Peter Rosten announces bid for Legislature
by JENNY HARRIS - Ravalli Republic
12/07/2007

Retired Hollywood producer, high school media mogul and local rancher Peter Rosten is throwing his hat in the political ring. Director of the national award winning program, Media Arts in Public Schools and a Democrat, Rosten decided to run for the Montana State Legislature representing House District 87 and can file with the Montana Secretary of State’s office after Jan. 22.

Currently, Ron Stoker, R-Darby, represents HD 87 that covers Pinesdale, west and east of Hamilton and Darby south.

Rosten plans to kick off his campaign for the two-year seat by talking and listening.

“In Montana, the word ‘neighbor’ is a verb - a way of life,” he said. “The relationship between Montanan citizens is a very special and historic contract. Now we need all of our voices to be heard.”

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. “Working with teens has taught me a lot,” Rosten said with a smile. “We’ve done some great things together and I’d like the opportunity to do the same in Helena because I believe we can do better.”

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 transferable into the political realm. “Starting with just an idea and making it happen is something I’ve done all my career. And if elected, I’d like to do this for Montana citizens.”