Sidney Small Business Owner Fred Lake Announces Run for State Senate

Fred Lake has announced his candidacy for the State Senate District 19 seat currently held by Sen. Don Steinbeisser. The Senate District includes portions of Richland, Dawson and Wibaux counties.

"I want to make sure Eastern Montana's growth continues in a responsible way, and ensure that our communities remain viable," said Lake. "The growth we're experiencing in Eastern Montana should not be boom and bust. In the legislature, I will help create diversified business opportunities and jobs, so that our young people will have the opportunity to stay within the region."

Fred currently operates the M&M Cafe in Sidney for his parents, Martin and Marilyn Lake, and has two sons, Vaun and Weston.

"As a small business owner, I understand the importance of a well-educated workforce," continued Lake. "That's why I will work with local educators to increase and further develop the educational opportunities within the region."

Lake is active in the community as a member of Richland Economic Development, as well as the Sidney Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, where he serves as chairman of the Sports and Recreation committee. He is also chairman of the community action group for housing in Richland County.

"I will work together with both sides of the aisle to keep the Oil Revenue Funds utilized in the impacted regions of Montana," added Lake. "Montana has had a variety of natural resource development throughout the state and a precedent is already in place to determine how that money is distributed. The oil revenue from Eastern Montana should stay in our communities to develop our infrastructure for the long term."

Fred was born in Sidney and raised on a farm south of Lambert. He graduated from Lambert High School and Montana State University. While at MSU, he was commissioned an Air Force Officer through the Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) and stationed at Buckley AFB in Aurora, CO. Capt. Lake became an instructor at the Air Force Undergraduate Space Training facility, Vandenburg AFB, California. He earned a Master's Degree in Telecommunications Management while working for Qwest Communications through Webster University.

Fred will be campaigning throughout the year leading up to the election. He hopes to meet with most of the voters in the district face-to-face in the coming months. Any comments, questions or support can be sent to Fred Lake for State Senate Campaign, PO Box 120, Lambert, MT 59243 or [email protected].