House District 42 Candidate Profiles

Here are profiles of the two candidates running for the House District 42 seat.  The candidates are Bill Joseph, a Republican, and Carolyn Pease-Lopez, a Democrat.

Bill Joseph (R)

Bill Joseph was born in Chicago but has lived in Hardin for
the past 22 years. He is a carpenter and rancher. Joseph is running for
a seat in the Montana State Legislature representing House District 42.
This is his first venture into politics but is very enthusiastic about
this opportunity and hopes his enthusiasm will give him an edge.

Joseph realizes he is new but said, “I am anxious to learn the
questions people have so I can find the answers.” Joseph also said he
would focus on water rights issues.

Joseph is advocating for “active change” and development of
Montana's natural resources. Being a rancher Joseph said he understands
some of the water issues in the area and will work to improve them.
Joseph is a believer in state's rights and said he wants to make sure
Montana's resources benefit Montana.

Joseph said he is running because he is “really proud of America and
[is] tired of the quibbling between Republicans and Democrats.”

Carolyn Pease-Lopez(D)

Carolyn Pease-Lopez is hoping her experience in education and her
record of public service will lead her to the state legislature.  If
elected, she says she intends to build on the work of the legislature's
American Indian Caucus. “With the current administration, it [seems]
like a good time to work on issues concerning our district,”
Pease-Lopez said.

Pease-Lopez is a long-time educator and counselor, having worked
extensively with American Indian youth and college students. She has
served as the Coordinator of American Indian Student Services at Rocky
Mountain College in Billings for the past thirteen years.

Before that, she was a financial aid officer at Little Big Horn
College from 1991 to 1995. In addition, she was the LBHC representative
for the Veteran's Upward Bound, at Montana State University-Billings.
Pease-Lopez also has a bachelor's degree in sociology and a background
in substance abuse counseling and prevention.

“The first call I feel in my life, even though I am not a classroom teacher, is Indian education,” Pease-Lopez said.

She and her husband David live in southern Yellowstone County in the
northeast corner of the Crow Indian reservation.  Her children attended
schools in Lodge Grass, Pryor and Billings. Pease-Lopez is a member of
the Piegan Clan, a child of the Big Lodge.

She says her candidacy will focus on Montana's quality of education,
services for families and children, community health and well-being,
and economic development.

“The issues of family and what's best for our children should run
beyond the Indian population,” said Pease-Lopez, “they apply to all
families.”