Democrats Catherine Henderson and Alex Schaeffer are vying for the Montana House District 7 seat, and both candidates are focused on educational and environmental issues.

The winner of the June 3 primary election will challenge the winner of the Republican race between Frank Garner and Ronalee Skees.

If elected, one of Schaeffer’s goals is to find a better balance between environmental regulations and public access.

“Because of geography, the Flathead remains a place we enjoy,” Schaeffer said. “Despite labor to technology shifts, our economy depends upon growth in both. With growth comes the responsibility to balance regulation and freedom. Open spaces, clean water and public access to lakes and streams, forests, and primitive areas are Montana values.  

Schaeffer wants to tackle environmental threats to lakes, streams and rivers — all assets to Flathead’s tourism and recreational industry, he noted.

“Invasive species will invade our lakes without immediate safety controls,” Schaeffer said.

“We need greater protections in place. Our water systems here are so fragile. Neighboring states have lost the ability to enjoy their lakes because of pollution and invasive plants.”

Schaeffer also is focused on utility prices and renewable energy sources, noting transfers of hydroelectricity, which he believes has the potential to set the stage for unstable pricing.

“Utility prices can easily undermine the security of home finances without careful planning when the renewable energy portfolio is reviewed or when dams are bought, sold and transferred,” Schaeffer said.

Taxes and property appraisals are also key concerns for Schaeffer.

“The unequal treatment of appraising property and taxes remains a concern to many,” he said. “Doubling down on infrastructure improvements that increase our enjoyment of this area and also invite commerce and visitors are terrific investments for Montana and the Flathead.”

Schaeffer is also ready to examine early childhood education funding.

“I know from an economic standpoint early childhood education is a long-term investment and it will require a long-term vision and plan,” Schaeffer said.

This isn’t the first time Schaeffer has run for the House. In 2012, he ran on the Democratic ticket to represent House District 10.

“Vision, common sense and down-the-road thinking is the voice I wish to deliver to the Legislature,” he stressed.

This is the first time Henderson has run for a state legislative seat. She hopes her young age will work to her benefit if elected.

“I am running because I want to be a voice for all of the people in District 7, including the youth and including all parties,” Henderson said. “I think a fresh face and a young voice could be beneficial to our Legislature. I want to get things done now and make a difference in my community.”

Although the 18-year-old is running as a Democrat, she wants people to know that, if elected, she will vote for what will benefit her district.

“I’ve been talking to people in school, and in the community about what they want regardless of party and regardless of age,” Henderson said. “The biggest thing is listening to people in my district and forwarding that on to Helena.”

As a senior at Flathead High School, Henderson said she sees education issues as a priority. She said there needs to be additional reform in the school-funding formula.

“I go to school in Flathead and we have leaky ceilings that we can’t fix because we don’t have the money,” Henderson said. “The funding going into our state should be centered around education.”

She also wants to make Kalispell a better place, which may include a youth center within walking distance as a place for students to get help with homework or participate in other activities.

“Because District 7 is the core of Kalispell, I want to make it a cleaner, safer area,” Henderson said.

Other issues on her radar are ramping up technology infrastructure and environmental concerns.

Henderson has always been interested in politics and being an informed citizen from a young age.

 “I mean, it’s the country that I live in — the state that I live in,” Henderson said. “I really think I can make a difference. I think it’s something that will really be enlightening to experience.”

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.