Government study commissions still need members

According to the Montana League of Women Voters, Montana’s Constitution is the only one in the nation to stipulate that voters be given an opportunity every 10 years to decide whether or not to review their form of government by forming local government study commissions.  

Last June, voters in St. Ignatius, Ronan and Polson voted in favor of establishing commissions.

St. Ignatius has one candidate, and Mayor Daren Incashola and city council members are planning to appoint two more community members on Nov. 5.

Mayor Chris Adler and city commissioners asked for volunteers in October but, according to the mayor, so far no one has stepped up to the plate.

Polson has five citizens who have offered to serve on the commission: Mark Hubbard, Peter Ridgeway, Phillip Thelen, Dave Rittenhouse and Larry Ashcroft.

The study commissions begin meeting in January and are tasked with evaluating their local government’s structure and suggesting improvements. Any recommendations would need to be approved by voters in 2026.

Contact city clerks in St. Ignatius or Ronan for information on serving on either community's review commission.