Meet the candidates: House District 1
HAILEY SMALLEY | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 month AGO
Dakota Adams
The district covers the northwestern corner of Montana, including Eureka, Troy and Yaak and is currently served by Rep. Neil Duram, R-Eureka.
MICHELLE BIANCO
Political affiliation: Republican
Republican candidate Michelle Bianco did not respond to the Daily Inter Lake’s questionnaire.
DAKOTA V. ADAMS
Political affiliation: Democrat
Age: 29
Town of residence: Eureka
Occupation: Construction
Background: Volunteer firefighter; delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention representing Montana
Do you support Gov. Greg Gianforte’s initiative to implement a 4.7% flat state income tax? Why or why not?
No, flat taxes disproportionately burden the poor and in this case would only gouge a hole in the state budget with no plan for filling it.
The 2025 Montana Legislature implemented a number of property tax reforms. Do you support these efforts? What other steps should the 2027 Legislature take to address property taxes?
A comprehensive rebuild of the entire property tax system, including but not limited to closing loopholes and implementing an income-based ceiling for primary residences, is required. We cannot keep kicking the can down the road with band-aid solutions to a lasting problem.
How will you balance your legislative priorities with local jurisdictional independence and control?
My legislative priorities begin and end with supporting and defending the unrepresented working people of Montana. Ideally, this would work hand-in-hand with respecting community autonomy. However, on an issue like data centers where an overwhelming majority of the people are often opposed to local government, I will by default side with the people.
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