Dear Neighbors and Friends:
I’m Mark Lewis. Some of the people reading this note I know, and hopefully you'll take just a moment to keep reading. Others on this list I don't know personally, so I'd like to introduce myself and tell you why I'm reaching out.
My family and I live in Middle Creek Parklands. It is our home. Our kids go to school in this community. We have a 10th grader at Gallatin High and an 8th grader at Headwaters. As Bozeman residents, my wife Dawn and I have raised our family, worked hard in our own business (Montana Spirits & Wine), participated in many community events, and have enjoyed much of what our state has to offer, namely great outdoor recreation. We have family and friends across the state, and we love Montana and the lifestyle if offers.
Bozeman, and the people in it, have been good to me and my family. It’s a great place to be, and I want it to remain that way for the next generation, and the one after that. But our community – just like Montana at large – is facing many challenges ranging from a housing shortage, to a property tax crisis, to maintaining a community where everyone feels safe and has a chance to thrive.
That’s why I have decided to run for the Legislature in my home and yours, House District 63. This district was newly created following the last census, and I have filed to run as a Republican candidate in the upcoming election. The primary is on June 4th, and I’d like to ask for your consideration and vote.
I want to ensure Montana is a place our kids and grandkids can afford to stay, live, and raise their own families. Our kids need an opportunity to achieve their dreams without having to leave the place they love. It really boils down to the simple fact that like most of you, I want to leave things better for future generations.
The reality is, I never imagined I would run for public office (or write a note like this to my neighbors). I’m a private person and I’ve never been comfortable in the spotlight. I’ve focused on working hard and building a successful business for my family and our employees, while following the rules, paying my taxes on time, and being the best parent, friend and neighbor I can be.
But I’ve come to the realization that I don’t want to leave my children’s future in the hands of politicians.
Many from both parties in Helena have failed us. Too often our Legislature resembles Congress, with bickering and name-calling replacing level-headed compromise and consensus. Who gets left behind? We, the People.
There’s a better way and the irony is it’s the way our Founders intended – we just need the courage to return to it. We need leadership that puts people ahead of party, and puts compromise ahead of confrontation. Sadly, it’s rare nowadays, but I do not believe it is extinct. We can’t afford for it to be.
So, I want to try to make a difference and I need your help in doing so. If elected, my pledge to you is simple:
1) I will listen to and work with anyone who wants to make life better for Montanans. No party or individual has a monopoly on good ideas. I will collaborate and get things done, for all of us.
2) I will be a committed steward of every tax dollar you send to Helena. Every dollar spent by government should be appropriated only when its necessary. Too often government agencies believe they must spend their budget or lose it. That’s just wrong. It’s certainly not how we run our business or our household finances, and I bet you it’s not how you run yours, either. I’ll work hard to find ways to create efficiencies and reduce spending (which reduces how much we all pay to fund the government). These are the simple rules I’ve followed throughout my career in business, and it will be the guiding principle of how I would work as your elected representative.
3) I will vote to lower your taxes. Period. The Legislature has lowered incomes taxes in the last two sessions; I support this. However, we also need to immediately address property taxes. I will take realistic, actionable ideas from the Governor’s Property Tax Task Force and work to try and turn them into legislation. As an example, it really bothers me that my small business in Montana pays more tax than Amazon in our state. By any measure or standard, that makes no sense at all. Zero. I’m sure my business is not the only example. Finding fair solutions that reduce everyone’s tax burden is critical.
4) I will focus on issues that matter to you, not to any special interest group or ideological think tank. We need to come together and find common ground, the way Americans always have. We cannot waste a second on culture or media-driven divisive issues that don’t improve a single life in Montana. I will not engage in petty partisanship, and I will not vote any party’s line just to earn the approval of lobbyists or politicians. The only approval I am seeking is yours.
5) I have no intention or desire to become a career politician. I will strictly follow term limits, which to me are important. Public service has never been a life goal for me. But I feel compelled to run now because our challenges are so great, and I believe I can offer a voice of reason in the halls of our State Capitol.
In summary what I can offer you is commonsense, collaborative leadership and a sincere desire to make a difference for you and your family, because I live and work in this community alongside you. I want government to be compassionate, but to spend only what is absolutely necessary so that Montana taxpayers can keep the money they work hard to earn. If you’re looking for a problem solver, a hard worker, and a good listener, then I would be honored to be your candidate. I’m determined to earn your vote and look forward to speaking with every member of our community.
If you’d like to learn more about me or my campaign, I’ve put together a very simple website, which can be found at: www.markformontanahd63.com.
If you have questions or thoughts you want to share, please reach out. My cell phone is (406) 599-3242, and my e-mail is markalewis56@gmail.com. I’d love to have your input about issues that matter to you.
Regards,
P.S. Assuming you are still reading this note you may be asking yourself "what or where is HD 63?". That's a great question, and one I was asking not all that long ago.
As you know, the US Constitution requires that a census be conducted every ten years. That work was last done in 2020. Just like for the federal seats in Congress the Montana legislature is reapportioned as part of the census.
With the growth in Montana the legislative map was redrawn, and House District 63 was created. Essentially it is a new district, and it is the district where we live. The map off to the right gives you a general sense of the boundaries for this district (and it's entirely likely that I've sent this e-mail to a few people that don't live in the district, and so my apologies if you are one of those people). If you live in the new HD 63, I'd love to earn your vote for the June 4th primary.
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