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Hope Into Action

By Mike Jopek

Thanks Whitefish, you trusted me with more votes than I have ever garnered before, making us the top vote getter from the district. I will not forget my obligation to work for locals.

Good folks stood by me during the most pessimistic campaigning by special interest groups we have ever seen in our towns’ history. Thankfully, we cannot ignore local dedication, passion and commitment for our community.

Later this month and then again early next month, I head to Helena for critical meetings on the state of our budget funds and how best to permanently lower property taxes for local homeowners and small businesses during the reappraisal cycle.

Then in January, Senator-elect Zinke (R) and I will be sworn into the 61st Montana Legislature. I am proud and eager to work with our new Senator-elect. This will be my third term in Helena and my pledge to Whitefish is simple. I will continue to reach across the aisle and do right by locals, retirees, working families and small businesses: to put Montana and our people first.

Top priorities will be to lower property taxes for locals, continue improving the business and school climate, keeping Public Lands in public hands, and helping working families acquire or retain jobs and housing opportunities in the market place.

I cannot do the work alone. More than ever Whitefish needs locals to engage in civil dialog, to volunteer at the food bank, to mentor kids in school, to work at the community clinic, to visit the elderly, or be a simple stage hand at the community theater. The saviors in our society are the real everyday people taking care of our town and future.

While we are in Helena, doing the people’s work, I have but a simple request: turn the campaign passion, anger, joy and hope into action: get involved in our community. Wherever your particular passions lay, volunteer some of your precious time to make our community even greater.

We are at our best when we give our time freely. I trust and believe in our town and know that you will help guide our way forward. Because of our individual civic duty, we are a good community as our hearts are vested in Whitefish and it’s people.

Contact me anytime in Whitefish or Helena at 250-1184 or www.mikejopek.com.

-Rep. Mike Jopek represents the Whitefish area in the Montana Legislature as a Democrat.

Free Pizza, Beer and Soda Pop

Stand with me and I’ll work for your interest in Helena. My opponents want to smear me, so we’re buying Pizza for everyone as a sign of friendship.

This will be a fun evening with old and new friends; relax, talk, and keep our local economy on track. I sincerely ask you to join us next Thursday evening in Whitefish. Please come early and bring the entire family. The event is free to all my friends, even those I have yet to meet. Spread the word.

I hope you will join us,
Mike

Free Pizza, Beer and Soda Pop

Friends of Mike Jopek are hosting another evening of family fun

Second Street Pizza
306 2nd Street East
Downtown Whitefish

October 16th 8 to 11PM

Nearly 500 slices of New York Style hand tossed pizza
Open Tap Pabst Blue Ribbon
Open Tap Draft Soda Pop

“Keep Jopek Working for You”

Leave your wallet or purse at home and join us for a bit of old fashion family fun, the way politics should be.

###

Grandma was Right to Forgive
Rep. Mike Jopek (D) Whitefish

When I was a child, my grandma used to make me frankfurters and mashed potatoes if I was upset or not feeling good. I miss those days dearly, grandparents are graceful and just knew how to make it right.

She also had some great insight into how best to deal with others when they treated you poorly: forgive people and move on. This simple act of generosity toward others is something that politicians could greatly benefit from.

Folks across our great Nation have started to vote. It is an honor to participate in our civic duty to select our leaders and to move us forward. While our system may not always be perfect, it is great compared to other areas of the world, thanks in much part again to our grandparents who fought for our right to be free.

In Montana we are lucky; we live in the greatest place on earth, our economy is stronger that most in the nation, our fiscal budget is in order with enormous surpluses, and we are blessed to still have wild and open public lands surrounding our valley. These lands offer us solace, tranquility and peace in turbulent times. We Montanans are a self-reliant bunch and make it through tough times with the help of our families, our neighbors and our faith.

I must admit that I was a bit ticked by the recent mailings from opponents smearing our work, my family and my character. These folks attempt to distract us with insults rather than talking about what is important to small business, retirees and working families.

Montana is clearly on the right road. We’ve returned historic tax dollars back to homeowners, put huge amounts into all day kindergarten while increasing teacher pay and capping university students’ tuition. We’ve created nearly 60,000 new jobs and done right by our elderly with Rx programs, and funded the children’s health insurance programs.

If you’re willing, I’ll continue to work for you: to grow our economy to provide better paying jobs, to lower fuel costs, to eliminate business equipment taxes for Montana small businesses, to lower property taxes during reappraisal, to invest in our schools and universities, and keep public lands in our hands.

Our job should be to help make peoples lives better and easier in turbulent and uncertain times, to help others.

To the folks who try to smear my character or say bad things about me, I’ll take my grandma’s sage advice: I forgive you. But please stop, as it’s simply not true or nice.

Rep. Mike Jopek

###

Use the actblue web service if you would like to help; it’s easy, fast and no postage. These funds are provided by individual donors and will be reported as such. No PAC campaign dollar will be accepted.

https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/14525

Campaign contributions can also be mailed to:

Friends of Mike Jopek
PO Box 4272
Whitefish MT 59937

Individual contributions are limited to $160, but all amounts help so much. Still no special interest PAC campaign dollars please.

There are also a lot of volunteer options to help on the campaigns as things are in full swing. If you can help, send me an email at mike@mikejopek.com and work out the details. This helps so much.

Thanks for all the kind words. We need to keep growing our economy and Montana on the safe road.

