sons and community violence ….

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.