Jesse James Mullen, Democratic candidate for Montana Secretary of State, campaigned in Glasgow Jan. 24. He was joined by Lane Fourstar, Democratic candidate for State House District 31. The two met with a small group of voters and discussed issues ranging from property taxes to Valley View and affordable housing to training up the next generation of informed voters, as well as issues specific to the office of Secretary of State.
Mullen, with a background in rural journalism as well as efficiency management and efficiency strategy, discussed his goals should he be elected this November. “I want to make [the Secretary of State’s office] work like it’s supposed to work.” Mullen pointed to the downsizing and outsourcing of the office under Christi Jacobson, current Secretary, and previous Secretaries of State, noting basic services such as the website have become functionally unusable. He wants a return to customer service that works for the benefit of all Montanans.
“I think Jacobson views [Governor] Gianforte as her boss,” he said. “Her boss should be all the people of Montana.” Mullen said Jacobson is a political person, a bureaucrat with no outside experience. He seeks a return to the constitutional function of the office as a record keeper, there to answer questions from the counties and from constituents. “Ideally, you should never need to hear about the Secretary of State,” he pointed out.
Fourstar, who is currently the only candidate for House District 31, said he is looking forward to working with Mullen as Secretary of State, pointing out the issues the Tribes have had with getting information from the current office holder has resulted in a lawsuit.
Fourstar, who was born and raised in the Seattle area and who now lives in Wolf Point, brings experience with numerous political activities, including work on water rights and mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Both seek to bring transparency and trust to their positions should they be elected this fall.
For more information on their campaigns visit jessejamesmullen.com and lanceformontana.com
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