State Legislature 2022: Carole Boerner - Billings Chamber of Commerce

What is your 'why' behind running for office?

I’m running for office because I am tired of politicians not listening and representing their constituents. I am also concerned that the Montana Constitution is not only endanger but we haven’t fully embraced it. I believe embracing the Constitution would allow for every Montanan to thrive.

What are your three most important policy priorities? What do you hope will be the impact of implementing these policies?

Protect the Constitution and embody the Articles within it.
Fair Taxation – the State’s revenue generation is unfair and hurts Montanans and Montana businesses.
Housing – The out-of-control housing situation benefits big, out-of-state corporations. Let’s get back to a place where we have affordable housing.

Do you agree that control and authority should generally be returned to local communities? If so, how? If not, why?

Amen! Issues in Billings are different than Kalispell. I have discussed with members of the Billings City Council ways the Legislature can help or hurt local government. From burdensome regulations to nixing housing ordinances. The City Council knows what’s best for Billings and take on the burden of laws put into place by the State. I plan to continue to discuss issues with Council Members.

What do you hope to work on, or see passed, at the legislature to address safety issues in our community?

When I moved to Billings in 2004, I began volunteering at the YCDC. I understand that many describe this as a safety issue and by no means to I want to take away from Montanan’s basic need for safety. I also fully believe that the burden put on our police and fire departments can be reduced by increasing the mental health resources available to those who find themselves under DOC supervision. The recent renovation of YDC helped the situation still people are not getting mental health help. Additionally, many of the BFD calls are related to mental health issues. We need to get people help and we need to provide the resources for these services.

What can Montana do to ensure we have access to affordable and reliable energy, while planning for and transitioning to a less carbon-reliant energy future?

I just installed solar panels on my roof. I would love to see more incentives for business to utilize renewable energy. I propose increasing the tax rebates for such investment and making the DEQ revolving loan program no interest for businesses.

Do you think more lodging tax revenue should be returned to the areas that generated the revenue? Or is the money better used elsewhere?

Absolutely! The burden of tourism falls on the local government. Let’s move to getting as much as possible to local governments.

Do you support local option tax authority? If so, what provisions would you like to see in the proposal? If not, how would you address rising property taxes without reducing essential services like public safety?

I’m for a tiered property tax structure such that properties with a lower value are taxed at a lower rate and properties with higher values are at higher rates. Also, the number of properties owned by individuals and corporations need to be considered in this tiered system. Fine for a person or corporation to own say 4 properties in the State but then a higher rate goes into effect at owning 5 or more properties. Wealthy out-of-state individuals and corporations are taking the Montana way of life away from Montanans.

What can the legislature do to incentivize building more housing, streamline the process, and/or make it easier to embrace new housing technologies?

My answer regarding property taxes will help with affordable housing. The 2021 Legislature took control of incentivized building away from local governments. Let’s repeal that. Out-of-state corporations are making a fortune off their rental properties in Montana.