Thanks for sending me to the Legislature

The 65th Montana Legislation finished up work Friday. I was most fortunate and honored to have served all of you in District 14. It was a great educational experience and fulfilling to contribute to government at the state level. There are many I want to thank for the opportunity:

First of all, thank you to those who called convincing me to put my name in for the open Senate seat. Then, much appreciation to the central committees for advancing me to the top three. Lastly, thanks to the commissioners from the four counties I serve that did the final appointment.

The support I received throughout the session from you, my constituents, was most welcome. When I saw a note, a call, or visited with someone from my district, it not only gave me direction, but it also made me smile. We care about Montana.

All of the Senate staff, various department people, safety folks, and fellow legislators made for a very rewarding endeavor. I do believe everyone has the best for Montana in mind, but I have come to learn that we all have diverse ways of doing that very thing.

This last week, I watched the dynamics as the closing of session drew near. I observed groups wanting bonding and groups pushing for infrastructure bills, only to come to an impasse with groups that could not vote for either. In the end, all parties left disappointed.

I was fortunate to have my cousin’s son, Braeden Tempel, down to Helena as a page the last week of the session. Also, my daughter was down with three of my grandsons. We climbed to the top of the rotunda dome and I had the honor of introducing them on the floor of the Senate. Life does not get any better.

Thank you all again and I hope to write some follow-up articles occasionally as things come to pass.

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Sen. Russ Tempel, R-Chester, can be reached [email protected].