by Brenton Craggs

Often politicians come out of State or Federal government jobs and only wish to further the interests of the government they worked as bureaucrats in.  Sometimes, however, candidates serve more than their time in the bureaucracy, see the issues inherent in the system, and run for office to change that system.  Jill Sark, candidate for House District 79, falls into this latter category. 

I first met Jill when I worked with her in state government.  Well over a foot shorter than I am, Jill punches well above her stature.  I could tell right away that she had a strong desire to serve the people in Montana, an intimate knowledge of state government, and that she was fed up with the issues inherent in Montana’s bureaucracy.  After almost forty years of implementing the laws of the US and Montana legislatures, Jill now hopes to bring the changes she knows need to be made the Montana House of Representatives.

The benefit of having served in government for so many years is Jill has developed an intimate understanding of how State agencies operate, what their weaknesses are, and most importantly how to reform them.  This is especially important in a legislative session where Montana’s participation in Medicaid expansion will be considered along with what form that participation may or may not take,  as well as when critical decisions on Montana’s energy supply need to be made. 

Throughout her time working for the state, Jill remained active in local politics and in her community here in Lewis and Clark County.  She was the rare example of a state employee who actively sought feedback, from those she served, on the impacts of the programs her employer provided.  Through her community involvement, Jill understands the struggles that Montana’s cost of living and difficult childcare situations place on Montana’s families.  Thankfully, she is among the most well equipped to combat these challenges should we provide her the opportunity. 

It's not always the biggest, largest, or most obnoxious voices that get things done in Montana’s legislature.  Often, it’s the smallest but most wise voices that make the biggest impact.  Jill Sark is the little lady with the small but powerful voice who is here to continue fighting for Montanans come January. 

I urge you to elect Jill Sark for Montana’s House District 79.