I have spent my entire legal career working to make Montana a safer place to live and raise a family. As a Deputy County Attorney, I have handled the full range of felony cases, prosecuting everything from domestic violence and meth labs to homicides. I have worked to develop rigorous, cost-effective rehabilitation programs as a member of the Eighth Judicial District Adult Drug Treatment Court team.

As a State Representative, I passed legislation targeting dangerous high-risk predators and creating more treatment opportunities for low-risk offenders so they can continue working their jobs and paying taxes. As a result of these efforts, I have been fortunate to earn a broad base of support from people in every corner of our state. I am ready to take my work to a higher level by serving as Montana’s next Attorney General.

I am deeply committed to this next phase of my work, because I know we can do even more to make Montana a safe place to live. Here are my priorities for the office of Attorney General.

• I will continue my fight against Montana’s meth epidemic. My comprehensive strategy includes vigorous investigation, apprehension and prosecution of violent drug dealers, as well as treatment for low-risk offenders, prevention programs, and mentoring of at-risk youth.
• I will improve training opportunities for police officers, deputy sheriffs, highway patrol officers and prosecutorsat the Law Enforcement Academy. Quality training helps law enforcement protect themselves and the entire public, and I will work hard to sharpen and enhance the Academy’s programs.
• I will continue my efforts to protect consumers from fraud. I carried the legislation that moved the State Consumer Protection Office under the supervision of the Attorney General, and I will make sure the Department of Justice responds quickly and forcefully when seniors and other consumers are victimized in violation of state law.
• As a member of the State Land Board, I will guard the public’s right to a clean and healthful environment. Montana’s Constitution provides this guarantee to all Montanans, and as the next Attorney General, I will work hard to uphold it. I am committed to stream access for sportsmen and women, and I know we need to keep public lands in public hands.
• I will continue my efforts to promote access to justice for low-income Montanans. I strongly believe that people living in poverty deserve the basic tools to ensure they have a fair shake if they get dragged into court. As the chief legal officer for the State, I will keep working to develop resources for those who cannot afford legal counsel. Justice should be available for all Montanans, not just those who can afford a lawyer.

I have enjoyed the chance to work with current Attorney General Mike McGrath on many legislative matters during the past six years, and I will strive every day to make the Montana Department of Justice an even more effective resource for local law enforcement agencies and all the people of our great state.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my plans to make Montana a better, safer place to live. I truly hope I can earn your support and your vote.

Your friend,

John Parker