MFU/ Great Falls Tribune to Host Congressional Debate
Representative Ryan Zinke (R) Denise Juneau (D) Mike Fellows, Libertarian
Agriculture Front & Center at Congressional Debate in October
Montana Farmers Union is pleased to announce it will co-host a congressional debate with the Great Falls Tribune at the Great Falls College MSU on Oct. 5 from 6-7 pm. The public is welcome to attend the debate which will take place at Heritage Hall. If you can’t make it in person there are several ways to catch the debate. KFBB-TV will be broadcasting and streaming the debate live online and will re-air on ABC/FOX/NBC. You can also catch the debate on Yellowstone Public Radio, Northern Broadcasting and streaming live on Star Radio.
The debate panel will include a representative from the Great Falls Tribune, KFBB-TV and Montana Farmers Union Board Member Jan Tusick. Candidates to participate include Representative Ryan Zinke, State Superintendent of Public Education Denise Juneau and Libertarian Party State Chair Mike Fellows.
“We are pleased the candidates have accepted the opportunity to debate in Great Falls on issues important to not just rural communities but to all Montanans,” said Montana Farmers Union President Alan Merrill. “MFU is grateful to all our debate partners who are working hard to make this event happen and accessible to Montanans statewide including the Great Falls Tribune, Great Falls College MSU, KFBB/Cowles Media and the radio stations who will be airing live or streaming the debate online.”
MFU reached out to the candidates to ask for comment on why they feel it is important to debate in Great Falls, and more specially what issues they see as important concerning agriculture at the state and national level.
“It is important to debate in Great Falls with the Farmers Union hosting because Montana agriculture is not monolithic,” said Representative Zinke. “Ag is still our biggest industry; we have grain, sheep, cattle, pulse crops and more. Each sector has its own unique challenges when it comes to trade, labeling, insurance, taxes and regulations. I formed my Agriculture Advisory Committee to help guide me on these issues, and I’m happy to have the Farmers Union participate on that board and give me guidance on a number of issues including industrial hemp. Under this president, agriculture is suffering its three worst years since the depression and young farmers and ranchers trying to get started are facing incredibly tough times. I am looking forward to discussing all these topics and showing the clear differences between my opponent and me.”
Superintendent Juneau also provided comment on the issues she sees as important when addressing agriculture. “I’m pleased Congressman Zinke has agreed to debate me in Great Falls and address the issues Montana farmers and ranchers face each day,” said Juneau. “Agriculture is a key component of Montana’s economy, and it is important farmers and ranchers know where I stand on things like climate change, energy production, food labeling and trade agreements. I’m in this race to put the needs of our people and land first, grow our economy, and ensure the next generation has the chance to build a bright future.”
Libertarian candidate Mike Fellows is a graduate of the University of Montana. Fellows says if folks are looking for smaller government and lower taxes than he is the right candidate for them. “I look forward to discussing the issues of individual liberty,” said Fellows. “This includes economic freedom in the world of agriculture.”
The public is encouraged to arrive early as seating is limited at Heritage Hall which is located at 2100 16th Ave South in Great Falls. The following media partners will be airing or streaming the debate for your enjoyment:
Yellowstone Public Radio Station List: visit: http://ypradio.org/listening-area#stream/0.
Star Radio: http://www.1017thestar.com/
KFBB-TV: http://www.kfbb.com/
