Character matters

by Angela Lyons, Stevensville

Despite holding the position of Mayor for 4 years, it appears that Dewey has learned little about fiscal responsibility, following the law, civility and leadership.

While reading the latest Financial and Compliance Report compiled by Strom & Associates for the State of Montana to ensure that the Town of Stevensville is following all laws and rules, I was not surprised to see that they were in violation of quite a few. 

Not only has the Mayor failed the most basic task of reconciling the Town bank accounts for a full year (violation of State law), he also filed the Town budget with the State 7 months late (violation of State law), he filed the AFR 6 months late (violation of State law), and he filed Form 941 (Town’s employment taxes) late every quarter which resulted in unpaid IRS fines (violation of Federal law). These are just a few of the violations mentioned that reflect sloppy record keeping, a disregard for lawful deadlines and lack of compliance with Montana state law, statutes and municipal codes.

I don’t doubt he will have excuses for his failures. Most likely, he will pass the blame to someone else. That’s what he does when he’s not treating Stevensville citizens with ridicule and contempt. 

Earlier this year Dewey posted a new complaint form on the Town of Stevensville website that targeted a specific person in an obvious attempt to humiliate, belittle and silence him and his concerns over the governance of our Town. 

Regardless of what you think of the targeted citizen, this is disgusting behavior by Dewey. Petty, vindictive and unprofessional. Worse, did he actually use Town resources (you know, the ones we PAY for) to make this page? Or is this how he spends his time now that he voted to double his salary?

The number of complaints submitted by a citizen is irrelevant. Having seen some of the “complaints” posted on Facebook, it is clear the comments are more about encouraging the Town Council and Mayor to follow the rules and laws of the State of Montana and the Town itself. Something that the Town Council and Mayor seem incapable of.

Lastly, what kind of person sneaks through the Town payment of his lawyer bill bypassing the procedures in place to prevent improper activities? Oh sure. He was cleared, but we all know that if you did that at your job you would be FIRED. Ask yourself why YOU are paying his law firm $12,000 for a lawsuit he filed to protect himself, not to protect the Town.

Character matters. The fact is that this Mayor lacks it. He also lacks integrity, transparency and common decency.  

Let’s get this Town back on track – fiscally and legally. 

Elect Steve Gibson Mayor and Bob Michalson and Stacie Barker to the Town Council so that we can have a future that includes managing our money responsibly, conducting Town business in a transparent and lawful manner and true leaders who respect and care for this Town and all of its citizens.