For Immediate Release
October 5, 2008

Rep. Mike Jopek
PO Box 4272
Whitefish MT 59937
406-250-1184
mike@mikejopek.com
www.mikejopek.com

Rep. Jopek to expand permanent pickup and car registration options.
Says, “Montana drivers deserve lower fees and less headaches with permanent plates.”

Whitefish farmer and State Legislator Mike Jopek (D) today released news for expanding the permanent motor vehicle registration program to include cars and pickups newer than 10 years old.

Currently only pickups and cars older than 10 years are eligible for permanent registration. Jopek wants to expand the program to include cars and pickups that are more recently purchased. This will help spur the economy, stop annual trips to the Motor Vehicle Department and allow State staff to focus on more important work.

Mike Jopek will make sure that Counties will not see any revenue loss and will maintain the program to be revenue neutral via the State, with an emphasis on helping Montanans and Counties.

“Folks at the door are telling me that economic times are tough and government should get a bit more out of the way with these annual fees.” said Jopek.

The program would be an incentive to help Montanans better cope with the higher cost of fuel and auto insurance. Jopek maintains that drivers have not seen much help at the pumps.

Montana currently enjoys some $450 million dollar in surplus thanks in much part a boom in the oil and gas industry and good fiscal discipline. Montana annually produces some 10 million barrels more crude than just a few years ago.

Jopek welcomes input of the final structure of Legislation as he finds that regular people know best on how to make laws work for ordinary Montanans. People have been letting Jopek know that registration should also transfer with the vehicle.

Anyone interested in offering ideas should contact Rep. Jopek at mike@mikejopek.com or call him directly on his cell phone at 250-1184. As with any business, there are details to work through.

###

http://missoulian.com/articles/2008/09/03/election/state/mt69.txt

Democratic incumbent Mike Jopek and Republican challenger John Fuller seek to represent Flahead County’s House District 4. Fuller chose not to answer the issues questions.

Editor’s note: Throughout the coming weeks, the Missoulian will profile state legislative candidates in western Montana who face opponents on Nov. 4.

Each candidate was asked to provide autobiographical information, and answer the following questions. Some responses were edited

for length. All legislative Q&As will be available on Missoulian.com; just click on Elections 2008.
Mike Jopek

Office sought: House District 4

Party: Democrat

Age: 44

Home: Whitefish

Occupation: Farmer

Family: Partner Pam, foster son Jason

Education: University of New Hampshire, mechanical, civil and solar engineering.

Political experience: 2005 Montana House of Representatives; Special Session in 2005; 2005 member of the Local Government and Education Interim Committee; 2007 Montana House; Special Sessions in 2007; 2007 member of Revenue and Transportation Interim Committee, member of the 2007 Property Tax Reappraisal Committee, member of the 2007 Interim Committee to Study Aging Issues facing Montana. Past chairman of the Whitefish Planning Board, past chairman of the Whitefish Housing Authority, chairman of the Whitefish Area Land Trust.

Gravel pits: In the 2005 Montana House, I sponsored HB 591, which became Montana law and gave back the freedom for local county commissioners to regulate gravel extraction operations in residential areas. Some counties use this tool quite well, while others are sitting back idly watching.

In 2007, I sponsored a couple more bills relating to gravel pits and homes. HB 583 cleared up a lot of fuzzy language on pit expansion and allowed bonding to be returned back to operations more efficiently while protecting neighbors. It became law, but it was my bill, HB 201, which would have hired more staff at the agency and avoided our current situation in the state. (The bill did not pass.)

University building program: I will continue to support higher education as we have done since 2005. Education is clearly good for local businesses, Montana, our kids and our future. In 2007, we capped higher education tuition for Montana university students. As we continue to work with the university system and community college infrastructure needs, it’s reasonable to cap student tuitions to be affordable for Montanans. This is in the best interest of our community colleges, local businesses and Montana students.

Prescription drug problem: There is little doubt that prescription drugs in the wrong hands are a problem. Teenagers often use bad judgment and need adults to set appropriate guidelines. I will continue to seek solutions in 2009, which keep our kids safe and assure that older folks seeking affordable medicine are not overburdened by bureaucracy. Treatment offers reasonable and cost-effective solutions.

High energy costs: Montana should properly fund the low-income and elderly home-heating and weatherization programs. Too often, our elderly are faced with the impossible choice of buying food, medicine or heat. It’s high time that Montana honors our elderly folks by funding programs which keep elderly folks warm at night. Montana effectively led the nation in increased production of oil, gas, biofuels, synthetic fuels, solar and wind energy production by creating incentives for businesses in 2005 and 2007.

Important legislation: Lower property taxes and lower fuel costs for Montanans, senior citizens and local business owners. Our outdoor heritage is important n I will continue to lead in keeping our public land in public hands and our waterways accessible to all Montanans. Spencer Mountain, Haskill Basin, Beaver Lake, Swift Creek, Whitefish Lake and Happy Valley are all driving forces behind our way of life and ensure that our local economy remains vibrant.

HJ 57 confirms the ability of Montana to conserve state public lands for traditional uses. HB488 set up the framework to lower property taxes for homeowners. Below is a recent Whitefish Pilot article. Mike

By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
http://www.whitefishpilot.com/articles/2008/09/25/news/news02.prt

Rep. Mike Jopek, D-White-fish, has been keeping busy on legislative issues ever since the last session ended in 2007. And he has good news for locals on two fronts — how the school trust lands surrounding Whitefish will be developed, and how high property taxes might go after the new re-appraisal cycle kicks in.

