Born in Del Rio, TX
62 years old
Live in Great Falls, MT
Doctor of Optometry and own Central Montana Eyecare
Doctor of Optometry degree from Pacific University
My life experiences include marriage for 36 years to Dr. Morgan Leach, being a mother and raising 2 fine young adults, being an eye doctor and a small business owner. Optometry is a 'legislated' profession requiring involvement with Montana legislators every session in which I have actively participated. Additionally, I am a Past President of the Montana Optometric Association, have been a PTA President, an MOA Legislative Chair and am now co-owner of CME employing 20 people. In healthcare, listening comes first. That is how I will understand problems and deliver real solutions.
I am aware that the dysfunctional national political landscape bleeds into state leadership interactions. Issues that might have a pragmatic solution become ideologically divisive. I will deliver common sense and follow through as I've had to do managing our business.
Defending Public education, specifically recruitment and retention of teachers, because Montana ranks near the bottom for teacher salaries.
Preserving our Public Lands by opposing Republican lawmakers who push for land transfer or privatization even though 75% of MT voters want at least as much public land as we have now.
Advocate for public health by protecting and expanding Medicaid and CHIP. Defend against government overreach into personal medical decisions.
I will oppose the flat tax rate (decreasing from 5.4% to 4.7%) which is a top agenda item for Governor Gianforte. While this helps out high income people, it will reduce state revenue by 100 million which will lead to cuts in Medicaid and other public health programs, while squeezing and shutting down rural hospitals. Where will this deficit be made up? Very likely property tax hikes. Also, once taxes are cut, they are very difficult to raise in the future. Fair taxes are imperative for funding worthwhile programs that help our citizens. The wealthy do not need further tax breaks and we do not need Montana to become even more attractive to out-of-state billionaires buying up property, purchasing our elections and pushing prices up.
Misinformation about voter fraud decreases voter confidence but luckily Montana's elections are mostly secure. The state uses paper ballots, which are considered the gold standard and also how recounts are done. There is no risk of hacking this way. In addition, all 56 counties undergo security assessments and training requirements. Voting systems must be federally certified and state-approved. There is always the risk of human error and vulnerability of election workers to intimidation or pressure. I support the goal behind the Transparent Election Initiative—getting dark money out of our elections and making sure voters know who’s trying to influence them. Montanans deserve transparency and accountability.
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Born Belt Montana March 1 1941 Lived cascade county over 66 years Retired BELT VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL GTADUATE US ARMY VETERAN life long education served house of repressive 2001 2003
STOP TAX SHIFT MORE PENTALS ON SHOP LIFTING END TERM LIMTS SCHOOL CHOICE STOP OVER SPENDING
HOWEVER TRUE CARING IS OFFERING A HAND UP, NOT A HANDOUT
ONE SAME DAY ELECTIONS VOTE IN PERSON NOT Absentee VOTING
