For the past two and a half years I have been trying to stay informed as to all the published facts in reference to the Three Mile sub district issue. To say the least, in my opinion, it has been and still is nothing short of a big mess. BRID and Citizens for Fair Water both sent out letters, notices stating their case both for and against the sub district, some other people sent out other letters stating we now have to start over and for me it is all so confusing. I have read letters to the editors from individuals stating their opinions, but they just seem to confuse the issue even more.
Now imagine my surprise when I read a letter from Mr. Dave Tripp, stating his opinion and for the first time, a letter that made complete sense.
I agree with Mr. Tripp when he stated that the behavior in the matter has been totally inappropriate. If a lawsuit has been filed, why are people going out and trying to get a sub district petition signed and the other side trying to get the same people to rescind? It’s absurd and a waste of time and money.
Mr. Tripp’s statement about the two parties getting together and working to get the case before a Ravalli County judge is the most efficient and cost saving method around. BRID is spending a large amount of taxpayer money in this case (from what the paper says). I pay my taxes, but I do not condone the wasting of tax money. The tax money being spent on this mess could/should be spent on keeping the BRID system in tiptop form.
Mr. Tripp, thank you. After two and a half years, you have come up with the most reasonable and, in my opinion, correct way to handle this sub district matter. Get the matter in front of a judge, let the judge decide.
Mr. Tripp, you have my vote for District 5 commissioner. The Three Mile irrigation district needs a leader who will stand up for what is right.
Linda Williams
Stevensville
Elaine Culletto says
Dear Linda…as a past employee for over 25 yrs at the Bitter Root Irrigation District…I can assure you that your “facts” are far from accurate” a lawsuit has been filed and a judge will make a call on that someday…however thinking for even a moment that Mr Tripp
has any answers when he has never bothered attending a monthly Board meeting or even called the office or Board members to learn of the facts of this lawsuit has to make even the smartest person wonder why he would think for a minute that he was qualified to become a board member. I think most people in your area clearly know mr tripp is aligned with opponents from citizens for fair water.it is this group that is costing all waterusers in the district hundreds of thousands of dollars when those in the know understand well over 50% of three mile users are grateful to know they have an option to allow the district to continue maintenance and care for the system unlike all other private gravity systems within the district. Yes it is crazy…but do not cast your vote until you have done the right thing and invited mr trip and yourself to actually attend a meeting or visit the office and find out whats really going on.. Experience matters and the board has an outstanding board with over 40 yrs + of knowledge and experience following the laws of Montana Code. the matter is in front of a judge and he will make his call… but please use caution when voting..you wouldn’t want to become a part of the problem would you??
Stacy Coulter says
Linda, at BRID we absolutely agree that tax dollars spent on litigation is a huge waste. This lawsuit was forced upon BRID by CFW, a small group with a fundamental misunderstanding of the way gravity systems are maintained in our district and a demand to entirely go against the intentions of the BRID board who, 30 years ago, helped 3 Mile users get their system installed. We would much rather focus on and fund aging infrastructure than a frivolous lawsuit. This lawsuit has been a huge burden to us, as well as tax payers. By helping Three Mile users obtain financing 30 years ago, then offering to allow a sub-district to be formed once the bond was paid, our commissioners have been continuously standing up for what is right.