Rudolf Haden

Rudolf Haden was born in Powell, Wyoming. Haden's career experience includes working as an intelligence officer. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1993 to 2021. Haden earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 2001 and a graduate degree from U.S. Naval War College in 2017.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Retired Navy intelligence officer and substitute teacher with Billings Public Schools.

Earned a Masters in Defense and Strategic Studies at the US Naval War College and Bachelors in Political Science at University of Colorado Boulder.

Born and raised in Big Horn Basin, and served in the Navy for 28 years. Developed threat matrices across multiple government agencies protecting US interests in support of the War on Terror. Established the most comprehensive operations intelligence center managing full range of data and information supporting US operations in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Experienced in leading multifaceted teams to accomplish dynamic and difficult missions and objectives.

Meticulous researcher and analyst with 30 years of communication and presentation experience.

Driven advocate for developing and training teams and individuals.

Stalwart defender and patriot of our country and constitution.

Enjoys running, hiking and camping.

Raising two feisty French Bulldogs.

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?

Tax Relief.

Lower the property tax burden for middle class and working Montanans. Expand the Property Tax Assistance Program and Veterans Tax Assistance.

Tax incentives for industries paying competitive wages and supporting Montana’s public lands and environment.Crime Management.

Develop a task force tp find effectiveness in law enforcement operations, correctional facility developments, narcotics and trafficking management and improved judiciary/penal system.Improve Public Education.

Overhaul education funding system to create consistency in paying for Montana’s schools and teachers. Focus Marijuana tax on funding school budgets - improved facilities, apprenticeship programs, and safety. Develop incentives and vouchers to support teachers and improve education experience and potential for Montana’s children.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Advocating for experts, business leaders and community organizers in developing legislation that supports progress while protecting our constitutional rights.

Coordinating with others and researching issues to find the best solutions.

Protecting families, environment, veterans and workers that make Montana a great place to live.

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

Profiles in Courage by JFK best identifies my core philosophy. The best interests of our citizens under the constitution and law must be protected. Representation of citizens under our constitution requires constant vigilance, and when something needs addressing, courage to inform and act on those requirements.

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

An elected official must be informed, honest and ethical. Constituencies vote for officials to represent them in government. An elected official must therefore listen, research and advocate for the concerns of those he/she represents. As issues of interest develop officials must communicate clearly and honestly with constituents and then have the courage to act on their behalf. Ethics are critical for an official as the constituents’ interests must always be the priority.

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

I’m an empathetic leader

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

Core responsibilities include a continual cycle of communication with constituents, and advocating legislation that delivers on their interests. Also, elected officials must thoroughly understand government processes, procedures snd relationships to more efficiently and effectively advocate on behalf of citizens’ concerns. Assertive leadership and communication in Legislature is a must to ensure appropriate and adequate representation.

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

The ideal relationship is one of coordination and facilitation. Legislature should be communicating to the governor on our priorities while understanding his/hers. If we can find common ground on issues, we can more effectively address needed legislation. Conversely, if the governor has a priority we can cooperate to achieve our unified efforts in those areas.

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

Affordability and well-paying jobs. The state hasn’t kept up with affordable housing and industry that pays a living wage to Montanas workers and families. Meanwhile, wealthy folks from out of state have driven up costs, amplifying the issues of affordability for Montanans. Impacts include generations of Montanans who are no longer able to afford to live here.

As Montana’s population increases, our public lands and environment will require more attention so that we don’t lose the valuable resources and qualities that have made Montana a uniquely wonderful place to live.

Funding of schools and teachers is in crisis and getting worse. If we don’t recalibrate how our educational system operates, we will fail the potential of so many generations of young Montanans.

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

Beneficial, yes. Required, absolutely not!

Work ethic, character and passion are more important than experience.

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

Absolutely, important to build relationships! Public office and government requires that legislators work together and understand the priorities and concerns of each other. This allows for progress on legislation and issues that are core to Montanans.

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

I want to learn from distinguished, ethical and moral leaders. I don’t know of one in legislature that I’d want to model after right now.

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

I’m not interested in spending time in Washington, D.C.

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?

I spoke recently with a woman who’d lost her father, had her ill mother living with her, and is raising two autistic children. She managed to keep her head barely above water - I’m not sure how - on less than $800 per month after the mortgage and bills are paid.

This drives me to press forward in public service to lessen the tax burden on our vulnerable workers and middle class. It inspires me to find solutions to the rising costs of groceries and goods. I’m interested in determining ways our community can help resource needs for our working families who have been struggling for so long.

Public service is a worthy and critical endeavor, and we need empathetic leaders in government.

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

Possibly. I have my concerns given how the legislature convenes and organizes throughout the term.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

Retroactive Property Tax Reduction. Recalculate costs for property based on value and expand assistance programs with refunds including taxes paid in 2023-2025.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

NA

What committees interest you?

Finance, Law and Justice, and Education. I believe these committees would facilitate action on some of my core issues of taxation, education and crime.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Transparency and accountability are two of the most critical elements of representative government!

The government operates to facilitate fundamentally life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness of citizens. Funding and costs for government activities should be made available to the public. This is part of how accountability is maintained. The government must be accountable for how it attempts to satisfy the needs of the people.

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

The ballot initiative process needs reviewed. I’m interested in looking at the proposals that improve voter access to their concerns and issues.