In light of the election of Greg DeVries for HD75, representing Jefferson County, I find myself contemplating the Montana voter and how we make decisions.
As a Jefferson County voter, and a proud graduate of the state university system, I attended two forums at which DeVries and his opponent spoke. He made it very clear that he does not believe in public education nor will he vote to fund it. His extreme views were published in the Boulder Monitor and in editorials in the Independent Record. But does the average voter study the local newspapers and go to forums? I had hoped so, but now I am unsure.
To date, Rep. DeVries is one of only three legislators who voted against HB303, the School Funding Bill, which adjusts current funding to more accurately reflect inflationary increases. He also introduced HB159, which would eliminate compulsory education, amending the Montana Code to do away with attendance regulations and make enrollment voluntary.
