In the legislature I will always listen to you and champion issues that matter most to our district and Montanans:
I'm running to solve problems and get results that create opportunities for people. My pledge to you is that I will always act with integrity, work hard to be of service to our community, and show up to listen/learn from the people of our district. I have meaningful experience in the business world, in the military, and in non-profit work. I am motivated to put my god given abilities to work for the greater good and make wise, careful, and truthful decisions. I will always put people over politics and your needs and interests above my own. I am asking for your vote to allow me the opportunity to serve you to the best of my ability.
- George
- George
ON THE ISSUES
A STRONG ECONOMY
A strong economy is the backbone of a vibrant and healthy society. It promotes an opportunity mindset, ownership culture, and reduces dependency. Today we face inflationary headwinds, a dysfunctional federal government, and toxic politics. Smart and innovative energy at the state level are our path forward. As someone who has operated and grown a business, employed Montanans, and managed budgets, I know that the first step to economic success is understanding the difference between investments that offer a return on capital outlay VS irresponsible spending.
As your representative I will always listen to you. I will work tirelessly to keep your taxes low and spend taxpayer money efficiently. I will identify and cut through red tape and waste, support trade-school and apprenticeship expansion, and follow an "all of the above" energy policy that develops our natural resources in a balanced way. Right now our housing shortage is the largest roadblock to economic expansion. My background in and passion for housing prepare me to lead on the effort to crack the code and unleash our potential.
As your representative I will always listen to you. I will work tirelessly to keep your taxes low and spend taxpayer money efficiently. I will identify and cut through red tape and waste, support trade-school and apprenticeship expansion, and follow an "all of the above" energy policy that develops our natural resources in a balanced way. Right now our housing shortage is the largest roadblock to economic expansion. My background in and passion for housing prepare me to lead on the effort to crack the code and unleash our potential.
OUR HOUSING SHORTAGE
“These housing champions have spent much of their careers strengthening Montana communities by showing commitment, dedication and the ability to collaborate private/public partnerships,”
- Montana Department of Commerce Director Scott Osterman
- Montana Department of Commerce Director Scott Osterman
The housing shortage is slamming the brakes on our economic growth. Job creators cannot grow without employees who can afford to call Montana home. Worse yet, an entire generation of young families are losing hope in the prospect of home ownership, the foundation of the American dream, and a pillar of a healthy opportunity driven society. In the recent past home ownership rates have dropped nearly 10% for Montanans and housing costs have soared past incomes at a rate significantly higher than the national median. We can produce win/win solutions that provide homes for Montana families and workers while spurring economic growth.
I will advocate for an "all of the above" housing strategy that preserves existing affordable housing, promotes new development, and takes advantage of incentives and creative solutions. I worked closely with Senator Brian Hoven and a number of non-profits on SB269 (now law) which created capital gains incentives for investors who sell mobile home communities to their residents preventing re-development. I am proud to have been named a "Housing Champion" and earned the "Housing Advocate of the Year 2020 award from the Department of Commerce/Montana Housing Coalition. Opportunity Zones have been a smashing success. SB-147 (C-PACE) which passed last session is a prime example of an innovative program that spurs investment and economic activity at zero cost to taxpayers. Workforce housing tax credit legislation received strong bipartisan support last session but failed to garner the governors signature. Montanans are leaving significant opportunity and money on the table. The program would leverage national investments to create almost 3,000 Montana jobs, construct thousands of units of housing, and spur hundreds of millions in economic activity. We can improve this legislation and win the governors support.
Government regulation accounts for almost 25% of the cost to build housing. The time is long overdue for the state to deregulate and ease restrictive zoning and building rules to promote housing specific development. We should bolster private property rights by incentivizing local governments towards a "by right" housing development direction on issues such as lot splitting and certain small multifamily development. In a similar fashion we can move on no-brainers like standardizing, deregulating, and facilitating Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). From property tax assistance for fixed income seniors to advocating for a Housing Czar/Task Force in the executive branch there are many potential solutions to begin work on. As your representative I will bring experience and energy on the issue of housing to Helena and get to work for you with a sense of urgency on day one.
I will advocate for an "all of the above" housing strategy that preserves existing affordable housing, promotes new development, and takes advantage of incentives and creative solutions. I worked closely with Senator Brian Hoven and a number of non-profits on SB269 (now law) which created capital gains incentives for investors who sell mobile home communities to their residents preventing re-development. I am proud to have been named a "Housing Champion" and earned the "Housing Advocate of the Year 2020 award from the Department of Commerce/Montana Housing Coalition. Opportunity Zones have been a smashing success. SB-147 (C-PACE) which passed last session is a prime example of an innovative program that spurs investment and economic activity at zero cost to taxpayers. Workforce housing tax credit legislation received strong bipartisan support last session but failed to garner the governors signature. Montanans are leaving significant opportunity and money on the table. The program would leverage national investments to create almost 3,000 Montana jobs, construct thousands of units of housing, and spur hundreds of millions in economic activity. We can improve this legislation and win the governors support.
Government regulation accounts for almost 25% of the cost to build housing. The time is long overdue for the state to deregulate and ease restrictive zoning and building rules to promote housing specific development. We should bolster private property rights by incentivizing local governments towards a "by right" housing development direction on issues such as lot splitting and certain small multifamily development. In a similar fashion we can move on no-brainers like standardizing, deregulating, and facilitating Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). From property tax assistance for fixed income seniors to advocating for a Housing Czar/Task Force in the executive branch there are many potential solutions to begin work on. As your representative I will bring experience and energy on the issue of housing to Helena and get to work for you with a sense of urgency on day one.
MILITARY AND VETERANS ISSUES
Montana is at the top of the national list when it comes to the number who have answered the call to serve. A twenty year Air Force and Montana Air National Guard veteran with deep experience in both Great Falls military missions I will be an unwavering advocate for our service members and vets. The incoming Ground Based Strategic Deterrent upgrade project offers our area a fantastic opportunity. No one will work harder to protect and expand our local military missions and keep our promises to our veterans. Central Montana is underserved in it's need for a veterans home and the need for mental health care is at crisis levels. With an ever expanding mission set including firefighting, pandemic response, law enforcement assistance, and overseas efforts etc. we are asking more of our Montana service members than ever. At a time of recruiting and retention struggles we should bolster state education and other benefits for our National Guard. We should also join other states in the favorable tax treatment of military retirees. Montana is a state with deep military tradition and roots. We need more veterans who have walked the walk serving in our government to promote our causes.