Jackson supports land access

Editor,

My opponent's campaign continues to distort the purpose of my bills and my voting record on education and access to water and public lands. This letter is in response to my vote on HB 269 which I opposed because of its impact on counties and the state in road construction and improvements. The bill was flawed, but did pass by one vote (51-49) in the House on second reading. It did not add anything to our constitutionally protected stream access provisions which I strongly support.

It is a favorite practice of political campaigns to identify a bill and distort the purpose in order to label an opponent. Letters to the editor are opinions and as such do not have to be truthful. A truthful analysis would include votes on similar bills and testimony during hearings.

I have testified in many public hearings as a strong supporter for access to water and public lands. Recent testimony was in the lynx and Missouri Breaks hearings. Also, I organized and conducted a public forum to provide input to the new National Forest plan which is in the process of being adopted.

Access to public lands for hunting, recreation and forest management were strongly supported in this document which was submitted to the Flathead National Forest Service and to Senators Burns and Baucus and Representative Rehberg.

I have never seen my opponent at any hearings. Over 125 people participated in the public forum over a period of several weeks. I will continue to support access and rebut false information.

Verdell Jackson,

HD 6 Representative

SD 5 Republican candidate