Another Democrat files for HD 4 seat

Whitefish resident Ed Lieser has filed as a Democrat for House District 4, setting up at least a two-candidate primary race for the seat currently held by Republican Derek Skees.

Also seeking the seat as a Democrat is Whitefish resident Tom Muri. Skees cannot run for re-election because he is a candidate for the state auditor position.

Lieser worked as a forester for the Tally Lake Ranger District on the Flathead National Forest until 2008, when he retired after a 30-year career with the Forest Service. He is currently a forestry consultant.

He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in natural resource management.

“During my entire career, I have been involved in public service, either as an employee of the Forest Service, a consulting forester, or as a volunteer,” he said. “Managing public lands has allowed me to experience and appreciate the diversity of opinions in our society. I am known as a good listener who seeks practical solutions.”

Lieser and his wife Sue live in the Whitefish area where they raised three children.