For those of you who may not know me, I’d like to take a moment to give you a few reasons to STICK WITH NICK for Senate.

1. Unlike my challengers, I have lived in and currently reside in the district I am running in (SD42), which covers East Helena to the Causeway and up to Bob’s Valley Market, for over 22 years. This is home. From Eastgate II to the Ranchview subdivision in the Valley, this is where I have watched my kids grow up and built my life.

2. Also unlike my challengers, I am the only native Montanan in this race. I was born at St. John’s Hospital in 1965, raised in Helena, went through our public schools, and graduated from Capital High School in 1984. I still smile knowing my 97 yard kick return is on the wall there. Although Montana law allows candidates who do not live in this area to run, I believe I bring a stronger understanding of our community’s needs even down to issues like sewer and water problems within subdivisions, I’m well aware.

3. I am not running alone. As a family we are moving to make a difference for other families within District 42. You will often see Kristine, my wife of 30 years, with me reaching out. We have five sons and a daughter (the joys of our lives) who are now hard working young adults, most of whom are still right here in our community. Like many fathers and mothers, we want to lay the best groundwork we can for our kids. Their education and their ability to have good jobs, homes, and the means to provide for their future families is of utmost importance to us. This is one of the reasons I am running.

4. Since my early days, I have worked in business. I built and ran Beds2Go on Prospect Avenue for years. I’ve learned to hear people out and work toward win-win solutions. Many friendships were formed across that counter, where folks would pull up a chair and visit. You may even remember my folks, Remi and Claudia Lancette, and their store, Homecrafters Furniture on Euclid.

5. For most of my life I have served in ministry as a pastor, associate pastor, teacher, and counselor. As a young man I prayed daily for wisdom, and to this day I seek to follow the Lord and look to His Word in the decisions I make.

6. I am a social and fiscal conservative. I believe in the sanctity of life, strong families, and the right of parents to raise their children without interference from bureaucrats. I am honored to be endorsed by the Montana Republican Party and the Lewis and Clark County Young Republicans.

7. I’m not a bought and paid for candidate. I believe we need true leadership in Montana that is not beholden to special interests over the will of the people. This campaign is built by friends, family, and neighbors who believe in what we’re doing. That means if I’m elected, I answer to you, not to outside money or special interests.

8. I believe Montana deserves real tax reform, not just shifting the burden around. Families and businesses should not be squeezed while trying to build a life here. They should be able to thrive.

9. I want to make sure homeownership is still within reach for our children by cutting unnecessary regulations and bringing down the cost of building and living.

10. And I want to make sure the people of East Helena and the Valley finally have a real voice, not just in local decisions where too often they’re left out, but at the state level as well.

Because the truth is, Montana would be stronger if more voices like yours were heard and respected. And it’s time for that to happen.