A Whitefish farmer, Jopek is running for his third term in the Montana House. He was re-elected last time by a two-thirds vote. His opponent, John Fuller, R-Whitefish, is a high school teacher.

After graduating from the University of New Hampshire with an engineering degree, and a focus on solar power, Jopek traveled out West. He discovered the Flathead, fell in love with farming and has been in the Whitefish area since 1988.

A past chairman on the Whitefish Housing Authority board and the Whitefish City-County Planning Board, Jopek is currently on the board for the city’s new affordable-housing land-trust program.

“We’ve placed 16 families in homes in the Whitefish area,” he said.

Jopek is also a member of Gateway Partners, the group that assisted in creating and propelling the agreement between the city and state over development in school trust lands surrounding Whitefish. That includes the A Trail Runs Through It project — a biking and hiking trail that will one day circle Whitefish Lake. But state law has been unclear about how conservation easements could be established.

“We’ve been waiting on this for six years,” he said.

A House Joint Resolution introduced by Jopek in 2007 created an interim study committee to look at how conservation easements could be used on state school trust lands. Earlier this summer, the state Environmental Quality Council issued a report that apparently settles that issue.

“Expect to see trail projects starting up soon, and expect to see the state sell development rights on these school trust lands by the end of the year,” Jopek said. “Buyers are in the wings.”

Jopek is also involved in an interim committee looking at impacts from the constitutionally-mandated six-year property tax re-appraisal cycle.

“I was convinced Democrats and Republicans could get this done in the interim before they met next year,” he said.

The bi-partisan effort has produced good news for property owners concerned about rising taxes — particularly around Whitefish, where property values have soared in the past six years. Strategies could include adjusting the homestead exemption, setting caps and using “circuit breakers” to protect seniors and renters.

“We’ve moved the benchmark appraisal from January 2008 to July 2008, after the market softened up a bit,” he said. “Both parties want to do what’s right for homeowners.”

Jopek said the committee is waiting for the final numbers from the state Department of Revenue so they can finalize their report before the end of the year. He said renters, who typically don’t benefit from property tax reform, could see a deduction in their state income taxes.

“All told, this could be the biggest mitigation effort in the next legislature,” he said.

Legislators next session will be looking at a projected $450 million surplus, Jopek said, mostly a result of higher oil and gas revenue. Property taxes account for a small part of the surplus, he said.

The biggest issue next session will be the economy, Jopek predicts. Montana’s economy has posted positive figures for several years now, with the third-highest wage-growth in the nation, but national events could impact the state.

Jopek favors raising the exemption for the small-business equipment tax from $25,000 to $250,000, but not completely eliminating it, as Republicans call for. He said his figure will help small businesses, such as a building contractor, but not large out-of-state corporations. Revenue from the small-business equipment tax goes to education and local government, he pointed out.

The state’s schools have seen $500 million in “new money” since 2005, he said, and now he wants some accountability on how it’s spent.

“That’s not chump change,” he said.

He also wants the state to begin planning for the “graying” of the state. As the state’s population ages, this will impact schools and government services. Some of the surplus should go into an “elderly trust fund.”

Jopek said he will support putting $13 million of the surplus in the CHIP health insurance program to benefit lower income families. He also wants some money stashed away in a “rainy day” fund for emergencies.

Kindness will Lead the Way
Rep. Mike Jopek

Leadership matters, it always does. We as a community have the courage to look past our own agendas and care for others, to serve.

I am continually in awe at the volunteers and donors who keep our food banks stocked, our meals on wheels programs moving and our kids’ sports active. These stories are endless and a true testament to our greatness.

My Republican dad taught me to be conservative, to preserve public lands, be thrifty and save, spend a little on essentials, honor our sportsmen and work to lower taxes. My Democratic mom instilled graciousness and to be compassionate. She inspirits kindness for our fellow people, to forgive and move forward. We are thought all mortals and fortunate to rise the next morning to do our best.

Montana is clearly on the right road. We lead the nation in conventional and alternative energy production. Our economy is growing amongst the fastest in the nation.

Our state budget has enormous surpluses, and we create jobs at record paces. We’ve invested more dollars into local and higher education than anytime in our history, thanks to our oil and gas boom. All of this is a sign of good fiscal discipline and the innovation of our business leaders.

Whitefish locals are the kindest folks anywhere in Montana, our schools the greatest, and our business leaders the smartest. We are blessed as a community to care for others. Our family bonds remain strong.

The 2007 Legislative Session taught us all a lot. Many blame the conflicts on the system, but simply there were too many hotheaded folks in the majority of the House. Politics should rather reflect our local community. And the Whitefish area is a good, safe and kind place — you make it so.

My general election opponent appears more concerned with trash talk and half truths. I am amazed at the stuff being made up about me.

Apparently the smear season begins with a litany of special interest groups (PACs) in the Flathead, with many thousands of dollars from big money and out-of-area donors. I hear stories of push polls and other odd phone calls targeting our work. A price we pay for my refusal to take PAC campaign dollars.

As the fastest growing area of our state for many years, we are blessed to have a strong economy, but we also face many challenges. Only by working together, Republicans, Independents and Democrats, will we overcome.

Even with years of good work, our high home prices jeopardize our ability to attract young teachers, firefighters, police officers and workers. Our homeowner and business taxes remain too high.

Fuel and food costs are forcing the elderly and families to choose between good food on the table, heating homes or buying medicine. Rent and health care costs are simply too high for ordinary folks.

