This year’s elections could have a huge and lasting impact on those of us that enjoy the benefits of our state’s river systems, including our beloved Bitterroot.
Running for Supreme Court Justice, Kristen Juras is a foe to our state’s Stream Access Law, even going so far in her law review article to advocate for what she dubbed “the right to exclude.” This means you and me on our rivers. She has an anti-public access agenda.
Running again for County Commissioner, Greg Chilcott is no friend to our river. Chilcott, you will remember, is a strong proponent for building homes and septic systems in the flood plain. With his advocacy and vote, our long time protections for our river went out the window in January 2015. Now, with his blessing, septic systems and homes have been approved within the flood plain with more on the way. These homes, septic systems, accompanying pesticides, herbicides, anti-freeze, oil and inevitably riprap harm our river, reducing its ability to purify its water, reducing the amount of fish it can sustain and reducing the amount of wildlife it can produce. (Riparian areas produce more wildlife than any other ecosystem.)
Additionally, I have been asked on several occasions by county employees or their spouses to bring up points at public meetings because the county employees fear retribution from the Commissioners if they speak freely. I feel that this situation would be greatly improved with Big Dave Smith replacing Chilcott on the board of Commissioners.
And don’t forget, it was Chilcott that posted a public meeting notice a mere two business hours prior to awarding a developer $675,000 of county money at a meeting with little opportunity for public comment.
Chilcott and Juras are foes to any hunter, fisherman, nature lover or those who want a strong tourism economy.
Fortunately, we have two good people running for these important offices. Running for Supreme Court Justice is Dirk Sandefur. Sandefur has a proven 14-year record as a highly competent, fair and impartial District Court Judge. He will uphold our Montana Constitution, including Montana’s important stream access law.
For County Commissioner, we are fortunate to have Big Dave Smith. Dave Smith is a long time business owner who has overseen many employees and knows what it is to work hard. Dave is honest. Dave is fair. Dave knows that the river is important to us all and will vote to protect it. It would be nice to have these qualities in our Commissioner.
Please vote for Dirk Sandefur and Big Dave Smith on November 8, 2016.
Andy Roubik
Corvallis