He got involved in the self-storage business, syndicating acquisitions and developing projects, “going around the country wholesaling retail self-storage deals,” he says, when 9/11 happened.
Downing says he was overcome by sadness — and anger. “It was very personal for me,” he said. So, at age 34, he joined the Air Force/Air National Guard. He has twice deployed to Afghanistan with a combat squadron, helping to evacuate wounded personnel.
He has worked in insurance, securities, and in a variety of business roles. He says his knowledge of those fields is perfectly tailored to the job he’s running for.
That’s hard to argue with.
Downing says consumer protection and transparency are top priorities, but he also says he feels excessive regulation has made it too difficult to do business in Montana. He’s an advocate for smaller, less intrusive state government.
“Insurance and securities are highly complicated and highly regulated,” he says. “I have detailed knowledge and experience in these areas.”
Downing says he wants the auditor’s office “to advocate for business and create more opportunities, making Montana pro-business.” But he also says that he wants to make sure that “if you do something bad you pay the consequences.”
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