Choose to truly drain the swamp

There seems to be a common theme running for office in Montana: corrupt GOP politicians.

Let’s start with the most obvious, Rep. Ryan Zinke, he was let go from the Trump administration for “misappropriation” of public funds for personal use. Let’s reiterate: Ryan Zinke resigned after he was accused of stealing public money and using it for his own benefit. That’s the proverbial swamp, the epitome of corruption.

Moving on to our next swamp monster running for public office on the GOP ticket, Tim Sheehy, who also “misappropriated” public funds. Gallatin County gave a $160 million bond to Bridger Aerospace to purchase airplanes and build more airplane hangars. Instead, Tim Sheehy used $134 million dollars to pay off investors in his business. Once again public funds are used for personal benefit.

The following swamp monster is a little more subtle in her corruption but corrupt nonetheless. Montana Public Service Commissioner Jennifer Fielder has been wined and dined by NorthWestern Energy ever since being elected to office and in exchange she voted in favor of a 28% rate increase for electricity users. Now NorthWestern Energy is asking for another 8% rate increase – any guess how she will vote?

Our final swamp monster is Governor Greg Gianforte, who allowed property taxes to increase across the board for all Montanans. Some people saw their property taxes increase by 75%, but somehow he made his own property taxes go down. Governor Greg Gianforte gave himself a tax break, all the while jacking up taxes on everyone else.

Corruption. Everyone likes to talk about draining the swamp, getting rid of the corrupt politicians who only use public office to line their own pockets. My only question to Montanans, come Nov. 5, 2024, are we ready to actually drain the swamp?

We the people have the power to vote these self-serving, corrupt people out of office.

– Hannah Paloma Hernandez, Co-chair 350MT

Heron