“In Montana, the word ‘neighbor’ is a verb,” he said. “The relationship between Montanan neighbors is a very special and historic relationship. My neighbors, colleagues and fellow cohorts’ voices need to be given the chance to be heard and listened to. What better way to begin that process, than the most basic level n conversation. All politics are local and it really begins within the people’s voices.”

Rosten moved to western Montana in the early 90s and, disenchanted with his Hollywood lifestyle, purchased a home in Darby and married a fourth-generation Montanan.

After working cattle, skiing, fishing and living the Bitterroot lifestyle, Rosten independently started a program that now spans the state n Media Arts in Public Schools, a program that offers media education and production in Montana’s public high schools.

Rosten said a major reason why he decided to run was because of the students involved with MAPS.

“There is a lot you can learn from teenagers,” Rosten said. “Trying to elevate dialogue from partisanship is not just something you find within political tables. Working in and with the high schools has taught me, that it’s quite possible to start something from nothing.”

Rosten compared his dream of offering a media outlet to local public schools and later turning that dream into a reality, as something that’s easily transferable into the political realm.

“The two fields are very much the same,” he said. “I have no fear in starting with nothing and working to gradually create a wave of growth and change, not only within youthful mindsets, but also within a responsible, forward moving notion that’s in the best possible interest for Montanans.”

Rosten said he hopes to see changes made toward honoring families, mothers and teachers.

“Montana is ranked 48th in relation to the lowest teacher salary,” he said. “What does this say about where we stand on education? It’s time we start looking toward solution and change and I know both of those are incredibly possible.”

Rosten also wants to address economic growth, health care, education and forest management policies. He said the most important issues to him are jobs and health care.

“We are Montanans, before we are Americans,” he said. “We need an involved electorate who can speak to our state’s problems that need answers. Health care and jobs are no doubt at the top of the list, once we have a united voice things change.”

The united voice Rosten advocates may stem from his depiction of current politics.

“It’s not about being a Republican, a radical, a Democrat or a liberal,” he said. “If you keep everyone focused on labels and stances, then it’s quite easy to keep people busy in bickering and fighting, away from conducting progressive discourse.”

Rosten said he plans to continue his campaign in collecting the thoughts and ideas of his many neighbors and hopes to start receiving comments on his Web site, www.peterrosten.com.

“If anything, this process has been valuable and interesting in terms of gathering thoughts from people who live in Montana,” he said. “The job of the Legislature is to execute, and by getting ideas together, I know there is endless possibility for change. I’m excited to see what happens.”

Reporter Jenny Harris can be reached at jharris@ravallirepublic.com or 363-3300.

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