Patrick O. Connell, Republican, State House District 87

Hometown:	Bitterroot (Map)
Religion:	Christian
Education:	BS, Resource Conservation, School of Forestry, University of Montana, 1973 AS, Electronic Technology, Southwestern College, 1969
Political:	Representative, Montana State House of Representatives, 2010-present Precinct Captain, Ravalli Cty Republican Committee, mid 1980s
Professional:	Founder, Timberland Forestry Services LLC, 2009-2010 Vice President, Resource Operations, Rocky Mountain Log Homes, 1988-2009 Varied, Montana, 1973-1988
Organizations:	Member, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, 2008-present Member, Montana Wood Products Association Board, 1988-present Certified Forester/Member, Society of American Foresters, 1972-present Life Member, National Rifle Association, 1967-present Member, American Radio Relay League, 1964-present Member, Ducks Unlimited, 1962-present

Vote on SB423 (2011): Yea

Vote on HB161 (2011): Yea

Position on Marijuana

Media Statements

Public Statements:

Ravalli Republic, Oct 12, 2010:

An interim legislative committee is writing proposed revisions to Montana's
2004 citizen-passed medical marijuana law. Do you think changes need to be
made? If not, why not? And if so, what specific changes would you
advocate?

Connell: Absolutely, as I believe that the current marijuana law was passed
by Montanans to help and support their own or neighbors' families stricken
with severe illnesses such as cancer. The current situation creates a
disaster waiting to happen in schools and the workplace. Currently, the
"marketplace" for marijuana is supplied with a product that cannot be
adequately assured of efficacy, potency or purity, or handled by an
educated, certified pharmacist.