We’ve come along way, but have much work ahead. While I serve, I’ll continue to put local people and businesses first. As we have done in the past two legislative sessions, I will carry forward good local ideas, as you are my inspiration.

It’s simple — I’m a local farmer who is lucky to keep his hands in the soil, turning a few wrenches as needed.

Let me know if you have ideas that will improve our economy or simply make our lives safer, easier and better. Call me on my cell at 250-1184, e-mail me at mike@mikejopek.com or visit me at the Whitefish Farmers Market.

I’ll keep working with our good governor and any willing legislator or local to keep the Whitefish area and our state the kind of place where our families, kids, elderly and local businesses continue to succeed.

I am humbled by your continued faith, inspiration and trust.

Rep. Mike Jopek is a rural Whitefish farmer who served in the 2005 and 2007 legislative sessions.

Agency, legislators to update reappraisals
By JIM MANN/Daily Inter Lake
http://dailyinterlake.com/articles/2008/05/22/news/news03.prt

Representatives of the Montana Department of Revenue were in Kalispell on Monday, gathering information on real estate market trends for a statewide property reappraisal.

Department Director Dan Bucks and several staffers heard from about two dozen local bankers, appraisers and Realtors as part of an unusual effort to bring the state’s property valuations in line with volatile market trends.

Bucks said the effort is aimed at determining whether national housing market turmoil is affecting Montana when the state is nearing the end of a six-year reappraisal cycle.

“The Department of Revenue has never done this before,” Bucks said, explaining a five-point plan for producing reappraisals that accurately reflect current market conditions.

The department typically would rely on housing sales data only up to January 2008, but this year the department will collect and use sales data through June 30.

The department will augment its information with external information sources such as multiple listing services. It also is contracting with two housing-market experts to help analyze the information and it is working with other public agencies that can assist.

“And we’re holding these meetings across the state to try to get a picture of what the late-breaking markets are doing,” Bucks said.

The department’s task, he added, is to generate accurate valuations by this fall, before the Montana Legislature convenes in January.

“After we do our job, the Legislature will do its job,” Bucks said.

Lawmakers have a head start in that task, with a special interim committee that has been involved in the reappraisal effort for several months. The committee recommended the Department of Revenue’s new approach to the reappraisal.

Over the next few months, the committee will develop legislation to mitigate the impacts of higher valuations on taxpayers, and it will attempt to propose property tax reform measures.

The Flathead Valley real estate experts at Monday’s meeting confirmed that local market conditions have indeed been dynamic in recent months.

The group came to a consensus that the market has been in a decline, particularly for high-end housing properties. Realtors reported instances of homes selling for prices below their original listing prices.

One Realtor cited the example of a house selling for $265,000 in 2007. But this year, two houses with the same floor plans, in the same subdivision, sold for $250,000 and $251,000.

Veteran appraiser Jim Kelley reported that the Flathead Valley’s residential sales volume is down 27 percent this year compared to the first five months of last year.

“The basic message is we’re seeing a decline in the real estate market,” said Rep. Jon Sonju, R-Kalispell, who sits on the Legislature’s interim revenue committee.

Sonju said the Department of Revenue’s outreach efforts are a “great start” in developing accurate, up-to-date property valuations.

“I think it’s a good-faith effort on the part of the Department of Revenue,” he said.

Rep. Mike Jopek, D-Whitefish, also sits on the interim committee, which has six Republicans and six Democrats.

Jopek said he also is confident in the way the department is approaching the reappraisal process.

“But all that basically does is get us to the starting gate,” he said, noting that the committee will develop a recommendation to offset the effects of higher property valuations.

The committee could propose continuing current homestead exemptions that prevent property tax rates from being applied to one-third of a property’s appraised value. It could recommend raising the exemption, cutting property tax rates, or setting a limit on the amount tax bills can increase.

“There’s a lot of us, myself included, who believe in property tax reform,” said Jopek, adding that the committee will consider additional measures for long-term changes to the state’s property tax system.

The committee is studying approaches taken by several different states.

Florida, for example, provides a homestead exemption and deducts a set dollar value off of property taxes for in-state residents. California bases property values on actual sales prices, with tax increases limited to a low-inflationary rate.

Jopek said the committee represents a considerable political change over the past practice of a majority party deciding on a tax policy after a November election.

He said there is consensus on the committee to come up with a bipartisan tax package that will be presented to the Legislature, and Gov. Brian Schweitzer’s administration has indicated it will be receptive to the committee’s proposal.

“That’s the message I’m getting,” Jopek said.

Sonju said he hopes that candidates in the coming election will have incentives to support the committee’s proposals.

“Maybe this election year will work in favor of taxpayers,” he said. “I don’t know of any governor candidate who is going to come out in this stale economy and say I am going to raise your taxes.”

But Sonju is wary of the usual forces that lead to political friction in Helena: There will be pressures to increase funding for schools and state agencies, there will be pressure to hold the line on taxes, and he predicts there will not be a record budget surplus like there was last year.

“I think it’s a good way to look at these issues,” he said of the interim committee’s work. “But the fact remains, you have to take your proposal to the full Legislature and that political environment and it’s hard to get 150 members to go a certain way.”

Reporter Jim Mann may be reached at 758-4407 or by e-mail at jmann@dailyinterlake.com

Legislator says property-tax committee is coming up with ‘tame’ reappraisal numbers
by RICHARD HANNERS

Sometimes timing is everything. Montana’s six-year property-tax reappraisal cycle is coinciding with a nationwide housing slump, paradoxically lumping together the prospect of higher taxes with falling home prices.

