Gov.-Elect Gianforte details transition progress in press conference

Gov.-Elect Greg Gianforte held his first press conference since his election Friday to provide details about how the transition of power is proceeding and answer questions about his incoming administration.

"As governor, I aim to be accessible, transparent and accountable," Gianforte said. "It's part of my plan to change how Helena does business."

He said he wants to build relationships with both Democrats and Republicans as well as with reporters during his administration and that his transition team is hard at work.

"Today marks one month since the start of our transition, and we've accomplished a lot," he said.

Gianforte said he ran on a positive message with his priorities detailed in his Montana Comeback Plan, which he said he was elected to implement, but first and foremost the pandemic needs to be dealt with.

"We are in the midst of a public health crisis," he said. "The trends right now are alarming, and it's clear we need to get a better handle on this virus."

He said his priority as governor is to keep the most vulnerable safe while fully opening Montana's economy.

Gianforte said news of the various COVID-19 vaccines is is promising, but it will take time to distribute and people should be careful in the meantime.

He said he wears a mask and others should do the same, if for no other reason, out of respect for their fellow Montanans.

"I trust Montanans to do what is right," he said.

Gianforte said his COVID-19 Task Force, made up of public health experts, small business owners and tribal leaders, is working hard to provide recommendations on how to deal with the pandemic.

"I'm grateful to the task force for all of their hard work," he said.

He said they're doing a good job, but he encouraged the public to provide input by going to https://montanacomeback.com/keep-montana-open .

Gianforte said part of a proper response to the pandemic is appointing the right leaders to state agencies, and he has 10 transition advisory teams recommending well-qualified candidates for the agencies.

He said a lot of excellent candidates exist and their applications still need to be reviewed, but people should expect announcements soon.

Controversial transition team member

Gianforte also addressed recent controversy regarding State Rep. Kerry White of southern Gallatin County, a member of Gianforte's transition advisory team for the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, recent social media posts.

Among other things, White has claimed President-Elect Joe Biden is illegitimate, and used a slur to describe Vice-President-Elect Kamala Harris. He also shared an image calling for the hanging of Democrats.

Gianforte, who is friends with White on Facebook, called the comments completely inappropriate, but that he's apologized for them.

He did not say whether or not he would remain on the FWP advisory committee.

He also would not say that Biden won the election when asked.

"Litigation continues, that needs to come to it's conclusion," he said.

Some staff members listed

Gianforte talked about some of his appointeees so far.

He announced that his Congressional Chief of Staff, Christine Heggem, will take the same position in the governors office.

He said former U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme, who resigned from that position effective Dec. 2, will take the role of the budget director, and he's has already begun a comprehensive review of the state's budget.

Gianforte said he's going to give Alme some time to provide his opinion on the budget but ultimately the goal is to slow the growth of state spending to provide tax relief to Montanans among these trying times.

Transition Chair Mike Milburn and Travis Hall will be named as senior advisors, Gianforte said, with the latter also being named his director of strategic communications.

He also named Anita Milanovich as his general counsel, and addressed criticism of her history of opposition to LGBTQI civil rights.

"I'm proud to have selected a woman as my general council," he said, "... This is my business experience shining through but I always look for the most competent person for the position."

He said he's building a great team.

Gianforte said he also trying to develop relationships with the state Senate and House by speaking with every incoming legislator and sending the message that he wants to work together for the benefit of all Montanans.

"We have more in common than divides us and Montanans, and I look forward to working with leaders on both sides of the isle to get things done for the Montana," he said.

Policy rollout around Christmas

Gianforte said this press conference wasn't the time for a policy rollout, something he said people should expect around Christmas time, and if anyone wants to know what he's about they should read his plan.

"If you want to speculate, the best hint I can give you is it's very likely in the Montana Comeback Plan," he said.

However, he did lament the difficulties many small businesses are having this holiday season and encouraged people to support them.

"Our small businesses, from our retailers to our restaurant owners, have struggled this year. It's been a really tough year for them and they are working to keep their customers safe," he said. "I urge all Montanans to shop local, shop small, and shop safely this holiday questions."

Gianforte said he's still waiting on recommendations from his COVID-19 task force, but his number one priority is keeping the population healthy, which he said is necessary for the economy to thrive.

He said he doesn't suspect there will be much disparity between the plan for vaccine distribution being worked on by the Vaccination Plan Coordination Team under Gov. Bullock and that he will adopt a similar policy upon being sworn in.

He also talked about the upcoming legislative session, which he said should be as safe as possible while still allowing the people of Montana to engage and participate.

While Gianforte said much of his policy priorities are laid out in the Montana Comeback plan he did address some questions.

When asked about upcoming legislation that would change how Montana administers its public lands including the elimination of FWP's ability to use hunting access fees to acquire fee title lands and protect the environment he said he's not familiar with the legislation, but that public lands need to be protected and their access increased.

He said Montanans should expect no changes to their stream access laws.

Gianforte also talked about Montana's energy policy saying he supports all forms of energy including oil, and renewable varieties.

"I firmly believe we can develop our natural resources and protect the environment, they are not mutually exclusive," he said.

He also promised that his administration is not going to eliminate Medicaid Expansion, but reform is needed particularly when it comes to preventing people defrauding the system.

Gianforte also talked about his remaining time in congress and said he's heard another COVID-19 relief package may be in the works, but he has no details.

He said he and his team will be ready to hit the ground running after he's sworn in.

"We'll be ready to go by Jan. 4," he said.

Gianforte said he wants to make press conferences like this one a staple of his administration and hopes they can be done in person soon.

However, he said, the frequency of conferences would depend on how much is going on with regards to the pandemic.