Tempel thrilled to announce running for re-election

In December 2016, four county central committees and the county commissioners of Liberty, Chouteau, Cascade and Hill counties appointed me to the vacated District 14 Senate seat midway through my predecessor’s four-year term. It was a great honor to be entrusted with this responsibility, and I am thrilled to be announcing that I am running for the seat again after representing you in 2017 and 2018.

I have been a life-long resident of Northern Montana, raised on the family homestead in northern Liberty County, educated on the Hi-line, a graduate of Montana State University-Northern, and a veteran. One of the great pleasures of my life has been owning and operating the third-generation family farm together with my wife of 47-plus years, Judy, and four children. Hapi (JC), Tanr (Erin), Mari (Jon) and Maci (Brady) have provided us with 11 grandkids, whom we love to visit and spoil.

I represented the county on a local, state and national level as an elected Liberty County commissioner for three terms, 18 years. It is my strong belief and experience that open communication and engaging in respectful dialogue on both sides of the aisle is what will breed successful cooperation between the three branches of state government, counties and cities. During my tenure at the county, we were able to accomplish road and building projects, successfully navigate state designated disasters and floods, received grants for the schools, hospital and museums, and worked tirelessly for the people of the county. It was my pleasure to serve in this civic capacity for the county, and I look forward to continuing this work on a state level.

Throughout the years, I have been highly involved in the larger community, as well. I have served on a number of boards, including the HRDC Board, Sage Creek Water Board and the Montana Association of Counties, where I served as the District 4 chair. I am also a former 4-H leader, and Adult Education teacher, and current church member. As a member of the Montana Senate, I have served on the following committees: Education and Cultural Resources, Energy and Telecommunications, and Taxation. During my time with the Legislature, I gained valuable experience and forged integral relationships with lawmakers; if elected, I look forward to hitting the ground running during next session.

I am committed to do my best and be reasonable and responsible for the spending of tax payers’ dollars. I have voted to save costs to counties and the state, in turn saving the tax payers their hard-earned money. I support the use of Montana Natural Resources (gas, oil, coal and timber) and believe that laws affecting taxes and abatements need to be looked at with a discerning eye. My Senate voting history has demonstrated my staunch support for our public schools, and I will continue to shine a light on the recruitment and retention issues affecting schools throughout the state.

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Sen. Russ Tempel, R-Chester.