There is no shortage of things happening right now — in Helena, in Washington, and right here in Fergus County. My job is to stay on top of all of it, stay in touch with you, and make sure your voice is heard. So let me get you “Logged In”.

Politics of Politics

I'll be blunt: I greatly dislike the politics of politics. When Representative Zinke dropped out of his race the day before the registration filing deadline, and then Senator Daines followed suit with just five minutes to spare, it sent a message that our political system is deciding for us who we get to vote for - and that is not how it should work. At least western Montana now has two conservative candidates vying to fill that seat. But when a sitting senator steps aside at the last moment, the choice is effectively made for you. That’s not democracy working at its best.

Closer to home, House District 37 has a real race. I’m running, and I’ll be joined on the ballot by an Independent and a Democrat. I did not want to run unopposed - I genuinely mean that. A contested race sharpens the conversation and serves the community better. Senator Barry Usher faces a challenge as well, from local candidate Chris Rindal. I encourage every voter to show up informed.

What’s Filling My Inbox

My constituents are paying attention, and the emails reflect it. Concern about Sharia law being installed in localities around the country is coming up often. This shouldn’t even require new legislation - Article 6, Paragraph 2 of the U.S. Constitution already makes it clear that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Laws diametrically opposed to our Constitution cannot stand. But because it is happening, we must continue to speak out against it.

The sales tax conversation is also heating up - and rightly so. On March 10th at 6 p.m. at the Head Start in Lewistown, the University of Montana’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research will be hosting a public discussion on economic development, with sales tax on the agenda. I hope to see a full room.

Data Centers and Deliberate Decision-Making

Data centers are emerging as a significant issue for Montana. On March 19th at 6 p.m. at the Council on Aging, there will be a public meeting where we can learn more. As of now, no data centers are formally slated to come to Montana - but there is significant interest, with roughly three letters of intent on the table. That’s early in the process. My approach: gather information from all sides before forming a position. I was glad to see Independent Candidate Jason Wilson contributing thoughtful pieces in the paper on this issue. Even those running against me can produce good information, and I will read it.

Defending Tax Increment Finance Districts

You may not have heard much about Tax Increment Finance Districts - TIFs - until recently, but they matter here. A senator from western Montana is pushing to eliminate them statewide. I attended a Lewistown Downtown Association meeting last week and asked directly about their feelings regarding TIFs. The answer was clear - yes, the Lewistown TIF is a good thing. I will fight any attempt to eliminate TIFs in a way that punishes communities like ours because of abuses happening elsewhere. If the abuse needs to be addressed, address the abuse. Don’t penalize everyone.

Community Matters

I want to put in a sincere word for the hospice program here in Lewistown. It is a great organization staffed by dedicated people. My own mother had hospice support in her final days at home. Just recently, my wife’s mother came to stay with us in her final week of life — we could not have managed without hospice care. Please consider volunteering or supporting this program.

On a brighter note: a Paint-n-Sip event at the Wrangler Bar in Grass Range, led by Emily Eckhardt, turned into something much bigger - a potential mural commission for the backdrop of our semiquincentennial reenactment of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, planned for July 4th at the Trade Center. The Civic Education Committee has been meeting to plan and seek supplemental grants, the Judith Mountain Players are providing actors, and the American Legion will handle opening ceremonies. All the traditional Fourth of July activities Lewistown loves will still be happening — this is a significant patriotic addition.

Get Involved

Mark your calendar for the Lincoln-Reagan Dinner on March 29th at the Yogo Inn, starting at 5 p.m. Tickets are $40 at the door, or $320 to sponsor a table of eight. Candidates for Fergus County Commissioner, Sheriff, County Attorney, State Senate, and my own House District 37 seat will all be represented. Know who you are voting for before you vote.

This is not casual citizenship. Staying informed takes effort - but it is exactly what self-government requires of us. I am doing my part to keep you “Logged In.” Visit ShaneKlakken.com to sign up for my weekly newsletter where this summary will appear. You can find me on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, or call me directly at 406-217-6107.

Rep. Shane Klakken represents House District 37 in the Montana Legislature