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Attention irrigators of division one or more commonly known as the Moiese division.

As you may or may not know, Dick Erb has resigned his position as the Moiese division representative. As of March 16, there have been at least three people volunteer for Dick Erb’s vacant seat on the FJBC, including Ross Middlemist, Randy Doty, and myself.

Both Ross and myself have been informed by commissioner Janette Rosman that we are not being considered for the vacant seat, because we have been labeled anti compact. Randy has not been given the simple courtesy of a call to notifying him of any intent. In talking with commissioner Janette Rosman, it was made clear that only pro-compact individuals would be considered. When I asked if a meeting would be held in the Moiese division to hear the irrigators voice she replied “Probably not”. She said the Flathead district board (FDB) would do the selection.

It is clear that the northern end of the Flathead district will appoint this position to represent its own interest. The irrigators of the Moiese district will once again not have representation on the FDB or the FJBC. The three volunteers are qualified land owners in the Moiese division, with one serving on the board previously, one working for FIP for 30 years and all three having a vested interest in the outcome, whether the compact passes or fails.

It is also clear that a minority of land owners in the northern Flathead district with the majority of land will dictate this appointment, as they do with all elections in the Flathead district using the per acre vote.

I urge the Moiese division irrigators to call FDB chairmen Paul Guenzler and voice their opinion on their choice of representation, whether it be one of the three mentioned or a different person of your choice.

The Moiese division includes Moiese Valley and all land below “F” Canal, east to highway 93. If unsure of your division, call the FJBC office 745-2090 for assistance.

Wade Shepard