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What would you have done?

| June 28, 2007 12:00 AM

Editor,

What really happened during Montana's 60h legislative session? To a degree, that depends on your perspective of things. Votes are all on record. The administration's proposals and the "official" positions of state agencies are documented. The press does its best to report all of this to the public, who formulates viewpoints based on what they read, see and hear.

Some things get missed along the way. Sometimes the truth about why things happen gets lost in the shuffle. Perhaps this article can clear up what happened.

On the 88th legislative day I swore at the Governor in a Republican caucus meeting. The language was certainly inappropriate and for that, I apologized to the Governor personally, to the House of Representatives and again now, to the people of Montana for the use of profanity. Why was I so angry at the Governor? That's simple and straight-forward; he directly asked me to betray my entire Republican caucus — something I would never do.

Just before 7 a.m. on that day, I received a phone call from a member of the Governor's staff, requesting that I meet with the Governor to discuss the impasse between the Senate (Democrats and the House (Republicans). The Governor asked me to convince a few Republican legislators to support a motion to pass his budget out of the House and in return, he would graciously allow one of my bills to be amended and passed to his liking. Then, according to him, I would get the credit for passing the bill and all would be well. (Never mind that the substance of his proposal was extremely disagreeable to begin with).

I then asked him what he wanted me to do was simply "talk to my caucus members about this directly." He said yes. I then said this "Governor, I will talk to my caucus members about this," which I did. I talked to all 50 of them at once — not exactly what he had in mind I'm sure.

His attempt to get me to betray my caucus would not, by itself, prompt me to swear at him. However, his direct intimidation of certain Republican legislators was another matter. On that very morning I learned of another such set of threats towards some of my colleagues. Enough was enough.

I don't react well to people who threaten my family, friends, or people I represent, and that includes my colleagues. The Governor's claim after the fact that "he thought we had a deal" was his attempt to cover his own actions. There was never a deal between us. The entire episode was unfortunate, yet indicative of the lack of meaningful communications up to that point between the administration and the legislature.

The Governor and I briefly and cordially discussed the situation the next day (with a member of the press present) and we put it to rest.

Did his actions justify my actions? What would you have done? You can determine that on your own. Some people would have held their temper better; I'll do my best not to lose mine again. One thing is certain — it had absolutely nothing to do with term limits or partisanship. It had everything to do with defending my colleagues as their Majority Leader.

Rep. Michael Lange

Billings

Thoughtless thief steals mail box

Editor,

Last night, I was trying to figure out the best way of writing this letter. Nothing came, so the best way is with the facts that happened over the weekend of Saturday evening of May 26.

On Highway 28, between Elmo and Lonepine, somebody took Alice Hewankorn's black mail box with some reflective red tape on the post, but at least did leave the blue reflective tape there.

Anyway, the reason I put the mailbox and post with some reflective tapes high up on the bank, north end of the gateways, so it wouldn't be disturbed by anyone. Anther reason, too, it was easier to see and then know that the turnoff to Alice's house was right there.

Couldn't miss it, as far as I know. It was one of a kind, it being a mail box with red reflectives and high on the bank. The only way to the mail box was to walk up on the high bank — can't drive up there.

Whoever did this has no respect for anybody or themselves. Doing this is like telling Alice and Rose to walk to town to get their mail.

Anyway, whoever you are, grow up, put away childish things (I Corinthians 13:11).

With love and prayers from Camas Prairie,

Darrell J. Whitworth

Plains

Big Arm flexes its water war muscle

Editor,

With June 30 fast approaching, everyone in Big Arm is excited about the first annual Water War between Polson and Big Arm, which we are going to win.

The excitement is so high because we do not believe the City Manager or City Council of Polson will show and the few Polson warriors that do show up for the challenge will be leaderless and will feel dejected.

We are so confident that Big Arm will win we are already trying to guess how many of the jelly beans in the humongous trophy each family will get. Oh, the spoils of victory will be sweet!

Ron Roberts

Big Arm

Charlo Rookies thank Polson Rookies, coaches

Editor,

The Charlo Rookie Diamondbacks send a huge thank you to all the Polson Rookies and their coaches for allowing us into your league this year. A special thanks goes to Kim Congdon and Diane Grogan, who run a great program and were very patient with us.

Our kids had a great season and we hope the surrounding communities will look into this league for future seasons. Again, thanks for all your help and we look forward to seeing you next season.

Christy Fryberger

Ann-Marie McNeel

Charlo

School Board actions inconsistent

Editor,

The June 18 Polson School Board meeting demonstrated a glaring inconsistency of substance and style in the manner in which it addresses issues.

In the first instance the board recommended the principal of the high school rescind changes made to the student handbook concerning skateboards and cell phone use that were not consistent with board policy. The primary reason given by the board chairperson was that there was insufficient time between the end of the school year and beginning of the next for board consideration and public comment. The board decided to continue with an existing policy the high school principal stated was very disruptive to the primary goal of a school, the education of our children.

Contrast this with the haste, lack of research, information and deliberation, to say nothing of public notice and involvement, which the board pursued in its decision to reorganize the elementary school system.

In a second instance, the board decided to accept a teachers union contract agreement that contained a clause regarding full year sabbaticals that encouraged "competition" among teacher proposals as the preferred method for receiving high quality applications for the board to choose amongst.

Contrast this with the reason board vice-chairperson Elke Allik gave to the Missoulian concerning a primary reason for school reorganization. Board perception that unhealthy "competition" existed between the districts two elementary schools.

In a third instance, the board considered renewing their membership in the Montana School Board Association and revealed the superintendent's office performed a cost / benefit analysis so the board would have enough information to make an informed decision.

Contrast this once again, with the absence of a cost benefit analysis for the elementary school reorganization which making a wise decision deserves.

These three items exemplify reasons why parents have challenged the Polson School Board's hasty decision to reorganize the districts two elementary schools.

Cesar Hernandez

Polson

History came alive at museum event

Editor,

We want to thank the people in our community and visitors to Polson for your generous support at our Polson Flathead Historical Museum Annual Open House on Sunday, June 24.

This year we scheduled hourly talks, tours, demonstrations, story telling, and music and each one was so well received.

We especially want to thank those who gave a program: Gaye Harding Engles and Dan Engles who told stories about Blanche Harding's puppets; Alice and John Varnum, who told about various Montana ghost towns, accompanied by Alice's art; Ed and Ann Lounevick's demonstration of spinning and weaving; Dorla Scott's tour of the wagons and buggies; Hub Dykstra's talk about making miniature railroad scenes; Mason Niblack's moving tribute to Lou Jepson; plus the Oldtime Fiddlers and Great Scots Bagpipers for their lively music.

We formally opened the new Kids' Korner with a blessing by Steve Small Salmon, stories with Marilyn Bert, and playtime using 100-year-old toys and games. Thanks to Lois Hart, Gaye Harding, Misty Futrell, and Tobias Mitchell for creating this exciting hands-on children's area. We also want to thank Dick Bratton, Gerry Browning, and Joe Baushar for donating some items for the children to enjoy.

You all helped to create an informative and fun kick off of the summer. Come back and see us anytime the "Open" banner is flying.

Jim Duford, chairman

Board of Directors

Polson-Flathead Historical Museum

Sharing Place says thanks for help

Editor,

We at The Sharing Place have been looking back at our first year. We realize that we would never have gotten this far without the help of donations.

We would at this time, like to say "Thank You" to all who have made donations to our cause.

We would especially like to thank Seconds 2 Go, The Country Store, and Second Childhood for their ongoing support.

Elaine Cramer, Coordinator

Barbara Donegan, Secretary/Treasurer

Ronan