When considering those running for a seat on the Montana Supreme Court, I have concluded the most experienced and best candidate is Kristen Juras. Most importantly, she is fair, honest, knowledgeable, and constitutionally sound. These are the traits needed in these complex times.

Juras has practiced and taught law (University of Montana Law School) for 34 years. She has represented small-business owners and agricultural producers in the areas of business law, property, taxation, water rights, ag law and commercial transactions. She also has international experience in trade law and immigration.

Her professional background will provide additional experience to the court for the benefit of all Montanans. And her unassuming personality will fit in well with other justices.

We need someone who will stand for Montana’s property and water rights, and against federal government overreach. Kristen brings common sense to the law with an open mind to the significant issues that we encounter daily from environmental requirements to natural resource development procedures to constitutionally sound interpretations of state laws and to the rightness or wrongness of federal regulations.

Every Montana Supreme Court case is unique. The more knowledge a justice has, the better the rulings that will affect us all. Juras has significant experience in the law and a record of service to her community. Her combination of skills makes her the best candidate. —Mary McLaughlin, Butte