Dear Neighbors:
The decision to run for office in HD 63 was not one that came easily to me. As Election Day nears I've had a lot of time to reflect.
Filling out my ballot took a long time as I considered what was important to me in picking one candidate or another. I felt a great sense of obligation to the people of House District 63 in particular, but to all Montanans in general when I dropped off my ballot at the county courthouse.
I came of age during the time of Ronald Reagan; a man I talked about as a personal hero during my Rhodes Scholar interview. He did a lot of great things for this country, but what I remember most was that he was never mean spirited. He laid out a vision of American as a great nation. He always had this country's best interests at heart.
During this time of reflection and thinking about past (and current) politicians what I kept coming back to you as being important was one thing. TRUST!!!
Can we trust the people who represent us? More and more that seems difficult.
Trust is a principle that I have tried to live with for my entire life. It was instilled in me by my parents, my coaches, my teachers, my friends and my wife. If you ultimately decide to vote for me, I promise you one thing: that I will earn your trust in fulfilling the obligations as a state representative. We face tremendous challenges. The changing of our lifespan is putting strain on our systems never before experienced. New technologies create questions never address.
As a community, a state and a nation we can find the solutions to thrive well into this century. I ran in this race to ensure our children are not left with burdens they did not create. If that matters to you please trust me with your vote.
I have stated repeatedly that am NOT a politician. My background is in business. I have signed the front of paychecks most of my life. You can trust me that I will value every single dollar taken from citizens in taxes. My opponent have a different set of experiences.
I work really hard to run a good business. We try to take care of our employees by providing 100% of the premiums for health care plus paid sick leave and vacation as well as above market wages. We need to care for each other, and government does play a role in that equation.
I live in this district. The people in HD 63 are my neighbors. I live with the issues impacting all of us. My opponent does not live in HD 63. My opponent can't vote in the race. How can that be okay? I am your neighbor in HD 63, and you can trust me to care about the issues we face.
We need to reduce government spending and set meaningful priorities. Montana has one of the highest levels of government employment per capita. We can reduce that headcount, and we must find ways to incentivize less spending. People are tired of paying too much in taxes. My opponent has been clear. He wants to have more government programs. More spending. The government employee union has given him their endorsement. Just like how we budget in our own households we have to reign in spending that has grown out of control. The only way to reduce taxes is to reduce spending. I am committed to working on that issue, and you can trust me to deliver results. I've spent my entire life competing and striving for excellence. If elected I will work incredibly hard to bring that approach to work each day.
I believe in personal freedoms and individual responsibility. Government can't solve all the problems that exist, and it shouldn't try. Tax credits for homebuyers? That just raises the price of
houses. Hard work should be rewarded. It's what makes this country great.
I've been endorsed by a great many people. Senators Steve Daines and Mitt Romney - two men who couldn't be more diverse in their opinions. That each would take the time to share their opinions and support my candidacy means a great deal to me . Business people in this community like Mike Hope, who owns The Rockin' R Bar, as well as Jerry and Jan Cashman, two of the biggest pillars in this community, give me hope that some of my ideas have merit. In fact, each endorsement has been humbling to me.
However, the endorsement of my family means the most. My kids and my wife have been supportive of time I've taken to campaign. Spending time with them and working to make things better for them is what matters to me more than anything else.
Lastly, I want Montana to remain special. The wonderment of this great place we call home came to roost during our son's hunt last weekend. The majesty of watching him grow into a young man, and his excitement at making a great shot followed by the reverence he showed to the fallen animal was a memory to cherish.
Even though my family didn't arrive by wagon train (I've only lived in Montana for about a dozen years, but my wife was raised in Bozeman), I do feel like I value and appreciate this great state. We need to protect not only the resources of Montana, but also the values of her people.
If you have not yet voted, please do. This election is critically important. HD 63 is a new district. It was designed to be a Democratic district with a +7 point lean. To win, I need every vote I can muster. You may not agree with me on every single issue, but you can trust me to bring my values, my experience and my commitment to leave the world a better place for our children.
And so one last time, I humbly and respectfully ask you to trust me and give me your vote. I won't let you down.
Kindest personal regards,
Mark Lewis
