Kim Gillan for State Representative
Democrat
By Denise Rivette
Montana Independent News posed the same four questions to all candidates in the Montana representative race in District 55. Democrat Kim Gillan’s views are presented in their entirety below.
What are the Montana values that will guide your decision-making?
Montana values, in my opinion, include work hard, keep your word, be kind, and respect our land and our people. And we value our independence and appreciate our freedoms. I moved here in 1992 to raise my family and children with these values--in many ways they are simply the way I live. As a legislator, I will make voting decisions regardless of political pressures and push for common sense and Carbon County folks. Frankly, the Montana legislature has to work to solve, not create, problems and ensure our freedoms.
What skills, knowledge and experience do you possess that make you the better candidate?
I have a proven track record in both the legislature and my career as being able to bring folks together to find consensus and solutions. I am the better candidate for Carbon County because I understand and have worked on many diverse rural issues--developing a reputation as an independent thinker-- who listens to and cares about the Carbon County residents and our communities. I respect everyone’s opinion and won’t engage in partisan games or name calling. I can be trusted to do what’s best for rural communities. My career over the past 40 plus years has given me a strong background in health care, finance and taxation as well as rural and local level policy making.
What are your top priorities to address during your term if you are elected?
My top priorities are:
Stop the $200 million property tax increase per year imposed by the 2023 legislature on homeowners and small business;
Ensure Medicaid expansion is renewed and not (foolishly) send back millions of dollars to the Federal government, which provides health care for 4,000 Carbon County residents and keeps our hospital and providers financially viable;
Stand up for rural residents whether it be for public education funding, housing, or infrastructure; and
Protect our freedoms to live without government interference into medical decisions and family matters.
What legislative language would you propose or support to address those priorities?
Legislative language is very diverse but, for property tax, it includes reducing the rate as recommended in November 2022 by Montana Department of Revenue and further adjustments due to reappraisal. There are other language changes, however I will work to ensure rural concerns are factored into new laws along with local control.