Regier, Tutvedt square off in House District 6 Republican primary
Editor’s note: This is the first of a series of question-and-answer articles about contested state legislative races in Flathead County. Early voting begins May 8 for the June 2 Primary election.
Republicans Amy Regier and Bruce Tutvedt will vie for the Montana House District 6 nomination in the June 2 primary. The winner of the primary election will challenge Democrat Jerramy Dear-Ruel in the Nov. 3 general election. The House District 6 seat is currently held by Republican Carl Glimm, who is term-limited for the district seat but is vying for the Senate District 2 seat.
Amy Regier
Age: 41
Occupation: Registered Nurse
Background: Graduated from Montana State University in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in nursing; began nursing career in Phoenix; Registered nurse at the HealthCenter/Surgery Center in Kalispell for 17 years.
Website: regierforHD6.com or facebook.com/RegierHD6
How does your background qualify you for the role of state representative?
I was born and raised in Kalispell and have been exposed to the issues facing the Flathead Valley and state. I have seen the changes over time, good and bad, which gives me insight as to how we can improve for the future. In my nursing career, I have held various leadership positions giving me experience to effect change.
What do you see as the most pressing issue facing our state, and what would you do to address that issue?
Rising taxes are an onerous burden on the people of Montana. Property taxes in particular are challenging for fixed income citizens especially. Fewer taxes are a priority to me. We have a spending problem not a lack of funding.
How do you feel about how the state is allocating its money? Could the Legislature better prioritize state spending, and how?
The current State Auditor has decreased that budget by about 20 percent and that office is functioning efficiently. The state needs to look at ways to cut the general budget as well. Privatizing current government services should be considered where appropriate.
Montana continues to rank as one of the worst states in the nation for mental health and suicide rates. How would you work to improve this ranking?
To tackle the issue of mental health and suicide one needs to look at the cause. The breakdown of the family plays a large role in the health of a society. Legislation that seeks to support and strengthen the family will help to improve our states ranking in regard to these rates.
Nonprofits and private groups should be encouraged in this area as they are generally more aware of the specific needs and can fulfill the role far better than government.
How do you assess the state’s and Gov. Bullock’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic? How would you begin to ensure our economy bounces back from measures such as temporarily closing non-essential businesses?
Montana is not New York. Our population is much smaller and the land mass we inhabit more vast. Treating our response to the Covid-19 pandemic as New York I believe is irresponsible. Many Montanans are small business owners, weeks of no business will create more problems then the intent was to prevent. Measures to stimulate the economy, such as taking away the business equipment tax and doing more to reduce restrictions on the harvesting and use of natural resources will be beneficial to help stimulate the Montana economy.
Bruce Tutvedt
Age: 64
Family: Wife, Sandy; daughters Valerie, Emily and Andora; and three grandsons
Occupation: Farmer
Background: Born and raised in West Valley
Website and/or email: BruceTutvedt.com, brucetutvedt@gmail.com
How does your background qualify you for the role of state representative?
I am a third-generation farmer in West Valley and previously served in the Montana Senate. I have been actively involved in business and ag groups throughout my life as a member and serving on boards. I was an appointee of both of the last Republican governors: Gov. Marc Racicot and Gov. Judy Martz. As a farmer, I have been a presidential appointee by each of the last two Republican presidents, Bush and T
rump, to the Montana Farm Service Agency state committee.
What do you see as the most pressing issue facing our state, and what would you do to address that issue?
Montana went into this pandemic crisis fiscally prepared. This has enabled us to assist our neighbors and families in a time of crisis. We will have to ensure our freedoms are not impinged for the future. We must regain the ability to move around safely and get back to our lives, our businesses to restart, and a plan for our state budget to recover while not adding to the tax burden of Montanans. I have proven leadership, business experience, and understanding of the state budget that will allow me to get to work immediately finding solutions and protecting our rights.
How do you feel about how the state is allocating its money? Could the Legislature better prioritize state spending, and how?
There is certainly room for improvement. This budget session will be different due to our reserves being depleted by the current crisis and the supports we may still need to ensure Montanans are safely through it. Now will not be the time to increase those reserves as we will still be recovering from lost wages and shuttered businesses. My priorities are getting businesses open and creating jobs, and providing opportunities, such as training and education, so Montanans have the freedom to choose their own path.
Montana continues to rank as one of the worst states in the nation for mental health and suicide rates. How would you work to improve this ranking?
Montana needs to protect Medicaid Expansion and Reform which gave over 80,000 low income Montanans access to mental health services. Suicide is a complex problem and progress requires hard work to provide education, support and mental health care. Our state agencies must prioritize the coordination and support of local groups and agencies that do this work on the ground in our communities.
How do you assess the state’s and Gov. Bullock’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic? How would you begin to ensure our economy bounces back from measures such as temporarily closing non-essential businesses?
Montana has minimized the death toll in our state and our hospitals are prepared for those who get sick because we flattened the curve. We have never seen anything like this challenge and predictions for almost a year from now are fuzzy at best. But I do know the Montana spirit. We will pull together and recover. We will be enjoying our family and friends again. We will open our businesses to serve and provide for each other, producing jobs and opportunity.