Montana businesses; help provide affordable health insurance for small business owners, their families and employees; and create an education system that delivers workers trained for Montana’s changing economy."

John Vincent, Democrat, Gallatin County commissioner and former state legislator: "Every effort to keep more of our young people in Montana starts with improved funding for education: K-12, our university system, community colleges (including our Native American community colleges), as well as our vocational and technology schools.

All the great economic development/job creation strategies in the world will fail us unless we face up to the need of investing in the education of our kids. We can create better jobs for our young people by investing more coal tax dollars in Montana projects, infrastructure, and small business start-ups and expansion. Diversifying our economy is also a must."