Taking a stand for what I believe in

By Dempsey H. Vick, II, Councilmember, Town of Stevensville, Ward 2

Due to last Thursday night’s actions that were taken by Councilmember Michalson, I feel that it may be in the best interest of the town to investigate whether or not those actions are considered “open neglect or refusal to discharge duties” in accordance with MCA 7-4-4111(6) which states

Determination of vacancy in municipal office. An office becomes vacant on the happening of any of the following events before the expiration of the term of the incumbent:

(6) the incumbent’s open neglect or refusal to discharge duties.

The protest that was performed last night, regardless if the performance was due to the appropriate actions of the Mayor and Stevensville Police Department in the interest of keeping the peace, is in my opinion a refusal to discharge duties.

Master Chief Petty Officer Carl Brasher has been quoted to say:

Forgive me sir, but to me, the Navy isn’t a business. It’s an organization of people who represent the finest aspects of our nation. We have many traditions. In my career, I have encountered most of them. Some are good, some not so good. I would, however not be here today were it not for our greatest tradition of all… (when he was challenged about the greatest tradition) Honor.

From my point of view, the Town of Stevensville is not a business in the general definition; the Town is an organization of people that represent the finest aspects of our community. Every employee and elected official is given the privilege to serve the best interests of the public as a whole, from the newborn baby to the centenarian; and tasked with the responsibilities to serve the public. This organization has traditions, both good and bad, that I have been a part of; the bad ones must cease to exist and be regarded as fodder.

Bullying, misogyny, hate, unwanted hazing, etc. will no longer be tolerated by myself, especially in respect to our beloved town.

If anyone believes that any of the actions that Ms. Devlin and myself have been undertaking are easy, that is incorrect. In the toxic society that was created long before our taking office, it would most definitely be easier to tread water and go with the flow because “this is how we have always done it.” Taking a stand for what you believe in is the hardest thing that any person will do when faced by opposition that attempts to use your military oath or your religion as a tool to influence what you hold to be morally right.

My oath of enlistment which I took on August 6, 2002, and subsequently my oath of office which I originally took in August of 2019, both state that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America, the former stating “against all enemies foreign and domestic.” Actions that

violate an individual’s civil right to a peaceful workplace is a direct attack on the US and Montana Constitutions.

Lastly, I would like for the members of the public to read the words of The Sailor’s Creed:

I am a United States Sailor.

I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me;

I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom, and democracy around the world;

I proudly serve my country’s navy combat team with Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

I am committed to excellence, and the fair treatment of all.

It is an honor to serve each and every one of you, and I am proud to have the opportunity to be your representative. While the road ahead may appear to be rocky, rest assured, I will take the road less traveled with you.