Ralph Foster

Ralph Foster was born in Ironton, Missouri. Foster's career experience includes working as a funeral director. He earned an associate degree from Fort Hays State University in 1984.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a fiscal conservative, who was born in the Ozarks in 1962, living in Montana since I graduated from college.

I am married to Phyllis Haynes of Arlee. She is a retired teacher & CSKT member. I am white but maintain a Blue Card at the Anaconda Indian Alliance. My grandparents who where removed on the Trail of Tears and the Northern Water Route so Treaty Rights are important to my wife and I. I believe Treaty Rights are the responsibility of the Federal Government and we as state legislators should make sure that the Federal Government is living up to its obligations.

My wife and I own & run a successful funeral business on both the Blackfeet and Flathead Reservations. We understand the difficulties of having to do business in an area that has clearly two or more different governing powers & cultures as we been able to span the differences and make it work.

As for something personal about myself, I have started to semi retire and can take more time for hobbies and helping with representation for our area.

Our children are grown. One son - "the chef" lives in New Orleans and the other "The play wright/comic" splits his time between New Orleans and Montana.

We need to help the less fortunate whether it is with medical expansion or assistance but their needs to be some accountability involved in the assistance.

But most importantly I am easy to contact and will always try to answer your calls and listen to you.

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?

We as legislators need to be accountable to our constituents. Because past representatives have failed to attend session I would ask that any Representative who has more than ten unexcused absences during session be barred from running for public office the next term.We need cut the spending at the State level so that we can reduce the need for higher property taxes. Whether this is with a reduction in government functions or downsizing this needs to be done.I think that in many instances, "Common sense" has left the building and also with so many candidates once they enter political life I think they have forgotten about doing the right thing. Term limits have helped but now is the time to actually ask ourselves as a potential Representative "Do we need to actually need to worry about that ? and what has that got to do with good stewardship & governance?".

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Native to State Government relations, Growth and its effects on our State and the environment How do we balance the needs of the wildlife with our ability to live in what has traditionally the wildlife's space.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Jeanette Rankin on a local level because she was independent and not afraid act as a representative should.

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

While I would encourage people to remember Reaganomics they should also look at the works of President Richard Nixon. yes I realized his character was besmirched by Watergate his actions while in office were amazing.

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

I believe that honesty and accessibility our two items that must be present to represent your district. However, it is important to remember the "Golden Rule" and above all follow the commandments that we have been taught since childhood.

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

I am educated, have run a successful business, served on city and civic boards but most importantly I will listen to my constituency.

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

There is but one true responsibility. You must put personal opinions and politics aside and act as a good steward and do what is right and admit when you might be wrong and may need help to see the full picture.

What legacy would you like to leave?

One of common sense and do no harm. We do not need to legislate morality but we must protect those who cannot protect themselves.

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

It would be the moon landing. Raised in Quaker home we did not have a tv until that time as it just did not seem important as we lived in areas that usually only had one channel until UHF was offered.

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

I worked on farms at age twelve. that way I was able to get a drivers license and they gave some freedom as we lived in small towns in very rural areas. I worked every summer through high school and also picked up jobs at a gas station, movie drive in and a Sonic.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I actually have three. each for a different reason. They were in my father's library a book called Travels with Charley by Steinbeck as a young college I though the idea of traveling throughout the US and Canada would be great life. The next was a collection of short stories that when growing up made you think I think my favorite one was Barn Burning by Faulkner as it painted a different place compared to the High Plains that I grew up in but probably the most favorite was a book of poetry by Robert Frost. The book was one from a class that my father took under Robert Frost and it was amazing to see the notes that were put in the columns along the side that explained in Frost's handwriting the many of the thoughts of the author.

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

As my balding head is starting get sun burns probably some with a full head of hair.

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

Blue by Keith Urban

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

Simply put. Finance My first wife died of cancer and that left me close to filing medical bankruptcy and because we have used the opportunities to use Tribal financial institutions the credit bureaus show when I am late with a $30 payment but do not show that I have paid off homes, businesses and debts within their systems. For those that do not know Tribal Credit and Associated business loan programs do not report the you having a loan let alone payment histories to credit bureaus so it gives you worse credit and insurance score.

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

Separate entities that should follow a chain of command. The legislature creates and follows the wishes of the people and the governor is the administrator that keeps the ship righted and on course.

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

In our area it is retro-session of the the Public Law 280

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

Yes. To reinvent the wheel is time consuming and our legislative session has a small time accomplish big topics.

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

Yes no man can stand alone and without coalitions no progress would be made.

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

Yes the one from Conrad. He is very knowledgeable about the budget and seems to not get caught up in the ideology and party infighting.

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

Maybe for a county commissioner or for an appointment as a board member

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?

Yes but I feel that is their story and I shouldn't repeat it without their permission.

Tell us your favorite joke.

With a son who is a comic I usually enjoy the new ones he is writing. You have to support your struggling artist you know.

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

No this is reserved for the Governor.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

Simple it would be about accountability. If a legislator can't show up for session then he / she should not allowed to seek public office the next session.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

None I have not sought any

What committees interest you?

Tribal - State Governance; Social service and professional licensing

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Yes government should be transparent unless it reveals one's personal information or security much like a HIPAA privacy rule for finances.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

The ballot process should be based on and collected by Montana groups and residents. Current standards cause out of state entities to collect and promote issues that are more important elsewhere than they are here.

Ralph Foster did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Ralph Foster did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.