Issue Position: Tom McGillvray's Ten Principles of Good Government

Issue Position

I believe principled leadership is needed in Montana politics. Therefore, if elected, I will stand for and pursue the following principles:

1. Leadership involves vision, integrity and mutual respect, not manipulation, insults or an "end justifies the means" approach.
2. Political or business cronyism, bribes and self-serving "deals" are wrong. Everyone must play by the same rules.
3. Taxes rates should be broad-based, flat and low, competitive with other states and easy to comply with.
4. Vigilance must be applied to limit the excessive growth of government and to root out frivolous spending, waste and fraud.
5. The traditional family is the most important unit in society. Without family there is no state. State law and policy should place families central in its deliberations.
6. Education is a key to civil society, happiness and accomplishment. Education policy should allow for competition and be guided by what is best for children.
7. Public lands belong to the people. They must not be sold and the right to hunt, fish and recreate on them should be preserved by lawmakers.
8. The second amendment, the right to bear arms, should be protected.
9. State government has a compelling interest in the health and safety of its citizens. Health insurance affordability, crime abatement and safety of the community must be prioritized in budget and law.
10. Economic growth is created through respect for private property, fair tax policy, the rule of law and a regulatory climate that enables business growth to benefit the individual, the family and civil society.

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