Melody Cunningham

Melody Cunningham was born in Augusta, Maine. She earned a high school diploma from Acton Boxborough Regional High School, a bachelor's degree from Wellesley College in 1988, and an M.D. from the University of Massachusetts in 1994.

Cunningham's career experience includes working as a doctor.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Dr. Melody Cunningham. I am running for re-election to the Montana State House of

Representatives in Missoula, House District 97.

Who am I?

• A first-generation college graduate, raised by a single mom due to the sudden death of my father

A recipient of a strong public education who waitressed full-time to pay for college

• A physician who afforded medical training at a state medical school, with scholarships and loans

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 believe that we must reach across the aisle and have:

"Collaborative Conversations for Sensible, Shared Solutions!"There is a crisis of Healthcare in Montana and in our Country. As the only medical doctor of the 150 legislators in Montana, I will fight hard to help my fellow legislators to know the unintended consequences of bills that seem so clear at first read.As a grateful recipient of public education through high school and then medical school, I believe this is the foundation for Montanans and equality. I will work hard to bring sufficient funding to support this in Montana.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Healthcare, Environmental Care, Public Education.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a first-generation college graduate, raised by a single mom due to the sudden death of my father when I was 9. I was a recipient of a strong public education who waitressed full-time to pay for college. I am a pediatrician of 30 years who afforded medical training at a state medical school, with scholarships, work and loans.

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 have been able, as a citizen, to reach across the aisle and share viewpoints and solutions. I believe that it is imperative to have civil conversations for shared, sensible solutions.Public education is the foundation of democracy and a society that allows all citizens the best opportunity to thrive.Medical decisions are private and often require many hours of careful, nuanced discussion. The government should not be allowed to intrude in the doctor's office and impose rules on medical decision-making.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

-Our environment and climate

-Accessible and affordable healthcare

-Public education

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

-Integrity

-Honesty

-Courage to stand up for principles

-The desire to truly serve the people whom they represent

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

-I am able to listen carefully and bring people together who have different ideas and opinions.

-I have a good sense of humor.

-I rarely take things personally.

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

-To listen to all sides before deciding

-To know their constituents and make sure they are able to reach their elected official

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I have had a positive impact and made a difference in the lives of those around me and, if elected, those I serve.

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

I vaguely remember the assignation of JFK as I was 5 years old at the time.

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

Teaching young children gymnastics. I taught kids from my years in junior high until about 1978.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner vacillates with Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. I think this is because they both deal with reality and struggles and they don't sugarcoat the facts.

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

Goodness, it depends on the day!

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

It's Quiet Uptown, from the musical Hamilton.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Goodness, I have a good sense of humor but am a terrible joke teller. I always laugh before I can deliver the punchline.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

3.14 Action that supports scientists in elected positions. Other organizations do not endorse in primaries.