Welcome to my website.
I am Mark Noennig, Republican candidate for the open seat in
Senate District 23, currently held by Kelly Gebhardt, who has served the full senate term limit. My goal, if I am elected, is to provide an experienced, rational, problem-solving approach to representing all of the people in Senate District 23, protecting our conservative values, and helping stop politics as usual, without catering to special interests.
Formative years.
Having grown up in Billings, I come from a conservative Christian working family. My parents instilled in me the principles that I try to live by: never lie, cheat or steal; treat others the way you want to be treated; take responsibility for your own actions; use the good head on your shoulders that God gave you; and find a way to be of service to others. I attended Trinity Lutheran School through eighth grade, then to public school, graduating from Billings Senior High. Primarily based on academic success, I decided to go to Bozeman for a degree in engineering and then to California where I worked for Standard Oil of California (now Chevron), in the design, construction, and maintenance of refineries. But I found the big city and big companies were not for me – I missed Montana, its good people and simple life.
Defining Moment.
That was the time of the Watergate scandal, a time that was a defining moment for me. The behavior of lawyers and politicians that I saw went against what I had been taught and always believed– that being honest and ethical is the best way to be effective, especially for lawyers and elected officials, whose actions should be an example. Of course, I knew that may mean working a little smarter and harder. But I considered that a life challenge.
Law Career.
I studied for my law degree in Missoula and then joined my current law firm in Billings, where I worked to develop a reputation for quality and effectiveness, while being honest and trusted by others, including judges, clients and other lawyers. Primarily focusing on business and property law, I learned that being a good attorney means providing quality representation of the best interest of clients, and that usually means preferring negotiation over confrontation. My clients are widely varied, including business owners, farmers, ranchers, professionals, homeowners, teachers and workers.
House of Representatives.
After almost 20 years of practice, and after surviving major spine surgery in 1996 (13 fusions and two stainless steel rods!), Sharon and I decided it was time for me to try to apply the same approach to public service in the legislature. While serving my four term limit in the House, representing many of you, I again worked for that recognition of effectiveness with integrity.
Family.
Sharon and I have had a great life partnership for over 26 years. Her three children are like my own. And the six grandchildren are the light of my life. Because I believe children are the innocent ones who need us the most, and because I believe assuring opportunity for children is our best hope for the future, my volunteer community service has been focused on children and families that need help.
The choice for Senate District 23.
Everyone in Senate District 23 will benefit from my education and experience if I am elected. I will represent all rural property owners, as well as all town and city residents, including Roundup, North and Northwest Billings, Broadview, Shepherd, Melstone, and Billings Heights, using the same skills I developed to represent my clients in my law practice. Please review this site for more detailed information about me and my approach to representing you and protecting our conservative values. And please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Most importantly, please help me make a difference - please vote for me in the Republican primary. Absentee ballots are available for anyone. Otherwise, June 8 is Election Day at the polls.
Thank you very much.
Gazette Opinion
“… He is a person of integrity and political courage. …
An attorney who works in mediation and arbitration, Noennig has experience in resolving disputes. When he announced his bid last fall for a fourth and final House term, he said his ‘experience gives me the background to help solve the state’s problems by building a consensus and by making laws that are fair, understandable and workable.’ He is striving to accomplish that goal. …
‘If it’s something that is going to be more harmful than helpful, I’m going to vote against it,’ he said. That’s what voters should expect of all our lawmakers: putting the people first. Noennig is setting a standard that voters should use to hold all their representatives accountable.”
(Billings Gazette, March 2, 2005)
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