Stark differences revealed in House District 4 race

Whether it’s the state’s cash reserve or the issue of expanding Medicaid, contenders for the House District 4 seat have viewpoints that are night-and-day different.

Incumbent Rep. Keith Regier, R-Kalispell, is seeking a fourth term, but the redistricting process has shifted him from District 5 to District 4.

District 4 includes the area between Kalispell and Columbia Falls, north of Reserve Drive. It extends to the Lake Blaine area and stretches to the Hungry Horse and Coram areas.

Democrat Melanie Knadler, a high school English teacher, said she jumped into the race because she believes voters need a clear choice.

“It’s obvious he (Regier) is the incumbent, but I do think folks out there recognize the value of the other side of issues,” she said.

Their differences begin with Gov. Steve Bullock’s expected push to expand the state’s Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act. Knadler said she “absolutely” supports expanding Medicaid. Regier maintains Medicaid needs to be reformed before Montana considers expanding the program.

Regier believes that instead of expanding Medicaid, the state should concentrate on getting jobs for “able-bodied people who can work,” so those workers can get their own insurance.

“I want to look at health savings accounts and helping the private sector create jobs so people can get their insurance,” he said.

Knadler said it’s common sense to use the benefits that Montanans have been contributing to for the past six years through a variety of sources.

“From a humanistic standpoint [expanding Medicaid] will create healthier, more productive workers,” she said.” Hopefully it would decrease the emergency room as a primary care source. It allows more preventative care rather than crisis-driven care.”

Montana’s ample cash reserve also spurs two opposing viewpoints. Regier said the state is collecting too much money and should give it back to taxpayers. He sees the need for permanent tax relief through lowering income and property taxes.

Knadler would like to see the cash reserve invested in education, technology and as startup capital for alternative energy sources; that would yield more long-term benefit for Montanans than a one-time small rebate check.

“I really think Montanans have the foresight to realize the value of long-term investments,” she added.

On the issue of transferring federal forest lands to state control, Regier says yes; Knadler says no way.

Knadler said that ultimately the state wouldn’t be able to support the transferred federal lands, and that would set the stage for privatization.

“I think it’s a step closer to privatizing these lands,” she said of any potential transfer. “They would go to who could write the biggest check. These lands should be enjoyed by all citizens regardless of cash flow.”

Regier believes the state could manage the current federal lands much better than the federal government does.

The two candidates’ differences continue with their views on the proposed water compact involving the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

Regier is opposed to the compact as it’s now written; Knadler believes the compact should be ratified and supported by the Legislature.

The proposed water compact “goes way beyond the amount of water needed for the purpose of the reservation,” Regier stated. “We need to get back to what is the purpose of the reservation and how much water is needed for that purpose.”

Knadler said that while she “can’t claim to know everything” that’s in the voluminous compact document, she believes there’s more benefit for all Montanans if the Legislature approves it.

“If it’s not signed, the tribes have the option of filing individual claims and it weighs heavily in their favor,” she said. “Governor Bullock and the tribes have supported” the compact.

Regier sees his biggest accomplishment as a legislator as his efforts to make government more fiscally responsible. He pushed to revamp the state’s pension system during the last legislative session, though his bill didn’t pass.

He’d like to see legislation that would help communities impacted by the Bakken oil field development with infrastructure needs.

Knadler, for her part, said she is opposed to the legislative referendum that would end late voter registration on the Friday before Election Day rather than allowing it to continue through Election Day.

“If someone wants to vote, we should encourage that and assist in any way possible,” she said.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by email at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.