I mean, who am I, really?
Well, I’m a third generation Montanan from Helena. I graduated from Helena High School in 2000 and then moved to Missoula in 2001 to attend the university.
I kicked around for a bit doing odd jobs before finally taking the plunge with student loans in 2005. I graduated in 2008 with a BA in History and quickly moved to China to teach English.
I lived over there for 5 years, got married to a Russian woman named Evgenyia, and now we have a nearly-3-year-old son named Paul.
We live in Missoula now and we’re troubled with the direction this state and this country is headed. No matter how hard we work we can’t seem to get ahead, and it just seems that Paul’s life will be worse than ours.
I want to address those concerns, and here’s why I think I’d be the best candidate for Missoula’s HD 98 legislative seat.
No Problems with Alcohol Here
Hey, I followed the legislative news and goings on pretty good – my grandpa was a state senator and stayed at our house during one session! The fact that I’m not going to be carousing down there each night – alright, I might head down and socialize, but I’ll be drinking coke – means that I’ll be clearheaded each day and ready, willing, and able to get down to business.
A Proven Writer
Legislators have to write bills and I think it’s a fair bet I can figure out how to write the gist of a draft bills pretty quickly. Not to mention speeches, media talking points, and written committee reports.
I’m looking forward to helping others write while I’m in the legislature. I think that’s a great way to make friends across the aisle, helping them with some research and writing out their thoughts on key issues.
Things like that make a difference and people remember it. And by doing those little things it makes it easier to find common ground on the larger issues.
Public Speaking
I talked in front of people for 5 years while I was in China, both classrooms full of students and my peers when I had to do training sessions. And I’ve talked to bosses about problems and solutions, even when they wanted to hear neither.
The fact that I now write professionally only means I’m an even more effective communicator. I’d love to speak for others on issues when they don’t want to, because let’s face it, not everyone likes to get up and speak in front of a crowd or even a few people.
Having a voice that speaks more in-depth when you don’t want to is a great way to introduce a bill or talk about legislation is a big deal for others, especially if they know and agree with what you’re going to say. I can’t help but think actions like that will make the legislature a better place for all.
Social Media Power
I have to make connections with readers, even when they have no idea who I am.
It’s not a far-stretch of the imagination at all to think I’ll be able to work wonders with blog posts, Facebook shout-outs, YouTube legislative proceedings, and Montana legislative Tweets.
I can do all of that stuff, and I can get other people interested in that. Too many of our legislators are older folks that just don’t have the social media and technological know-how to utilize these ever increasing tools.
These tools are only going to grow in importance, and sending someone to the legislature that knows their power and how to utilize them only makes sense.
Montana, Give Me a Chance
Right now I’m doing well with my campaign, and have some walk cards and remittance envelopes coming soon.
What I really need is the confidence of voters and to win the primary in June. Money will sure help with that, and I’m asking all concerned Montana Democrats to donate to my campaign on ActBlue.
Hey, I don’t like giving money to politicians anymore than you do, but the fact is, that legislature is going to decide a lot of things that directly affect you.
You want someone that’s got your best interests at heart. Help elect me, Greg Standberg, for HD 98 – donate today!