Where does Janna really stand?

Editor,

Once again, Janna Taylor has confused me with her weekly comments on the legislative session. Last week she mentioned HB 640 entitled "An act to encourage the use of in-state information technology businesses." That sounded good to me as we have Montana-based IT people who do terrific work.

Then she mentioned an inventory of "existing IT businesses in Montana." Does that mean IT businesses working in Montana, or IT businesses based in Montana?

She goes on to point out systems that have been used in Montana that have been unsatisfactory, two of which I know were imports from other states and really didn't work well in Montana. That led me to believe that she is interested in weeding out the out-of-state IT businesses while supporting Montana-based businesses.

But, her next statement was, "So, although it is wonderful to promote local businesses, we need to first be efficient." What does that mean? She isn't supportive of Montana-based IT businesses, although the examples she gave of failed computer systems were from out-of-state vendors?

My experience, working with state government for 18 years, was that imported computer systems seldom addressed Montana needs well and we spent months and sometimes years trying to make the data "fit."

I think it is time to turn to the talent and expertise we have in-state and encourage Montana-based IT businesses to address our needs.

I just can't figure out where Janna stands on this issue.

Jackie Ladner,

Polson