In a recent
interview I was described as the softer gentler side of the Republican Party. I
corrected the statement by saying I might wear pink on the outside- but I am as tough as nails on the inside.
I am different
from the candidates that we usually see for the Republican Party, and because I
am a woman, do not mistake that
for weakness. I have been a
strong advocate for you already. What makes me different it that I am
just like you! And we are tired of electing people who claim to be listening
but go to Helena to pass their agenda. We have seen too much of our time and
resources of late wasted on fueling a good ol’ boy brawl in this party. What
makes me different is that I am willing to go to Helena leaving my ego at the
door and rolling up my sleeves to work
on real solutions!
I get asked,
“What are your qualifications?” I thought about my answer to this question
first by lining out all of my accomplishments, and then I thought more about
the question. I realized I am qualified
for a Citizen Legislature because I am
just like you. We raise our families,
we work hard at our jobs, and we
give to our church and volunteer in
civic groups. We serve those in our community, and this is an extension
of that service.
I have been
to Helena as a legislative spouse and as an active citizen. I have not held
elected office but I have served in Helena!
I honor my
fellow legislative spouses, wow, if you are active in that process, your roll
is tremendous! There was so much to learn during that time when Derek was
serving. I studied the rules, read the bills, navigated legislative services. And above all
learned the importance of the relationships with the other legislators and the
ability to work together. I continue those relationships today and it was those leaders who have encouraged
me to run in this season, to take those skills of leadership and come back in a
new role. Those experiences make me a leader day one in Helena.
The things I
learned in the sessions as an
active citizen made me realize that the
empty chairs in a committee hearing were not empty because people did
not care about the issue or the bill discussed. They were empty because we are
working, we are raising our families, we are in our community serving and don’t
have the ability to be there. As your Representative I will always consider the
people who would be in that room if they could have made it. The seats in that
room not occupied have a voice.
And finally,
my time at the doors has given me an opportunity to listen.
In 2010 the mantra was jobs, jobs, jobs.
Today I hear so
much more. While Economy if a
big concern, it is not just about jobs.
People want choice- choice in education, choice in healthcare,
and choice in how to recreate in
Montana. Accessing our resources and land is about growing the economy as well
as enjoying the reason why we live here. Transparency and government accountability are important to so many people who see government
exceeding its Constitutional role
And finally privacy,
we are seeing so much of our daily life invaded by the overgrowth of government
and we are losing the ability to live safe and secure. Too many people I have
talked to recently have said they fear their government and don’t know who to
trust anymore.
When our
leaders are feared, when our government is bigger than us we need to flip that upside down and put people just like
us in leadership positions to
bring it back around.
I am Ronalee
and I appreciate your support,
your vote and above all your prayers for my heart to remain true
through all things.
