Capitol Letters

Dear Folks,

Many of you have asked me about the session so here’s an honest review from your freshman senator after a couple of weeks reflecting on what really happened in Helena.

While in the Army Reserves, my son learned a technique for critiquing someone’s performance. The idea is to sandwich a critical comment between two positive ones. I’ll call it a “manure” sandwich although the military refers to it by a more crude term.

The bread: Your Montana legislature is truly a citizen legislature. I worked with farmers, ranchers, small business owners, retirees from all professions, a teacher and a few lawyers. No one person has the wisdom to make the thousand-or-so decisions required. We consult others with expertise in areas where we lack knowledge and it adds up to a well-rounded body of knowledge.

The three branches of state government insure checks and balances, just like you read about in your high school civics class. The system is a microcosm of our federal structure that our brilliant founders established.

The manure: The spirit of any working group, large or small, begins at the top. Bill Gates wears jeans and has bad hair, but he values innovation and hard work — setting the tone at Microsoft.

Of the 75 days I spent in the Capitol, typically arriving before 7 a.m. and staying past 6 p.m., I never saw the governor, except for a scheduled photo with him signing my bill. My cubicle was in the east wing and I frequently used the stairway past his suite of offices, but never had an opportunity to exchange a word with him. I knew the night maintenance man better than our chief executive.

In contrast, Lt. Governor John Bohlinger mingled informally with us, and visited cordially with me, engaging me in earnest conversation.

I’ve heard it said that silence is the enemy of friendship, and the governor’s lack of fellowship and rapport with legislators contributed to this session’s adversarial spirit.

Almost daily, we Republican Senators were scolded by a stern-faced minority leader. An ardent, well-meaning person, she used more vinegar than honey, and we weren’t attracted to her pleas, especially those to spend more money on social programs.

The bread: Workers’ comp was overhauled as I’ve written before. More than one local businessperson has told me they already have seen positive results. Business equipment tax notches are down one third, making Montana more attractive for investment in capital equipment; and a controversial bill passed the Governor’s scrutiny to streamline mine permitting.

Marijuana will be regulated with the passage of SB 432 which I refer to as a “tourniquet.” Maybe it’s not a panacea, as you can’t leave a tourniquet on too long. Some folks will find it more suitable than total repeal, which I refer to as “amputation.” We may see revisions in the next session.

So there you have my critique. It should leave you with hope for Montana, our great state. I am honored to serve you.