Jedediah Hinkle

Jedediah Hinkle's career experience includes owning a business.[1]

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What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

My top three priorities would be 1. Continue to work towards creating an atmosphere in the legislature where both parties and all individuals, not only get along but actually respect and appreciate each other as individuals who have value. 2. To work on my leadership role with the Senate Fish and Game committee and with the Legislative Sportsmen/womens caucus in supporting our heritage as outdoor recreationists. 3. Support finding solutions to lowering healthcare costs, high property tax costs, and lowering other fiscal burdens on Montana residents and businesses.[8][9]

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?

The areas of public policy that I am passionate about are fishing, hunting, and out door recreation. I earned my degree in fish and wildlife management and work in native trout conservation/restoration. As an avid hunter and fishermen from my youth and by working on our public lands, they have become my passion and is why I have moved up in a legislative leadership role in these areas. I am also passionate about reducing fiscal burdens on residents, and upholding personal freedom/liberty, freeing us from the burdens of excessive government regulations.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[9]

[the profile publisher] also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Jedediah Hinkle answered the following:

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The most important Principles for an elected official is 1. Doing what you say you are going to do, and voting in congruence with the platform and promises you have made to the voters in your district. 2. Upholding the State and Federal Constitution, preserving personal freedom and retaining a government that serves the people rather than requiring the people to serve it. 3. To treat all people no matter what side of the isle they are on, with respect and friendship. I have learned that a kind word to those with opposing views, will not only lift their spirits but also encourage cooperation help in finding reasonable solutions to the issues at hand.[9]

What qualities do you possess that would make you a successful officeholder?

On any given issue, I have an ability to look at it from different angles, this allows me to find potential problems, and highlight those most positive and commonsense aspects. I have a friendly nature, that appreciates all people, even those on the other side of my political views. This helps to build trust, a positive working relationship, and in-turn lends to accomplishing more in the long run. I am an honest person, who is more interested in doing what I feel is right, rather than to bow down to the pressure often exerted in politics. Because of my resolve, I have made some very difficult votes, but I can look myself in the mirror without regret.[9]

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave the legacy that I was well respected as a policy maker, one who looked for solutions, kept my word, treated others with kindness, and was known for being consistent.[9]

What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?

My favorite "thing" Person at home has to be my wife. I spent so many years where I did not have a significant other, waiting for the right one. Shortly after my election in 2014 my wife and I started dating, and within a year we were married. We built a home together the following year, and I appreciate finally having the opportunity to come home and share in her company. She is an amazing supporter and encourages me in all that I do. She is independent, smart, and someone that I can learn from myself![9]

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

It is beneficial in Montana for Legislators to have previous political experience for the simple fact that they have a history of knowledge with past legislation, issues, and processes. In Montana we have term limits, and a lot of that institutional knowledge is lost when a legislator is termed out. However, I do not believe political experience is necessary, and believe most every citizen can learn and do a good job in the legislature![9]

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

1. Balancing our increasing budgets without raising taxes, and finding ways to lower or cap the property tax which is literally taxing residents out of their homes. 2. Balancing between environmental concerns and our natural resource industries which have been historically significant. The state is largely split on the issues of natural resources and the environment, which is cause for contention. 3. Working towards what the state of Montana can do to decrease healthcare costs.[9]

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

The ideal relationship between the Legislature and the Governor is one of identifying a common goal and working towards that goal, but always accepting the fact that separate branches of government were created for checks and balances. It should be difficult for legislation to make it through the whole process.[9]

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, building relationships, builds trust, and creates an atmosphere where individuals are eager to help each other, which in-turn increases chances for finding good solutions to issues at hand. Building relationships and creating a good working environment also increases the publics trust in there government process. I just wish the media would focus on the positives and where both sides come together (which is the majority of the time) rather than always focusing on contention. If the public knew more of the positive relationship building that goes on in the legislature, they would seek to build more relationships outside of the legislature and make a stronger State/Nation.[9]

If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?

What is most amazing is the way your view of a particular piece of legislation changes by hearing pubic testimony. You will listen to the proponents of a particular bill, and in your mind, you are thinking "why would anyone vote against this, this sounds great". Then you listen to the opponents of the bill, and you are like "wow, there are some issues here". After all is said and done, it puts you in a position to keep the positives and correct the negatives hopefully to bring both sides to the table and pass responsible legislation![9]

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

I currently am the Vice-Chair of the Senate Fish and Game Committee.[9]

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

One particular story always comes to mind. I met a couple who were in their late 50's or early 60's who had expressed to me that have had health insurance for 30 years. That year, due to the excessive rising costs after the Affordable Health Care Act was passed, they had to cancel their insurance. Here they were in the time of there lives where they needed healthcare the most but could not afford $1,200/month. That is a scary situation and is an example to why I am very sensitive to the increase of financial burdens on our residents. We are all in different situations and even among the a particular financial class you have some folks who may be doing well, while their neighbor is living pay-check to pay-check.[9]