Weeks-O’Neal, FourStar Seek House 31 Seat

Natalie Weeks-O’Neal of Poplar and Lance FourStar of Wolf Point are the two candidates for House District 31. Incumbent Frank Smith isn’t running for re-election.

Both Weeks-O’Neal and FourStar are Democrats. The primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2. No Republicans have filed for the position.

The candidates answered the following questions from the Northern Plains Independent. 1. Why did you decide to run for the House District 31 position? Weeks-O’Neal: I decided to run because I love this community and want to serve the people who raised me. I grew up here, and I see the challenges families face every day. I also come from families that have served as leaders for many generations for the tribe and our communities – that impacted me growing up. I want to make sure our voices are heard at the state level. We deserve leaders who understand rural life, respect our values, and will fight for better opportunities for our kids and future generations.

FourStar: Not for the money, fame, recognition or because I am a glutton for punishment. Many don’t understand what this position demands: sacrifice. Time away from family growing up at home while serving is difficult. The pay for four months of work during the twoyear term won’t get anyone rich. I am running because our community needs a voice that understands the weight of that sacrifice and is willing to carry it to ensure our interests are heard in Helena. 2. Describe your background and experience.

Weeks-O’Neal: I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy and have worked in health care, education and community programs. My profession is based on helping people recover from injuries and live healthier lives. I have also taught students in college programs and worked tirelessly to grow the next generation of health care workers. I have experience working with tribal and rural communities, and I understand how to bring people together to solve problems. I helped design the PT clinic at the Thundering Buffalo Health and Wellness Center, which provided me the opportunity to finally move home after many years away. One of my proudest moments was being there for our first day of opening the PT clinic to patients.

FourStar: My experience is rooted in leadership and service at every level. I serve as a city councilman for Wolf Point and have led as the chairman of the Fort Peck Assiniboine Council. Beyond our local borders, I am a U.S. Army veteran and have served three terms as the treasurer for the Montana Democratic Party. Professionally, I operate Legacy Fourstar Consultants, where I navigate the complexities of tribal, state and federal governmental affairs. My background is not just in policy, but in the lived reality of our people.

3. What do you feel are the key

issues facing Montana and House District 31?

Weeks-O’Neal: The biggest issues I see are health care, education and keeping our agriculture strong. Many families struggle to find affordable health care close to home. Our schools need support so our kids can succeed and stay connected to their culture and community. We need good jobs so people don’t have to leave to make a living. These issues affect both Native and non-Native families across our district. Our local farmers and ranchers face rising costs, sustainability issues, and market instability. Our leaders need to support policies that protect family operations, improve access to markets, and provide financial tools to sustain multi-generational agriculture.

FourStar: We are at a crossroads regarding our resources and our safety. Key issues include protecting our water rights and managing the socioeconomic impacts of energy infrastructure and pipeline expansions. Furthermore, we must address the crisis of missing per-

sons and community violence by demanding higher judicial transparency. In District 31, the priority is ensuring that state policy respects tribal jurisdiction and provides the economic stability our rural families depend on.

4. Do you have any opinion of how to improve the health care system for Montanans?

Weeks-O’Neal: Yes. We need to bring more health care workers to rural areas and support the ones we already have. That means training local students for health care jobs and helping clinics stay open. We should also focus on prevention – helping people stay healthy so they don’t get sick in the first place. Care should be close to home, aordable and respectful of all cultures.

FourStar: Improving health care requires a focus on accessibility for our most remote areas. We need to strengthen the integration between tribal health systems and state resources to ensure no one is left behind due to geography. We must also prioritize veteran- specific care and ensure our law enforcement and first responders have the training necessary to handle health crises eectively. It is about making the system work for the patient, not the bureaucracy.

5. What were you the most disappointed with regarding the Montana Legislature’s actions during the past session?

Weeks-O’Neal: I was most disappointed that not enough focus was put on rural communities. Too many decisions are made without fully understanding what life is like out here far away from Helena and the urban areas.. We need more action on health care access, education funding and support for working families. Our communities deserve to be a priority, not an afterthought.

FourStar: I was most disappointed by the disregard for historical integrity and the friction created in inter-jurisdictional relations. There have been concerning eorts to modify interpretive signage and historical narratives at our national monuments and battlefields. The legislature should be protecting our heritage and fostering cooperation with tribal nations, rather than creating regulatory hurdles that complicate policy development and harm our state-tribal relations. 6. Since the Democrats will likely remain in the minority for the Montana House, how have you proven that you can work with others with di_erent opinions than yours?

Weeks-O’Neal: Throughout my career, I have worked with many dierent people — health care teams, educators, and community leaders. We don’t always agree, but we find common ground because the goal is to help people. I listen first, respect others’ views, and focus on solutions. That’s how real progress happens, especially in a rural community where we all depend on each other.

FourStar: Eective representation requires the ability to negotiate across the aisle. My track record as a public member of the Modernization And Risk Analysis committee and my work in municipal government proves I can deliver results in non-partisan and bipartisan environments. As a consultant and a party leader, I have spent years finding common ground between state, federal, and tribal entities. I don’t just talk about cooperation; I have practiced it throughout my career to ensure the work gets done, regardless of who holds the majority.