Neither 'allowing' nor an 'accomplice'

Editor:

In response to Nancy Jore's assertions, sadly, I have no control over what the Lake County District Court Judge or Lake County Sheriff's Office does. Sometimes, I wish that was not the case.

In any event, I am not "allowing" nor am I an "accomplice" to what she has said.

As a Christian woman and a wife who has been blessed to spend 32 years with what I consider an extraordinary man, I can understand Nancy Jore's inclination to defend her husband's position.

However, her shock and sadness of heart are questionable, particularly in light of her public behavior at the Lake County Courthouse on June 9. What Nancy failed to mention was:

(1) On Dec. 17, 2004, when I asked that Jore agree that no one demand their attorney fees be paid by the other party, Jore, through his attorney, refused, emphasizing that Jore wanted his legal fees — even though he knew that he would not be out one dime because the Republican Party was footing the bill. I had to post a $1,500 bond that morning because of Jore's refusal.

(2) The result of Jore's refusal was that on Dec. 17, 2004, District Court Judge Kim Christopher (a Republican) ordered that because Jore was the prevailing party, Big Spring must pay Jore's attorney fees; and a hearing was set for Jan. 6, 2005, to set that amount (somewhere in the realm of $28,000, according to Jore.)

(3) The Dec. 17, 2004, award of attorney fees was not mandatory, but rather completely in the discretion of Judge Christopher. In other words, the judge didn't have to award the fees.

I do not remember Nancy Jore's shock and sadness of heart at this result.

Perhaps, Nancy felt that her husband was morally and legally justified in taking such a draconian hard line position, demanding his legal fees which he was not obligated to pay.

I do not blame her. I know I would defend my husband. I also know that I would tell my husband when he, perhaps, made a mistake and, consequently, must live with the ramifications of his actions.

More importantly, I am proud and humbled to represent the people of House District 12. I am proud of my voting record and I am proud of the work I did as a member of the Judiciary, Agriculture and Education Committees.

I am proud of the work I am doing as a member of the Law and Justice Interim Committee. I have worked hard for everyone in our community, from the family farmers and ranchers, to our teachers and school administrators, our business owners and employees, and my neighbors and friends.

I have responded equally to the needs of those who voted for me and those who did not.

There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of how I can help make Lake County the best place to live, raise a family and, God willing, to enjoy all that Montana offers.

Jeanne Windham

Polson