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Montanans’ constitutional right to privacy and a clean and healthful environment will be threatened this legislative session. Many of us living in House District 92 fiercely value our privacy and depend on the integrity of our environment. The Blackfoot River and its tributaries flow through this District, we know the importance of clean, cold, complex and connected waters. On my family’s ranch, four generations have benefited from and worked to protect a state of mind – freedom, opportunity, responsibility – that is Montana. Gary Stein u...
When I volunteered to write a "commissioners' first year in review" column last summer, I didn't anticipate it would include pandemic, threat of economic collapse or efforts to dismantle structural racism. "Droplet" wasn't in my vocabulary. I couldn't imagine bars, restaurants and schools closing and that many of those still employed would be working from home while homeschooling their children. On my first day, July 1, 2019, the commissioners had a meeting with Chief Administrative Officer...
I am writing to ask you to join me and support Kimberly Dudik to be Montana’s next Attorney General. Kimberly has the type of wide ranging experience, being an attorney for nearly 18 years practicing both civil and criminal law, that Montana needs in its Attorney General. Not only is she an attorney, Kimberly has led key reforms to protect children from sexual abuse, stop human trafficking and reform our criminal justice system so more people receive the treatment they need for chemical dependency and mental health issues that all too often lea...
MISSOULA - Fourth generation, lifelong resident of Missoula County and current County Commissioner Juanita Vero filed to run as the Democratic candidate in the 2020 election for Missoula County Commissioner on January 9, 2020. "I'm running to retain my seat because I believe in the Missoula County staff and citizens I work with daily," said Vero. I want citizens to know they've been heard by county leaders and empowered to create the community in which they want to live." Born and raised on the...
It really goes without saying, but Missoula County is an amazing place. And in a county that is home to 119,000 souls, spanning terrain from rugged wilderness to the second largest city in Montana, county government plays an important role in our day-to-day lives, whether we realize it or not. Over the next year, to better communicate the many facets of county government (arguably one of the least understood levels of government), Missoula County elected officials will contribute monthly...
Tucked in the valleys and mountains that surround Ovando and Seeley Lake are the many creeks that feed into the Blackfoot River. Among them are North Fork of the Blackfoot, Monture Creek, Morrell Creek and West Fork of the Clearwater. These tributaries are the lifeblood of the Blackfoot watershed and its fishery, as explained in a recently released short film titled “Hallowed Waters: The Legacy and Lifeblood of the Big Blackfoot.” To protect the Blackfoot River long-term, we need to start with protecting these key tributaries. That’s what...
SEELEY LAKE - This sewer is a local solution for a local issue. Seeley Lake’s groundwater, lakes, rivers and streams are impacted by leaking septic tanks and drainfield effluent. It’s hard to imagine that a community with such iconic beauty is so marred by human waste. Fortunately, there is a committed volunteer sewer board – local citizens – who found a USDA Rural Development Fund grant coupled with other grant sources that will cover two-thirds of the sewer system’s construction. This once in a lifetime opportunity is the largest grant eve...
Most likely you’ve read many endorsement letters supporting Dave Strohmaier. He is worthy of the accolades. I won’t list all his accomplishments or reasons why he should be Missoula’s next County Commissioner, I’ve written or said them before. I would, however, like to share an observation of Strohmaier while at a recent candidates’ forum. Strohmaier has campaign experience and knows Missoula County quite well--however, he didn’t lord over or belittle his opponent. If anything, he shared his opponent’s love for Missoula County and encourage...
House District 92 is a sprawling district running from East Missoula out to Clinton and up to the Swan. It’s a district of young families, retirees, small business, isolationists, farmers, ranchers, loggers, artists, tradespeople and scientists all struggling to realize their version of Montana. We need a practical, thoughtful voice in Helena that can represent our disparate needs. Addrien Marx is that authentic voice. Her experience ranges from being a teacher and editor/publisher to longtime construction business owner to owning and managing...
I live in a rural area of Missoula County where sometimes it’s de rigeur to complain about the policies, directions and goings on “in town.” But I love Missoula and I fiercely love Missoula County. Our issues do not have black and white solutions, nor even gray ones. Our solutions must be more kaleidoscope in nature, structured but brilliant and varied. Missoula County is diverse, complicated and our County Commissioners maintain the necessary tension that makes this place so livable. Dave Strohmaier is endorsed by Montana Conservation Voter...
