Incumbent says tapping natural resources helps state

MARK NOLAND

Age: 59

Party: Republican, incumbent

Family: Wife, Kathy, six children and seven grandchildren

Education: Graduated from Whitefish High School, some college at University of Montana

Occupation: Entrepreneur, 33 years as a Flathead Valley Business owner; owner of Flathead Janitorial and Rainbow Restoration

Background: I’ve been a legislator since 2015, past president of Glacier Lions Club, Area One Chairman for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve for eight years, active member of the Chamber of Commerce, member of the National Federation of Independent Business, Pachyderm member for 12 years, past chairman of the Lake County Republican Central Committee, precinct committeeman, Lake County and Flathead County Poll Watcher Supervisor

Q: A slate of budget cuts were made in 2017 to address a $227 million shortfall caused by less than anticipated revenue and an expensive fire season. What should the priorities be in the state budget in the next legislative session?

A: Our priority should be promoting economic growth, using sound and reliable information. We should actively pursue the increase in oil, gas, coal and timber harvest to continue a healthy revenue stream. This has been a reliable revenue stream in the past and, with good leadership, can again provide the necessary school and road repair revenue.

Q: Do you support a sales tax or other tax increases as a way to shore up the budget and increase revenue?

A: The only way I feel Montanans could accept a sales tax is if it would guarantee a reduction in other taxes permanently like eliminating property taxes.

Q: Montana’s Medicaid expansion program is set to expire in 2019. Should the state renew this program?

A: We put a sunset clause on this program for a reason. Now we can compare notes to see where things might be able to be improved upon, and if it’s in the negative, we should not renew the program.

Q: Which other issues would you like to see addressed by the Legislature?

A: We can create more opportunities for all Montanans, strengthen jobs and the economy, protect rights and individual freedom, support essential infrastructure projects, put students and parents first, safeguard health care options and guard Montanans’ outdoor heritage.

Q: Why are you the right choice to represent your district?

A: I am a conservative voice for House District 10 and the state of Montana. I see a vision forward to keep Montana the best place to raise a family and protect our heritage so our grandchildren can enjoy the bounties we have been blessed with. I am a job creator and promoter for our state with decades of experience. I want to continue representing these ideals within our state. Fighting for the cause of our country is priority number one for me.