Tom McGillvray's Values
State Senator Representing Senate District 26
For many people, politics has become uncivil, and politicians are generally disrespected. Here is what I pledge to bring to the political process in the Montana Senate:
Respect: I’m frankly tired of strident voices talking over one another. We need to listen to one another. You can strongly disagree on policy and still respect someone with an opposing point of view.
Truth: Lawmakers must look for what is true and not just what feeds our bias. We cannot act out of self-delusion but must work to implement truth even if it hurts our political fortunes.
Integrity: Politicians should not be involved in self-dealing or hypocrisy about what we truly believe. The Montana legislature is about honest service to the people of Montana. It is not about power, prestige, or climbing the ladder to the next higher political office.
Hard work: Legislators must devote time and effort to understanding our complex budget, legal, social and tax policies. Hard work was instilled in me by my mother and father and I carry that tradition into all I do as your State Senator.
I will continue to be a catalyst in bringing civility, respect and honor back to the political process. To do that, I ask for your continued support and vote.
Tom McGillvray’s Eight Principles of Just Government
1. Government is just when it is limited to protecting life, liberty, and property. If government (law) is made to be charitable, equalizing, or discriminating, it can no longer be just.
2. The traditional family is the most important unit in society. State law and policy should place families central in its deliberations.
3. Large and centralized government is inverse to liberty and adversarial to the people.
4. Economic growth is a byproduct of respect for private property, fair tax policy, limited government, and the rule of law.
5. The right to bear arms in defense of home, person, and property should be respected and upheld by law.
6. Educational freedom is a key to civil society and accomplishment. The inherent right of parents to direct the education of their children must be reflected in law.
7. Federalism is foundational to good government. The US constitution was designed to limit federal powers and to reserve all power not delegated to the federal government to the States (1).
8. State legislatures have an obligation to the people to alter the federal form of government when it becomes destructive to the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and property. (2)
(1) The 10th amendment of the United States Constitution
(2) Article V of the United States Constitution, Declaration of Independence