Lieser not running for House re-election

Rep. Ed Lieser won’t seek a third term as Whitefish’s representative in the Montana Legislature. Instead, he’s endorsing longtime Whitefish resident Dave Fern as a Democratic candidate for House District 5.

Lieser said the latest Legislative session in Helena took its toll, both mentally and physically.

“You can put as much time into the job as you want, and I’ve put a lot of time into it,” Lieser said.

Between campaigning, the legislative sessions, and then the interim months, Lieser says it’s been nonstop since he was first elected in 2012.

“It’s demanding,” he said.

Following the most recent session, Lieser approached Fern about a possible campaign to take his seat.

Fern, 61, thought it over, talked with his wife, and decided to enter the election. The owner of Chimney Solutions, Fern has lived in Whitefish since 1989.

He says he’s well-versed in the challenges of public service and campaigns, having served eight terms on the Whitefish School Board.

“I know what I’m getting into,” he said.

Fern also serves as chairman of the Flathead Democratic Party, and in 2012 he made an unsuccessful election bid for Senate District 2, losing a tight race to Sen. Dee Brown, R - Hungry Horse.

Fern said running for House District 5 to represent his hometown presents a “realistic” chance of being elected.

Lieser says he will be the first to stand up and support Fern’s endeavor.

“He is the guy and I strongly endorse him,” Lieser said. “He can do this. He knows more about state government already than I could ever dream of knowing.”

The primary election isn’t until June 2016, but Fern says it’s not too early to start getting his name out as a candidate.

“The earlier you start the better,” Fern said.

He said he’ll continue to serve on the school board during his campaign.

Fern would like the opportunity to continue working on a few key issues Lieser brought forward over the past two legislative sessions.

On top of that list, he’d like to keep exploring ways to address aging septic systems impacting the state’s water quality — an issue highlighted in a study by the Whitefish Lake Institute that showed concerning levels of septic contamination in Whitefish Lake, likely the result of failing septic tanks.

A bill Lieser worked on would require disclosure of a septic system at the time of a buy-sell agreement in a real estate transaction, and a septic tank would have to be pumped within three years of transfer of the property.

Lieser says he’s proud of his efforts and accomplishments during his two terms representing Whitefish.

“I was able to work on some meaningful legislation,” he said.

He noted his work on property-tax assistance for low income and veterans with disabilities, and his service as vice-chair of the natural resources committee.

“I wish I could have gotten more legislation to pass, but I was in the minority party,” he said. “It’s a function of the process.”

“But it also feels good to be part of the legislation that did pass,” he added, pointing to the Flathead water rights compact, addressing campaign finance “dark money” and health care for low-income residents.

While exhausted from the experience, he enjoyed the opportunity.

“I enjoy putting myself in uncomfortable positions and being forced to learn,” he said. “I have really grown as an individual.”

“Water quality really matters in this community,” Fern said, “and the health of Whitefish Lake is important to our economy.”

He said the recent vote to support a conservation easement in Haskill Basin showed Whitefish’s interest in protecting water quality.

“The people have spoken,” he said.

Two other issues Lieser worked on that Fern hopes to have a chance to address include property-tax assessments, and mental health and suicide prevention programs.

Fern also wants an opportunity to work on the failed infrastructure bill to fund projects across the state.