Hal Harper

Former Montana State Representative. Lover of wilderness, wild places, and animals.

Helena, Montana

Five Things I’ve Learned about America

Every one of us is lucky to have this shot at human existence - especially we Americans. We need to regain a child’s wonder at it all.
Let's honor our flag for what it actually stands for.
The NFL changed football kickoff rules to lessen head injuries. Could we American voters do the same to lessen political head-blows?
We must act now – and encourage our young people to act now – to save Montana’s and America’s wild areas.
My father and mother's fundamental belief becomes truer and clearer every year - What else can save this planet?

September 20, 2024

“I’m Hal Harper. I’m a 75-year-old former 50-year carpenter, who ran for the legislature when I was in my early 20s. Served as a republican for a couple years. Served as a democrat for a number of years after that – and worked with people from three parties to try to help prepare the state of Montana for a future we knew was coming.”

Five Things I’ve Learned About America

Every one of us is lucky to have this shot at human existence - especially we Americans. We need to regain a child’s wonder at it all.

“You get this chance in life – maybe you think you get a second chance or a third chance. Make the most of it.”
Let's honor our flag for what it actually stands for.

“When I was traveling one of the happiest sights I ever saw would be the American flag at a U.S. embassy. I delighted in that flag…”
The NFL changed football kickoff rules to lessen head injuries. Could we American voters do the same to lessen political head-blows?

“How do we restore sanity to the legislative process? How do we restore sanity to the American public?”
We must act now – and encourage our young people to act now – to save Montana’s and America’s wild areas.

“Wild areas are what’s left of God’s sanctuary. These are the areas that connect human beings to the natural earth.”
My father and mother's fundamental belief becomes truer and clearer every year - What else can save this planet?

“My father was a preacher. He was a Protestant Preacher…..”

Helena, Montana.

About Hal

Hal Harper served in the Montana House of Representatives from 1972 until 2000, until the state’s term-limit rule required that he not run again. He was first elected to the House as a Republican. In 1976, was elected again as a Democrat.

In 1985 and 1989, Hal served as majority leader of the Montana House, and in 1991 he was elected unanimously as the Montana House Speaker. After leaving the House, he served in subsequent years as Chief Policy Advisor and Legislative Liaison to Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer; Chair of Montana Public Safety Officers Standards and Training; and as a member of the state’s Judicial Nomination Commission.

Hal is a former collegiate pole-vault champion. He’s also worked as a heavy highway air track drill operator, traveled extensively in India and Nepal, and journeyed the entire length of South America with just a backpack. He’s an ardent lover of wilderness, wild places, and animals, and has been married to Janet Matteucci of Great Falls, Montana for forty years.

Hal Harper

Five Things I’ve Learned about America

Five Things I’ve Learned About America

About Hal

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