Montana Farm Bureau Political Action Committee Endorses Joel Krautter In MT House District 35 Race

Joel Krautter, who is running for the Montana Legislature in House District 35, has announced the endorsement of the Montana Farm Bureau's Political Action Committee. Krautter has had agriculture at the center of his campaign, along with infrastructure, since first announcing his decision to run with Sidney Sugars as his backdrop. He recognizes that agriculture is not only a driving force for the local economy, but a way of life that impacts all Richland County residents to some extent. Statewide, Richland County is the top producer of sugar beets and safflower, the 8th largest producer of barley, and the 13th largest livestock center.

"I'm honored to receive this endorsement; the Montana Farm Bureau Political Action Committee is a strong voice on farm and ranch issues at the Montana Legislature," Krautter stated. "I've spent quite a bit of time talking to farmers and ranchers about their concerns and I think they realize that I'm a candidate who would represent them throughout the legislative session."

Two of those concerns are the Intake Diversion Dam fish passage project, which is currently at a court level, and the increasing anti-GMO movement. According to Krautter, farmers and ranchers would like to get the word out that genetically modified crops are safe and necessary to increase crop yields and keep the cost of food down.

"With the prices of cattle, wheat, and grain down, it's a tough time for farmers and ranchers. As a legislator, I will represent those in agriculture and I will work to address their concerns," he said.

Krautter grew up in Deer Lodge, MT and graduated from Powell County High School; he then attended Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, graduating in 2011 with Bachelor of Science degree in government pre-law. Krautter graduated from the University of Montana in Missoula in May 2014 with his JD and went on to pass the Montana Bar. In August of 2014 Krautter moved to Sidney and began working for the Netzer Law Office; he was appointed City Attorney in November of 2015 and has been active with the local Republican Central Committee since his arrival.

Over the course of his campaign Krautter has enjoyed visiting with Richland County residents, taking time to listen to them, and answer their questions. Last week he toured the Savage Mine and Sidney Sugars, talking to employees of both. He also attended the Town Hall Meeting in Sidney on April 11th.

"It's been busy," he commented of campaigning. "It seems like every day I'm doing something to prepare for the June 7th election."

The next candidate forum will be held May 19th at Girard Hall and is being sponsored by the Girard Homemakers. Anyone that would like to meet with Krautter over coffee to ask questions and voice concerns before the forum can contact him by phone at 406-560-5952 or 406-482-9610, by email at [email protected], or visit his website at http://www.joelforrichlandco.com.