Keep CI-97 off ballot

Editor,

This week Montana stood up for the initiative process and did not allow out of state activists to trick us into a bad idea through fraud and deception. In an impressive 46- page ruling, District Court Judge Sandefur decertified CI-97 from the November ballot.

Sandefur cited "ample evidence of specific and widespread instances of deceptive practices and conscious circumvention of procedural safeguards" in the signature gathering process.

I encourage the Supreme Court to preserve Sandefur's ruling and not allow extremists to make a mockery of the lawmaking process in Montana.

Until the Supreme Court rules, we must continue to talk to our neighbors and friends telling them CI-97 will lead to cuts to aging services, health care, public schools and public works. It will also result in an increase in property taxes … We must also continue to ask Trevis Butcher where he is getting the money for this initiative. Montanans deserve to know who is behind changing our Constitution.

AARP is proud to be among the dozens of organizations and hundreds of Montanans who have joined together to fight this dangerous and extreme initiative. To learn more go to www.notinmontana.org.

Bob Bartholomew

State Director, AARP Montana

Helena