Students and teachers alike were flustered on Dec. 1, when U.S. Senator John Tester made a visit to Hellgate High School to meet with two first period history classes. For the entirety of first period, Mrs. Lunde and Ms. Hymes’ classes got to ask a total of 16 questions, some pre-prepared, others spontaneously, on Tester’s policy and opinions. Tester had prefaced his visit, claiming he would only answer questions from students, much to many Hellgate teachers’ chagrin.
He began his visit by giving a brief summary of his life, what he did, and his general values. Then the questions began.
Many students were curious about Tester himself, and how he kept an informed perspective of Montana. Tester believes it comes down to “what you think is right for the state of Montana.” He said that he doesn’t have the aim for 100% consensus, but he would continue to listen to all parties. Montana is traditionally a red state, yet there are prominent clashing values, and Tester, a democrat, is always searching for the “sweet spot.”
Junior Faith You asked about Tester’s opinion on the rising cost of college tuition and the increased rates of student loans. Tester concisely explained how rapidly college was viewed as a “public good” into a “personal benefit.” He said, ambiguously, “truth is, it lies somewhere in between.”
However, Tester excitedly spoke about the benefits of going to trade school and public service jobs like education and nursing. But overhanging debt remains the question. Why go into a low paying career for a high dollar price? “Reinsert more public dollars into the equation,” was the solution Tester proposed to the students. He argued that yes, college should come at a cost, but not anything more than what it is.
The questions then shifted to a more local emphasis, as before issues can be solved on a national level, interest in one’s own backyard stays at the forefront of Montanans’ minds. The increase of migration to Montana during and following the pandemic, Missoula especially, has left an ever-increasing homeless population, leaving the affordability of housing at staggering rates and growing pressure on childcare, especially.
Tester responded to this simply, “Missoula needs more housing.” The Montana economy needs to grow and can only do so successfully by building more accessible housing. Tester also spoke to the State’s role in the homelessness crisis beyond housing, by suggesting the increase of local programs associated with veteran affairs and mental health.
Students then asked Tester about his opinion on the Second Amendment, and how he wanted to address school safety in regards to gun violence. Tester has shown his public support for the Second Amendment and has voted in favor to retain that right, leaving students questioning his position in the prevention of guns into hands of criminals.
“Background checks,” said Tester. Acknowledging the threat that unchecked access to arms poses to communities, especially schools, Tester believed the answer is thorough background checks.
After nearly an hour of student-Senator questioning, Tester left the group with two pieces of parting advice. One, stay away from drugs. Two, this group will be running the show in a matter of years, and civil involvement is vital to not only Montana, but this country’s future.