But a legislative committee may have good news for homeowners, who could have a serious shot at tax reform this legislative session.

A bill introduced in 2007 by Rep. Mike Jopek, D-Whitefish, authorized the joint Revenue and Transportation Interim Committee to study the state’s property tax system. Jopek said the bipartisan committee has met three times.

Statewide, property values appear to be equalizing on their own, Jopek said. Traditional low-growth areas are growing faster, and high-growth areas are slowing down.

“From a reappraisal point of view, it’s a good time — it’s easier to be equitable,” he said. “However, it makes it harder to change the system.”

The recent housing slump is also making it harder to justify capping property values, something Jopek says he advocates.

At this point, the committee is considering using appraisal numbers from 2003 and looking at other state tax systems. Growth for certain districts is factored in, and the numbers are run through a computer.

“The early numbers from the Department of Revenue are not bad,” Jopek said. “They’re pretty tame.”

Some states cap property values by district, not statewide, he said, and it’s possible to cap property values by counties or even school districts.

“Some areas grow like mad, while others not at all,” Jopek said. “In Montana, the 95 mills that go to education mean high-growth areas tend to pay for low-growth areas.”

He noted that some states use a sales tax to fund education, something that is not likely to happen in Montana.

“I sympathize with the seniors and fixed-income folks, especially in high-growth areas,” he said. “We need to find a solution.”

If the committee sees property taxes doubling, they will likely take a second look at the homestead exemption or other mitigating factors, he said.

“The consensus is that it’s time for homeowners to move up front for tax reform,” Jopek said. “Historically, they’ve come in toward the bottom.”

Among the options — increase the homestead exemption, which currently exempts about one-third of a residential property from taxes, lowering the tax rate or creating new “circuit breakers,” such as a cap on appraisals based on the homeowner’s income level.

Jopek said the revenue department is trying something new this year called “neighborhood modeling.”

“The idea is to compare traditional homes together,” he said. “McMansions are done against each other. Like homes are appraised together.”

Jopek couldn’t say for sure how much tax-shifting might take place locally. Conventional wisdom is that taxes on lakeshore and view properties will increase significantly more than other locations.

“But if they’re second homes and the owners are not paying state income tax, then they’re not contributing to higher education, mental health and other state expenditures,” he said. “So it’s a mixed bag.”

With the legislature typically looking at more than 2,000 bills when it meets in January, and “powerful lobbyists” roaming the halls in Helena, now is the time to study the situation and come up with a solution, Jopek said.

He also noted that the committee would likely call for delaying new reappraisals next year if the numbers indicate too many homeowners will be affected.

In the meantime, a Kalispell man who estimates his property taxes could double in the next reappraisal cycle is collecting signatures for a constitutional initiative that would cap property-tax increases for homeowners at 1.5 percent per year.

John McMenamin said his property taxes doubled over the last reappraisal cycle. His proposed cap would apply only to owner-occupied homes and could be transferred to a spouse, child or grandchild.

The Secretary of State’s office estimates CI-99 could cost the state an estimated $1.7 million by 2010, but it would have “a greater impact on local governments and school districts.” McMenamin, however, said local government would not be hampered because CI-99 does not apply to taxes on commercial property or new development.

A constitutional initiative needs 44,615 signatures to qualify for the ballot. McMenamin said he may not collect enough signatures by the June 20 deadline.

We face issues that at times seem to be overwhelming, climbing food prices, skyrocketing fuel cost, insurance premiums that run amok, and a national debt with no seeming end. A cooperative approach is needed to find practical solutions to these dilemmas, one that embraces Republicans, Democrats, Constitutionalist and Independents alike.

Over the past week, I went to Helena to continue our work on the Revenue and Transportation committee. While at the capital, I met with a lot of good folks from many political leanings and talked about our economy here in Montana, the nation and at the local community level.

During the drive home, I spent some time thinking about how best to assure that we retain our character and allow our communities to prosper, our workers have opportunities and our entrepreneurs undertake business ventures while offering our families hope for an even better tomorrow.

The many discussions lead to familiar themes; continue the elimination of the business equipment tax, decrease personal income taxes across the board, assure predictable property taxation for downtown businesses and homeowners, reform credit practices, advance opportunities for health insurance for small businesses and properly fund community colleges.

Many folks also talked about the how staggering fuel cost, extremely high food expenditures and credit crunches are increasingly problematic. Amongst all these conversations was also a theme of keeping a sense of place, retaining our character and heritage as Montana. Talking care of elderly, the young through education, and preserving our way of life and liberty continue to be paramount.

I’ve enjoyed a tremendous faith in what folks back home consider as solutions. I would very much like it if you could take a few minutes explaining to me how you feel we should best continue to move forward.

In this spirit, I welcome your input, regardless of any given party leaning. I have learned that regular Montanans, business owners, retirees and workers, know best on how to assure that we continue to prosper as a State and community.

I cannot thank you enough for your insight, passion and graciousness in helping to move us forward. I’ll continue to work with our good Governor and any willing Legislator or citizen toward solutions, but need a bit of insight; what’s on your mind.

Thanks,
Mike

mike@mikejopek.com
www.mikejopek.com
250-1184

Our grandmas were right. They fed us simple and wholesome food, kept raspberry jam in the cupboard and taught us to be kind to one another. It’s from their inspiration that I put this most recent email commentary together.

