Judy Martz

Judy Martz (June 2003)

Judy Martz , née Judy Morstein , (born July 28, 1943 in Big Timber , Montana ; † October 30, 2017 in Butte , Montana) was an American speed skater and politician ( Republican Party ). She was governor of the state of Montana from January 2, 2001 to January 3, 2005 .

Early years and athletic career

Judy Morstein attended Butte High School until 1961 . During this time she was active as a speed skater. In 1963 she was a member of the American team at the World Championships in Karuizawa and in 1964 was a member of the Olympic team at the Winter Games in Innsbruck . In the competition over 1500 meters she took 15th place. After they married in 1965, she ran a garbage disposal company with her husband. The couple have two children.

Political rise

Between 1989 and 1995 she served on the staff of US Senator Conrad Burns . At the same time she was head of the Butte Chamber of Commerce . This familiarized her with economic conditions in Montana and the United States. In 1996 she was elected lieutenant governor of her state. So she was Deputy Governor Marc Racicot . In the 2000 elections, Martz won 51% of the vote against their Democratic rival Mark O'Keefe, who received 47% of the vote. She was sworn in as the first female governor of Montana in 2001.

Governor of Montana

Judy Martz began her four-year term on January 1, 2001. One of their goals was to create skilled and well-paid jobs. She campaigned for tax reform and promoted school policy. Another goal was the economic development of Montana. A government commission was set up in 2001 for this purpose. One of the tasks of this institution was to lure companies to Montana to invest there. During her tenure there were also downsides that led to a loss of popularity. Shane Hedges, one of her advisors, had an accident while drinking. Paul Sliter, a member of the Montana House of Representatives , was killed. It was in the governor's house of all places that Hedges washed his clothes. He then resigned immediately and pleaded guilty. Governor Martz has also been linked to a questionable real estate deal. After an examination by a committee, however, she was acquitted of the suspicion.

In 2004 she campaigned for the re-election of President George W. Bush in various states . In the same year, she decided not to run for governor again.

Web links

Commons : Judy Martz  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files

• Judy Martz in the National Governors Association (English)
• The governors of Montana (English)
• Judy Martz in the Sports-Reference database (English; archived from the original )

Individual proof

1. ^ Former Montana Governor Judy Martz dies