Hi, I'm Courtenay Sprunger.
I'm the current representative for Montana State House District 7, the Heart of Kalispell. I’m running for re-election to further solutions for state issues such as infrastructure, education, and community safety.
Here's a little about me:
-
As a freshman legislator in the 68th session of the Montana State Legislature, I had the privilege of introducing nine bills and passing eight. Highlights include The SAFER Act, a $100 million match fund to improve Montana's roads and bridges, CTE Advanced Opportunities to promote apprenticeships and trades education, the Adoption Tax Credit, and a bill to crack down on fentanyl traffickers.
-
I was born and raised in Kalispell. Our family has been in the Flathead Valley for five generations - it will always be home.
-
My family has deep roots in Kalispell. My grandmother, Mary Kay Riedel, was a Flathead County Justice of the Peace and my father, Gary Burt, taught at Flathead High for 30 years. My mother, Kay, stayed home to raise us and won most 5k road races in the area while chasing my two older brothers and me around our family farm in Creston.
-
I am the founder and CEO of a boutique public involvement firm based in Kalispell. We help government agencies engage and inform communities about transportation and infrastructure projects throughout Montana, Idaho, and Washington.
-
I served for seven years on the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce Board and as the chair in 2021. I am currently a Montana Ambassador and member of the Kalispell Daybreak Rotary. In recent years, I've committed time to helping non-profits such as Conrad Mansion, CASA, and Flathead Food Bank, as well as chairing the Montana Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and Flathead Area Young Professionals.
-
Outside of work, I'm the proud aunt of thirteen amazing nieces and nephews and "mom" to two scent-happy beagles, one big Bernese Mountain Dog, and three beautiful horses.
Why did I run to represent HD7?
When I first decided to serve, many people asked some iteration of, “Are you sure you want to do this? It’s going to be nasty out there.” These questions encouraged me to examine the desire to serve and if it mattered enough to accept the hardships that often come with running for office. Here’s where I landed.
-
In recent years, the Flathead Valley, and Montana as a whole, have experienced immense growth. Along with many others, I have observed congested roadways, rude customers, and a housing shortage.
-
Alongside our challenges, we've celebrated great community successes such as the Bypass and Parkline Trail.
-
These changes provide a powerful motivation to advocate for the values and legislation that will ensure Montana maintains its rightful title as the last best place. As a community, we must be intentional about the future we create.
For me, there is no work more important than preserving our Montana way of life while fostering opportunities for Montana’s residents and businesses.
“Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”
~Theodore Roosevelt
You can count on me.
My first commitment to you is to lead with respect, courage, honesty, and kindness.
My second commitment is to approach our impending growth intentionally.
My third commitment is to focus on legislation that:
-
Empowers our businesses to create great jobs,
-
Our school systems to equip students and support workforce solutions,
-
Our community to invest in the critical infrastructure that serves as the physical foundation of Kalispell.
