Smith, Taylor Seek House District Seat
Area voters will have a choice to make between a long-time legislator and a political newcomer in the election for House District 31.
Republican Kevin Taylor is challenging incumbent Frank Smith in the Nov. 5 election.
Taylor, who lives just outside of Glasgow, said it’s up to the voters if they want someone with fresh eyes and fresh ears in the state legislature.
“It’s going to be a pretty tight race,” Taylor predicted. “We’ve done the best that we can to go out and talk with people.”
Issues that he has been hearing the most about include the drug problem, the economy, the cost of housing and a shortage of skilled laborers.
“If people get a chance to talk to me, they like what I have to say,” Taylor said.
Smith has served in Helena for 23 years including eight years in the State Senate.
The Democrat from Poplar says he has a history of working with Republicans if the legislation is good for northeastern Montana.
Smith plans to sponsor two bills in the upcoming legislative session to benefit veterans. He doesn’t feel veterans should get taxed when they get paid and then get taxed again in their retirement.
Other priorities for Smith include protecting the buffalo and protecting tribal traditional heritage. One item that Taylor and Smith agree upon is the importance of people voting.
“Everybody got out to vote. It’s one of the biggest freedoms that we have,” Taylor said.
Smith added, “Local people need to get involved in politics. We shouldn’t have just a 33 percent turnout.”
