Check candidates' habits beforehand

Editor,

I was amused with the new Jon Tester radio ad out last week. In it, Governor Brian Schweitzer talks about how he and his good friend Jon Tester worked to save and lower Montana's taxes, and now "we" the citizens of Montana, have over $500 million in the bank.

Folks, if Brian, Jon and the rest of Montana's elected officials have $500 million in the bank, they over-taxed you and me.

I don't know about you, but a million dollars is a lot of money, so if there are 940,000 citizens in our great state, do the math. My calculator only goes to $50 million so I hope the math is correct, that would be about $531 per Montanan.

Now, if there are two children per family, that doubles this to $1,062 per taxpayer, so that is close to $100 a month excess taxes to live in the great state of Montana. Good job, Brian and Jon.

By the way, Mr. Schweitzer, in one of your first budgets, you put $350,000 away in case the motor in the Governor's jet went out, and Jon, you approved that budget. Where is the money? Do you have a new motor in the jet?

Please, Montana, before you cast your vote, check the voting habits of your candidate. Jon Tester's voting record was partially recorded in the Oct. 3 Missoulian editorial page. Please check it out. Why don't the news and press simply print the candidates' votes on issues — that's your job. It's your job to inform the voter where the candidates stand on issues.

Like this ad, don't believe the hype. Your vote could put a serious dent in your wallet. Know what the conservative Republican party stands for, and what the liberal Democratic party stands for, both morally and fiscally. Think Montana.

Tim Orr

St. Ignatius