Marc Greendorfer

Marc Greendorfer was born in San Francisco, California. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Davis in 1986 and a law degree from Yeshiva University in 1996. His career experience includes working as an attorney. He is the founding partner of Tri Valley Law and the founder of Zachor Legal Institute.[1][2][3][4]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a true independent, running as a Republican. I stand for rights for all, small government, personal liberty in all matters and the end to extremist agendas from both sides.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Property taxes must be addressed. People will lose their homes if reform is not enacted in the near term. This is an issue that neither party has been good at addressing and new thinking is needed. My solution is actually quite simple in practice: cap assessed values at the original purchase price with a capped annual escalation.Extremism from both parties is out of control. Liberty is the answer and it consists of less government, fewer regulations and more respect for each individual's choices. If elected, I will likely anger both the left and the right with my message of moderation, civility and kindness.As Montana's population increases we must be focused on protecting the reasons people move here: liberty, the environment, quality of life and minimal government intervention.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Individual rights and protecting all people from discrimination. As a civil rights attorney, I see the rising threats from all corners and am not afraid to fight back for individual rights.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a civil rights attorney who focuses on combating discrimination. My positions are often described as libertarian since I do not hew to party lines but I am a constitutional conservative at my core.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Property taxes must be addressed. People will lose their homes if reform is not enacted in the near term. This is an issue that neither party has been good at addressing and new thinking is needed. My solution is actually quite simple in practice: cap assessed values at the original purchase price with a capped annual escalation.Extremism from both parties is out of control. Liberty is the answer and it consists of less government, fewer regulations and more respect for each individual's choices.As Montana's population increases we must be focused on protecting the reasons people move here: liberty, the environment, quality of life and minimal government intervention.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Government exists to serve the people but the system now is inverted. We must ensure that when government acts it is with fidelity to the constitution (federal and state) for the benefit of individual rights. Dictating how people live and enacting policy that serves the interests of special groups or government power is an abuse of power and the public's trust.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The federalist papers and the anti-federalist papers.

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

Strength to resist the loud voices that advocate against the interests of the people.

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

I am principled and focus on integrity, rather than party.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Listening to the people and acting in their interests.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The moon landing. I was about five years old and was fascinated with the space program. I still have the newspaper clippings from each Apollo mission that followed the first moon landing.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was delivering newspapers while I was in grade school. I also delivered furniture for my uncle's store and helped a friend's father haul scrap metal for recycling.

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

They should be entirely independent of one another.

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

Managing growth to protect traditions and the environment while maintaining and enhancing quality of life.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

No.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

There should be 100% transparency and accountability, no exceptions.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am an attorney in private practice and also run a non-profit civil rights organization combating discrimination.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I'll provide common sense solutions to the issues that matter to Montanans.I support law enforcement, parents' rights and the rule of law.I am the son of a Holocaust survivor and am concerned about the intolerant rhetoric that is so common now.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

It is critical for our constitutional republic, and the state of Montana, to ensure that we listen to all voices but legislate based on the state Constitution and the rule of law. Too often now, the loud voices dictate policy and deprive the citizenry of their right to be heard.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The US Constitution and the Federalist Papers.

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

Adherence to the rule of law.

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

I will represent all voter in this district, not just the base of my party.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Being open minded, listening to what all constituents want, rather than just the base, and ensuring that personal preferences do not guide how a legislator legislates.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Preserving the character of Montana while putting in place a structure to ensure that progress is not denied.

What is your favorite book? Why?

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If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

N/A

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

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What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

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

Comity with oversight. That is, partisan attacks and grandstanding to appease the loud voices should give way to cooperation and civility, but the independence of the executive and the legislative branches of state government must be respected and supported.

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

Managing growth while balancing the things that make Montana so appealing to so many with that growth.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

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

It's not necessary. This country was founded as a republic that depends on citizens as lawmakers and political executives. We should strive to return to a system where political offices were held by individuals who were not professional legislators or politicians.

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

Yes, the worst thing that can happen is to isolate oneself, as a legislator. The more legislators (and everyone) interact with one another, the better the chance that they will resist extremism.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

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If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

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

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Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

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Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

No.

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?

N/A

Tell us your favorite joke.

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Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Yes.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes, as long as it is based on ensuring that the resulting policy is in line with the interests of the voters and the state and federal Constitutions.