Local lawmakers provide legislative update at forum

The wave of political engagement sweeping the nation reached the Mission Valley least week, as local residents filled the Ronan Middle School auditorium to hear a legislative update from Lake County’s congressional delegation.

“I told my wife there probably wouldn’t be more than 10 people here,” state Rep. John Fleming told the crowd. “It’s good to see that I was wrong.”

Organized in part by Ronan High School teacher Jessica Johnson’s government class, the forum featured Fleming, fellow state Reps. Greg Hertz and Mark Noland as well as Sen. Dan Salomon.

With the 2017 legislative session entering its second half, the lawmakers explained that discussions so far have revolved around the state’s fuzzy financial future.

“Right now we’re sort of waiting on a budget,” Salomon, a Republican from Pablo, said.

Despite the overarching uncertainty, audience members submitted pointed questions concerning two major issues impacting Lake County: aquatic invasive species management and law enforcement jurisdiction on the Flathead Indian Reservation.

One specific concern involved the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Department’s decision to permit an upcoming fishing derby on Tiber Reservoir, one of several Central Montana water bodies that tested positive or suspect for the presence of invasive mussel larvae last year.

Rep. Noland, a Republican from Bigfork, said he is sponsoring a bill that would impose quarantines preventing such derbies, noting that data shows Flathead Lake is often the next stop for boaters leaving Tiber and other infected waterways.

“My opinion is let’s just not have it this year,” he said. “It makes no sense. Why would we risk it?”

But with his bill pending, Noland said many decisions remain in the hands of the department, which he said sees the derby as a moneymaking opportunity.

“We’re debating this right now,” he said. “I’m hoping they don’t have deaf ears.”

Noland said his bill would establish a system of committees, provide the public with more say in the policy making process.

While the state has more than doubled its aquatic invasive species budget in light of the mussel threat, Noland nevertheless urged the public to lend their support, at one point suggesting they reach out to any deep-pocketed acquaintances.

“If you know any rich people…many of them are generous, we just need to ask,” he said, tongue only slightly in cheek.

Another issue dominating the forum touched on the debate surrounding the state’s agreement with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to prosecuting felony crimes involving tribal members on the Flathead Indian Reservation.

Lake County officials have criticized the jurisdictional arrangement, established under federal Public Law 280, for placing a significant burden on local taxpayers. Earlier this year, the county passed a resolution of intent to withdraw from the agreement in an attempt to draw attention to the issue.

The move seems to have worked, prompting a pair of bills addressing the situation.

Polson Republican Greg Hertz initially sponsored legislation requiring the state to reimburse counties impacted by Public Law 280, but later urged lawmakers to vote it down. Hertz said his intent was simply to inform the legislature of Lake County’s dilemma.

“The main purpose was to bring it to the floor,” Hertz said, adding that if federal, state, tribal and county governments could reach a funding agreement the issue could easily be solved.

County officials at the forum raised concern over another bill aimed at establishing an avenue for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to withdraw from Public Law 280.

Senate Bill 310, sponsored by Sen. Lea Whitford, D-Cut Bank, contains language stating that the tribes may withdraw after consultation with local governments.

Commissioner Gale Decker said he was unclear whether that process would vary from what’s required of the county, which must ultimately seek approval from the U.S. Secretary of Interior.

“I’m confused why the tribes’ ability to withdraw is so much different,” he said, requesting that the bill be amended to include the county as well.

The appeal resonated among the legislators.

Hertz said that many bills he encounters are too broad to make a significant impact.

“When you write a bill you want to make sure it’s not big enough to drive a truck through,” Hertz said, noting that SB 310’s title alone -- “Revise laws related to criminal jurisdiction on the Flathead Indian Reservation” – could be representative of its potential shortcomings.

While the debate over 280 has sparked tension locally, Commissioner Dave Stipe said he’s encouraged that a discussion is taking place.

“The tribes and the county aren’t far apart on this,” he said.

Such discourse was the goal of the forum.

Hertz and his fellow lawmakers thanked the audience for attending and encouraged the public to remain engaged, suggesting constituents make a trip to Helena to voice their concerns in person.

“One citizen outweighs 10 lobbyists,” he said. “You’d be surprised how much sway citizens can have on a committee hearing.”