As speaker of the House in the last legislative session, Mark Blasdel has provided outstanding leadership and input into addressing critical  issues facing Montana as related to budget, water management, education and general legislative process. 

Growing up in the food service industry he continued as a restaurant operator with an outstanding reputation as an accomplished caterer, especially for large attendance events. He has first-hand experience as a small business operator in business administration, personnel management and public service.

Now with our country facing major shifts in federal governmental philosophy and policy, the potential for severe economic changes, and major constitutional challenges, we simply must elect capable leaders with a broad scope of insight and experience. They must have the awareness and comprehension to recognize dramatic trends and influences threatening our economy and our traditional approaches to local and state government. 

Especially in the next two years we can expect greater pressures by federal agencies, increasingly stringent bureaucratic rules and regulations, and undermining of private property rights, which will seriously impact local governments and revenues at state and county levels. As a legislator Mark realizes that Montana cannot successfully stand alone against these burdensome intrusions being shared by neighboring Western states.

He has already gained recognition of adjoining state leaders as they worked together laying the groundwork for state collaborative measures concerning water and land management. He sees our Montana legislature as playing a key role in developing the strategies and rulings to protect our resources, regain forest access and stimulate economic growth.

Mark has been very open with his beliefs and concerns while acknowledging the urgency of our state legislative ability and determination to deal with forthcoming challenges. He has the qualifications, communication skills and insight to successfully pave the way for sound business ventures and stimulated industry growth bringing the “jobs, jobs, jobs” we deserve.

Voters must provide the opportunity for Mark to retain his momentum of achievement and continue his active involvement in the state Legislature, through his election to the Senate. We know he will be working on behalf of taxpayers, our economic security and a prosperous future for our state. We simply could not ask for a more dedicated and better qualified person than Mark Blasdel. Let’s not allow his talents, experience and knowledge go to waste.

Clarice Ryan, Bigfork