Governor Steve Bullock was in Missoula today on state business, and to campaign. Bullock started the day with an event as governor to, "introduce his public lands and access agenda for Montana to Missoula."
He previously introduced that agenda to conservationists and outdoor recreation groups last month near Billings. The Governor told a crowd at the Montana Natural History Center that he is he is committed to strengthening Montana’s outdoor recreation and tourism industries.
"We have our work cut out to make sure our visitors keep visiting and spending money … we have our work cut out to continue to promote and expand so we really do become an anchor of what outdoor industry is for the entire nation."
Bullock says the legislature should create an Office of Outdoor Recreation, and that the state should have a Public Access Specialist to troubleshoot specific public access complaints.
In the afternoon, Democratic candidate Bullock opened his newest campaign field office located on the corner of Front and Orange Streets. He urged his supporters to rally on the grassroots level for his re-election.
"I’m not a millionaire. I actually rely on you all because Montana still is a state where people talking to people is what wins elections."
Bullock’s visit comes as his Republican challenger, Greg Gianforte, is strongly criticizing him for using the state plane to fly to campaign events.
The governor’s office says Bullock only flies on the state plane to campaign events when they coincide with state business he has in the area on the same day. In March, Bullock reimbursed the state over $2,600 for use of the plane while campaigning.