Natalie Parker

Natalie Parker earned a bachelor's degree from the Montana State University, Bozeman in 1986 and a graduate degree from Boston University in 2009. Her career experience includes working as a public school teacher.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

4th Generation Montanan from Lewistown, MT. Retired Public School Music teacher residing in Colstrip. My entire life has been spent in Eastern Montana, Richey, Bainville, Dodson, Saco, Malta, and after 8 years in Eastern WA, I returned for 11 years in Lame Deer. My husband's family roots are Northern Cheyenne, so I am a keen ally of tribal sovereignty. My experiences as a teacher help me recognize the complexity of the challenges facing all people in Montana. I'm running because people need a new voice, and I call for a return to bipartisanship. I am a Montanan first which means first listening to, and then supporting our neighbors.

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?

Tariffs, foreign purchases of soybeans, sugar beets and beef, are harming our agricultural folks, destroying our markets. We need to send a message that we cannot follow down this destructive path. Putting pressure on our federal representatives means voting BLUE. Continuing to vote for the status quo is not working. As a democrat I am ready to fight for Montanans, Unions and States rights.The area that makes Montana precious and unique are our public lands, wild spaces and parks. Environmental protection is therefore paramount to the health and welfare of our people. A two-year moratorium on the development of any new mega-data centers is needed to ensure that our water rights, and electrical costs are not misused or compromised. Any huge economic developments need to be made in partnership with the people, so public input must be reinstated and considered in permitting. In addition, public lands and our access to them should be protected and preserved for future generations.I stand in opposition to a flat-tax and insist that property taxes be revisited. We need to ensure elderly home owners are protected and young people are able to buy their own homes. Taxes have always been a balance between public need, the economy and our priorities. I submit that investment in public education should be one of our top priorities. The lack of qualified teachers has our schools in crisis mode. Taking care of Montana starts with strong schools, the backbone of strong communities.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Health care for all Montanans is something I am passionate about. Huge cuts to healthcare are slated for 2027 thanks to the Big Ugly Bill. We must seek ways to protect our rural health system and stop private equity firms from jacking up costs. Folks can't afford to fill prescriptions, and either don't go to the doctor or delay seeking help until it turns into a visit to the emergency room. We must do better.

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

Honesty, Resilience, Respect

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

Be available and approachable to all stake holders. Listen, be a good neighbor, work hard, and communicate in-person with constituents.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A secure and healthy Montana which includes the Arts as an important vehicle for change.

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

Worked at my father's cleaners and laundry business through high school as well as waitressing at the Yogo Inn in Lewistown.

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

Balancing work and family was challenging, but resulted in three awesome adults who all graduated from university.

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

The state legislature should help the governor whenever possible, but hold the line when we find ourselves in opposition to policies that exclude the people. My experiences as a life-long resident of Montana, graduate of Montana State, and 34 years in the public school system working alongside parents and the community gives me the insight needed to be an effective legislator.

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

Maintaining our agricultural base, protecting the environment, and expanding healthcare.

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

Bipartisanship is what Montanans do best.! Working together is the only way to reach consensus.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Montana Conservation Voters, Western Native Voice, Carol's List and Yellowstone County Democrats.

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

Montana's 100th anniversary as a state. We all dressed up in frontier clothes, attended parades, plays and rallies.