By Susan McCreary, Stevensville
When a known anti-property rights, zoning promoter like Sonny LaSalle writes a letter in support of Dan Huls for county commissioner, the statement that the “leftists” did not enter a candidate for the Ravalli County Commissioner race is now very obvious and true; Dan Huls is their choice, running as a Republican.
LaSalle admits that he doesn’t know Mr. Huls’ opponent, what he stands for, or what assets he will bring as a county commissioner, but LaSalle deceptively supports Huls as the candidate of choice.
Yes, LaSalle is very correct–Huls was the leader in the instigation of the growth policy that was overwhelmingly voted down by the citizens of Ravalli County in order to stop one-size-fits-all zoning. Phil Tummarello believes in and supports the people’s right to zone their own property, but not that of their neighbors.
LaSalle is correct again–Huls was the leader in getting the ten million dollars Open Lands Bond instigated.
LaSalle deceptively fails to actually state that “Agricultural Property” was promoted during the selling of the Open Lands Board promotion to the voters but the “Agricultural Property” language was eliminated. Huls publicly stated that when the promotional language was sent to legal to be formulated for the ballot “Agricultural” was eliminated and replaced with “Recreational” on the actual ballot. How many people actually read the ballot language and instead relied on promotional language? You can bet that the county taxpayer money in the Open Lands Bond will continue to be spent on recreational projects like the current quarter million dollars transfer to the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks as part of the funding for a direct purchase of recreational property.
LaSalle is right again–the Open Lands Board is Huls’ brainchild. Please attend the Open Lands Board meeting (if restrictions because of Covid-19 are no longer in effect) on May 21, 7 pm, in the County Commissioners’ Meeting Room to witness how your Open Lands taxes are not being spent on Agricultural Properties, but being given to government entities.
LaSalle has lots to say about Dan Huls, so obviously he is the man to answer these questions:
What is the dollar amount that Huls has received in taxpayer funded grants for his dairy operation?
Why did Huls tell Central Committee and Advancing Conservatism in February 2020 that he was milking 300 cows three times a day, while not disclosing that at the same time he was selling 15,000 lbs. of his milk base to an out of state owner?
How many pounds of milk base did Huls have that allowed him to sell 15,000 lbs. of milk base on March 1 (as approved by the Montana Milk Board on March 3) and still milk 300 cows?
Why was without doubt some of the most prime agricultural land in Ravalli County that was near or contiguous to other conservation easements denied access to the Open Lands program?
LaSalle, we look forward to your expedient answers so voters of Ravalli County can make an intelligent fact-based decision as to who to vote for: Dan Huls or Phil Tummarello.