It is not submitted to the media as an oped or a letter to the editor. I simply thought you might enjoy the read. As always, if you have thoughts on the subject, feel free to share them with me.

Thanks,
Mike
www.mikejopek.com
mike@mikejopek.com
250-1184

One People, One Montana
Rep. Mike Jopek

The robins are sure out looking for those worms in the farm soil. The birds are plentiful but they’re still quite skinny. Today I saw the first flicker of the season. The mornings may be chilly but spring is in the air and the annual Creston Auction is but days away.

We’re blessed to live in the Flathead. A look into someone’s eyes, a smile and a handshake represents a lot to us as a people. Sadly, across the nation, this simple gesture of humanity is beginning to be an uncommon phenomenon. But there is plenty of sparkle on the faces of locals in the Flathead.

Many of us are workers or businessmen, living in a railroad and ski town. Some are business owners, other retired or personally wealthy. Most have families. But we share a common bond as people. We often forget this during our daily tribulations. But, in reality, it’s this simple caring for each other, our elders and children, which bring worth and joy into our lives.

Recently, some in our communities want to divide us for personal profit or power. Don’t let them. Remain one community. A people united by our common bond of appreciation.

This is no simple task in the days when we raise kids, care for elderly and try to pay the daily bills. With gas prices through the roof, insurance premiums run amok and food inflation beyond control, it’s easy to be sarcastic and pessimistic about the future.

Recall the reasons for living here; we all have our own stories and memories. Those days still exist but often are more difficult to visualize via the fog of growth. We may be the fastest growing area in the State but we are lucky that our landscape is still open, our air fresh, and our water clean.

Those who seek to perpetuate the divisive way need our help. If someone looks to argue, listen and say kind things about him or her as you explain your point of view. If they are angry, be patient. If we find our neighbors full of fear offer them hope by bringing them homemade cookies. Or if folks are hateful, find the love in your own heart to forgive and forget.

I know it’s a bit odd for citizen politicians to offer these words, but I’m a simple farmer looking for a bit of graciousness from our neighbors in Montana.

Whitefish, the Flathead and Montana are worth struggling for. One day we all will look back and be grateful that we defend our hometowns. It is in this togetherness that we will prosper and create opportunities.

Our biggest challenge is to create the atmosphere of cooperation. To allow people to come together and find those solutions, which move us forward. Montana is on the right trail and working with others, regardless of party affiliation, will keep us strong and united. Have faith in each other.

-Rep. Mike Jopek is a rural farmer and represents the Whitefish area in the State Legislature.

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Rep. Jopek files for re-election
says. “Together, we must continue our labor of service.”

Rural Whitefish farmer, Rep. Mike Jopek (D) filed paperwork for re-election to stand by the folks of the Whitefish area, State House District 04, in the 2009 Legislative session. Jopek seeks to serve his third term from a maximum four terms.

Currently over 200 people have already contributed to the ’09 campaign. “Flathead County residents are telling me that Montana is headed in the right direction,” said Jopek. He plans an old fashioned campaign of listening and talking with voters.

Jopek is again not accepting any political action group (PAC) campaign money. “PAC money comes with expectations,” said Jopek. In ‘04 and ‘06 Jopek refused to take political action group money and some 400 individuals fueled his wins in each cycle by very comfortable margins.

Jopek notes good advances in state funding of K-12 education and steady advancements in local community college and higher education. Homeowner property tax rebates and property tax credits on income taxes are good steps in the right direction. He notes good advancement in clean energy development from wind power to bio fuels.

In ’07, he sponsored and passed laws to protect homeowners from debt foreclosure, clarify gravel pit laws, find property tax reappraisals tools during the interim, and enhance solution to keep public lands accessible and in public hands.

Next session, Jopek sees continued work on health care and assuring that property taxes are lower and more predicable. He stressed the importance of continuing to make the business climate even friendlier and all levels of government more accountable to people.

“I’ll keep working with our Governor and any willing Legislator or citizen to keep Montana the great community it is to raise our families and give our kids the opportunities to succeed,” said Jopek

Known as a hard worker and independent minded, Jopek is currently a member of the House interim committee on Revenue and Transportation. During the session he served on Taxation and Agriculture committees.

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Hope, Fear, Property Taxes and Montanans
-Rep. Mike Jopek

In Helena, Democrats and Republicans are getting along nicely to mitigate the effects of the 2009 property tax reappraisal in a cooperative manner. The Revenue and Transportation Committee is entrusted with finding solutions for local businesses and homeowners to the property tax reappraisal. As one of the Legislators on this committee, I see folks rolling up sleeves to do the people’s work with an open ear.

On our farmstead, barn cats and farm dogs sometimes spat. Likewise cynics say that it’s not possible for politicians to be trusted to work on behalf of people. But Legislators, unlike farmyard pets, are coming together as people, not partisans, with a common interest in assuring that property taxes do not rise due to reappraisals. Our common bonds as Montanans are strong, a refreshing change and lesson from the bullying majority of the 2007 Montana House.

Our Constitution requires that Montana “appraise, assess and equalize the valuation of all property”. The next reappraisal should be implemented in 2009. By law, every six years the Revenue Department establishes and equalizes property values.

