Protecting Montana’s Heritage Requires Getting Beyond Bitter, Divisive Politics
by: Rep. Kendall Van Dyk
They say perspective is everything.
When I was elected to the state legislature last fall, I became one of its youngest members. I’ll admit it: I’m not an experienced, seasoned politician like some of the folks you find in Helena. I ran for the legislature for two reasons:
First, like my neighbors, I was sick and tired of the bitter and divisive politics of the past.
Second, I love Montana. I want Montana to continue to be the best place on earth to live, work, recreate, and raise a family.
As a novice lawmaker, I held out high hopes that if enough new folks got elected, the legislature could do both these things. But at the mid-point of my first legislative session, I do know this much: bitter and divisive politics are preventing Montanans from protecting our outdoor heritage and our unique quality of life.
There have been bright spots: I’m extremely proud to have worked with the House Republican Leader to expand the Governor’s “square deal” tax rebate to include the hundreds of thousands of Montanans who rent, rather than own, their own home. Without a meeting of the minds across the aisle in the closely divided House, the tax relief coming from the 60th Legislature would be much less.
But, make no mistake, on many of the most important issues facing Montana, partisan gridlock has brought efforts to move our state forward to a grinding halt. (more…)
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