House District 12 covers Bigfork, Woods Bay and Elmo, as well as the communities surrounding Echo Lake, Swan Lake and Lake Mary Ronan.

CINDY BRUCKNER

Political affiliation: Democrat 

Age: 63 

Town of residence: Bigfork 

Occupation: Graphic designer 

Background: Advertising creative director for more than 25 years; caregiver for aging mother with dementia 

Do you support Gov. Greg Gianforte’s initiative to implement a 4.7% flat state income tax? Why or why not?

I am open to a 4.7% flat income tax, but only if it is genuinely fair. It sounds simple, but the  rate alone doesn’t determine what people actually pay. I would want to look carefully at deductions, credits, exemptions and other provisions that can disproportionately reduce the tax burden for higher-income taxpayers. If we’re going to ask every Montanan to pay the same rate, we should make sure we’re applying that rate to a tax system that doesn’t give some taxpayers significantly more opportunities than others to reduce what they owe. 

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?

I do support the property tax reforms, particularly on second homes. I think there could be a tax break for those who rent out their homes in the off-season, which would also help with the lack of affordable housing in my district. I also think there should be a cap for seniors collecting Social Security. 

How will you balance your legislative priorities with local jurisdictional independence and control?

I believe the state has an important role to play, but I also believe the people closest to a community usually understand its needs best. As a legislator, my job would be to address issues that truly require statewide action — things like the tax structure, funding for education and infrastructure and making sure Montanans have access to essential services. But I don’t think Helena should automatically dictate how every community solves every problem. 

TRACY SHARP 

Political affiliation: Republican 

Age: 68 

Town of residence: Polson 

Occupation: Legislator 

Background: Former chair of the Lake County Republican Central Committee; former Montana GOP Region 5 chair; chair for drafting the Montana GOP Party platform; Montana GOP Executive Board member; baseball coach 

Do you support Gov. Greg Gianforte’s initiative to implement a 4.7% flat state income tax? Why or why not?

Gov. Gianforte is largely responsible for the property tax scheme/shift that my constituents now find disastrous to their ability to live here. I have previously liked the idea of a flat tax, but based on what the governor’s last tax scheme did to so many of my constituents, I am a ‘no’ until convinced otherwise. 

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?

No, property taxes are immoral and should eventually be abolished in favor of other ways to finance government programs. In the interim, we need to fix the severe damage done by the tax shift that was rammed through in the last legislative cycle. Property taxes should at least be reduced to a value based on what people paid for the property when purchased.  Taxing an unrealized gain is ruinous to people who are well beyond their best earning years. No taxation policy should be ruinous to its citizens. 

How will you balance your legislative priorities with local jurisdictional independence and control?

The number one influence on my votes is the feedback and information I receive from the people in my district. Their feedback in the last session changed my mind on several issues, despite the fact that the position they needed me to take caused discomfort amongst some of my fellow Republicans across the state. To the maximum extent possible, decision-making should take place as close to the local level as possible. Local officials are best placed to know what their area needs. When there is disagreement, we will discuss the way ahead together.