It’s understandable why homeowners and local businesses are saying that property taxes are unpredictable or too high; I agree. We are burdened by near $4 per gallon gas prices, overly high health insurance costs, skyrocketing interest debt, and home heating prices that have run amok; all causing elderly and folks to choose between gas, medicine, food or heat. Given this scenario, the people’s government is an easy target; at least some of us listen and act accordingly, which is more that we can say about unregulated insurance costs or gas prices.

It’s refreshing to see that there will be neighborhood modeling in the 2009 reappraisal. This will help to assure that tax valuations are equitably applied, and not by comparing “mc-mansions” to regular homes. Traditional homes should be valued next to other traditional homes.

We are beginning to see tax valuations in high growth areas slowing and even decreasing, while tax valuations in low growth areas have escalated more than expected. This is good, for tax purposes, because equalization is much easier when there are not wild differentials between the low and high growth areas of Montana. It allows for simpler and more equitable tax rate reductions and increased homestead and comstead exemptions from valuation.

We need more and better circuit breakers for anomalies in the system. Sometimes odd situations require targeted relief. There will be molding of concrete ideas in the coming days including expanded caps, and better income bracket relief.

But most exciting, is the Committee agreed to look at what other states have done in terms of reform. To model other states strategies upon Montana’s system using 2003 reappraisal numbers and real, new construction growth. This is good news for many of us looking to reform property taxes of Montana homeowners and local businesses. Other States have had great successes and there is no reason why we cannot utilize these successes.

We’ll see a lot more material in April, then again as the crop season advances. The Revenue and Transportation Committee meets all the way to the snow season of 2008, giving us the needed time to forge bonds and fully vet solutions to property taxes, and honor local businesses and homeowners with the deserved respect.

I’ve talked and listened to enough folks to know that if it looks like our optimism is too fancy, we have plenty of time to delay property tax reappraisal implementation in the 2009 session. Some may find there is no urgency or willingness to change the present tax structure and decide to pass the ball onto following session, thought the climate is right today for reforming the property tax reappraisal system.

I’ll continue to work with our Governor and any willing Legislator or citizen to assure that all Montanans are fairly represented in the process. Some of our best solutions are coming from the folks back home; this work would not proceed without continued good input. Keep the ideas coming as listening is the precursor to solutions.

Only a handful of hardheads still doubt that the 2009 property tax solutions should target Montanans and not out-of-state corporations making record profit at the pumps. Democrats and Republicans can agree to do right by Montanans. Our common bond should be our farmers, local businesses and homeowners; the elderly, retirees and families striving to do right by our children.

Civility and respect go along way in politics, and hope is still stronger and more vibrant than fear. It’s common values, which will reform our statewide property tax system and assure no-increases due to reappraisals.

-Rep. Mike Jopek is an independent minded farmer representing the Whitefish area in the Legislature currently as a Democrat. He serves on the Revenue and Transportation Committee charged with mitigating property tax reappraisals under HB 488 and can be emailed at mjopek@mt.gov .

Montana’s Public Land; A Long-Term Asset
-Rep. Mike Jopek

Recently we acquired a terrier-mix puppy for farm duties, a handsome chicken dog. And as a result, spent countless hours walking, over open land, in an attempt exercise some of that new energy in our household.

These walks renewed my deep conviction that we, as a State, are blessed to live in one of the most beautiful areas of our County. Our public lands are open, our water is clean and our air fresh. How lucky we are as a people, a community.

One of the difficult tasks associated with training a dog for farm duties, has been the “leave it” command. Puppies have a tricky time leaving things alone. They are just so curious about everything and have endless energy to contribute to tasks like chewing.

Many years back the, City of Whitefish, Flathead County, Department of Natural Resources, State Land Board and countless concerned citizens joined in a collaborative planning approach to assure that the 13,000 acres of State public lands surrounding Whitefish would remain nearly development-free.

This was no easy task, but hundreds of folks from the KM area, Spencer Mountain, Swift Creek, Beaver Lake, Haskill Basin and Happy Valley all joined in this effort to preserve our public lands and keep the lands open for recreation, timber harvest, economic vitality and hunting.

Whitefish, the Land Board, and Flathead County jointly adopted a neighborhood plan, which has become a model across the State of Montana. It spells out in clear terms that the bulk intent of these forestlands is for the long-term economic benefit of conservation. That we should manage for traditional and recreational uses in accordance with community values.

In the past couple of Legislative sessions we have worked extremely hard on finding common ground on conservation legislation. This would be very good for schools, as conservation of these forestlands would bring into K-12 educations about a $1million per year for kids, and alleviate a load to taxpayers.

And as homeowners, local businesses and schools can attest, we need new tools to fund education and pull on the reins of the yoke on the necks of taxpayers. Looking toward approaches with overwhelming and broad community support is a great start.

In 2005 Montanans changed the law such that when the Land Board converts State lands for commercial uses, they must consider local planning in that process. To their credit the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation took it a bit further to consult with locals on all real estate projects on State land, a welcome change from the divisive politics of old.

In the 2007 House not one Flathead member of the majority would support even a simple 50-year termed conservation of public lands with 10-year reviews, never mind permanent solutions. Ironically, these same types of termed lease provisions are given freely to good corporations like Costco or Lowe’s on public lands right here in the Flathead.

As SB 391 was dead, our hopes squashed for the second Legislative term, 2005 suffering a similar fate with a lot of the same voices of opposition. A study bill, HJ 57, is currently conducting an interim study to find consensus amongst good folks and public land conservation will be back again in some form in 2009. And solutions look promising.

My hope is that cooler heads will prevail and a permanent or reasonable compromise reached, with an outreached hand across the aisle. I have faith and hope for a more post partisan majority in the 2009 House to proceed collaboratively, no tolerance for bullying.

The study bill intent for State public lands is clear; do right by our school kids, work with others interested in conservation of State lands, preserve traditional and historic uses like recreation and timber management, and find common ground on a multiple use strategy to keep these precious lands in the public domain.

No doubt that the partnerships to build public pathways throughout the forestlands around Whitefish will begin as the snow melts. This stride forward initiates a smaller portion on the comprehensive plan put together in the early days by the collaboration. Keeping these lands in public hands will be a task for years to come.

The State forestlands of the Flathead are the public’s largest asset and a driving force behind our local economy. We need more solutions to help fund our schools and conservation is a great long term and forward-looking step.

Just as we teach our farm dogs’ commands like “leave it”, we must also be observant in protecting the assets that we share in common; clean water, open public lands and fresh air. This is not a partisan issue, but it sure acts that way on the floor of the House in Helena.

As we continue to train our dog “leave it”, because no farmer can tolerate a puppy with a hen in mouth, we sure appreciate our great Flathead quality of life. The Whitefish area locals know our public lands should be historically and traditionally used while managed for the benefit of school kids. These public assets deserve to be conserved for long-term economic benefit.

State conservation of the local public forestlands of the Flathead will take local support. Let me know if you have some time and interest to spare.

Rep. Mike Jopek is an independent minded farmer who serves the Whitefish area as a Democrat.

Democrats and Republicans; be Montanans first
-Rep. Mike Jopek

Many friends have been calling and emailing lately and saying the same thing “Mike you have got to run as an Independent.” Maybe so, after all, my father is a staunch Republican and my Mom a Democrat. I grew up in a family that shared values, just as countless other families across America.

This is not so uncommon. We all get up in the morning and go to work together, we ski on the same hill, shop at the same stores, and pray at the same churches. Our kids attend the same schools, we cycle together at the WAVE, skate at the Ice Den and all seek medical help at our fantastic new community hospital. No one ever ask for party affiliation at these fine establishments.

So why should we care about it in Helena? Sure there are some basic party differences, and rightly so. But realistically, the friendships developed across the aisle are the paths to get anything done. Anyone who thinks politics is actually an intellectual sport should refer to his or her own heart and do a gut-check. The things that matter are not the petty politics or power struggles but rather what helps folks back in our hometown, what is good for Montana.

Community minded people do not think of themselves first as partisan. This seems to be a learned and browbeaten trait, particularly for politicians. Newcomers to our area often have a difficult time unraveling the partisan politics of DC with the politics of Montana. After all is not a Democrat from DC, the same as a Democrat from Montana.

Hardly. But it is an effective method developed by talk show radio and other pundits to portray folks, as they truly are not. It serves to emotionally tantalize a belief but really is very inaccurate.

But Montana does share a basic feature with DC: special interest political action groups are everywhere trying to peddle influence. They fund campaigns with PAC dollars, spend huge amounts on their own ads and mailings, wine and dine folks outside the Capital and generally try to bulldoze their way for the paying clients they represent. Now before we go overboard on lobbyists, do know that many non-profit lobbyists are the finest friends of our community and State.

In Helena there are thousands of bills before us. Many of them deal with very similar issues but have a different perspective or solutions. This is why I find the special interest groups voting record to be a bit disingenuous. Which bills and votes special interest scores you on is their attempt at pigeon holing you to fit the mold of their own entrenched interest.

I have carried many bills that share Republican values, from lowering taxes, to reforming immigrations laws. I have also sponsored many that are viewed Democratic by nature, keeping our waters clean, funding schools and conserving public lands. But really I vote, sponsor and work on issue which are reflective of my conscience, heart and community. Party positions do not dictate how I vote, pray or listen.

I have spent countless Tuesday lunches along with our Republican Lieutenant Governor working and praying, with Democrats and Republicans, for a better tomorrow and a more-kind path. I have tremendous respect that our Lieutenant Governor is the State Chair for Sen. John McCain as this is truly reflective of his beliefs and passions. And praises to Democratic Governor Schweitzer for being the only elected split-ticket team in America.

The harsh bickering of the 2007 Legislative House Session was not the product of partisan politics but rather the personal, agenda driven philosophy of a few power brokers in the majority seeking a joy ride. What they neglect to see, still to this day, is that Montana does not want or deserve to go along for a ride. We are a community minded people that share common values with our friends and neighbors. We want and expect our leaders to work it out. But we cannot legislate civility; only voters can make that decision.

Friends, for now, I remain an independent minded Democrat. If my constituents choose, I will do my time and serve my community in the State House but have absolutely no further goals in the political arena. I seek a new path in 2012, as I am a market farmer who enjoys keeping my hands in the soil. This is good for my soul and fresh food is good for all of us together.

I love my family, community and State dearly and see firsthand that Helena politics and the time away from home have the tremendous cost of personal and family sacrifice. I have the faith and trust to currently serve and seek to bring good people together to help our communities grow, our families to get stronger, and our local businesses to prosper. This is in our best interest.

Thanks to the friends who send kind notes and call for my emancipation from the Party. I simply ask that both Republicans and Democrats continue to dialog, work together as neighbors, to love one another as brother and sisters. And sing Kumbaya together, for the benefit of Montana.

-Rep. Mike Jopek is a rural Whitefish farmer and servers the area in the State Legislature as an independent minded Democrat.