by Jim Crews, Stevensville
What is the status of my complaint against the town for violating my State Constitutional Rights?
When will the Trespass be lifted? I have not been in Town Hall in almost two months, the problems still exist in Town Hall. Obviously I am not the reason for the hostility and disruptions that happen in Town Hall. I never was. It is obvious that someone on your staff is the problem. Perhaps someone is in emotional distress, or has issues at home or with a family member and they let those things carry over into their work life.
People all over town report that they do not want to go to town hall because it is such a hostile environment. I would use a little Kepner-Tregoe Problem Solving and Decision Making Skills in order to find out what or who the real issue is at town hall. Hostility at town hall and disrespect towards the rights of the citizen have been at play since the Dewey Administration. There were several false accusations made and those of us that were not the problem were exonerated. I happen to have an official copy of the investigative report.
However, according to all reports, Town Hall is supposed to be an open and welcoming place for all citizens to join in regarding their town government.
I have apparently been invited back to town hall by one of the people the Mayor claims I have harassed, who obviously has either forgotten she complained, or never did complain in the first place. Gina Crowe, in an email stated on September 20, 2025 as follows:
“Mr. Crews, Please see the attached Position and Wages. You are stating that the Town refuses to share this information, however it has been shared on several occasions at budget workshops and council meetings, please see below. Anyone is welcome to attend and share their concerns. The Town works hard to be transparent and to provide the citizens what they need and deserve.”
Also, in the Bitterroot Star September 17, 2025, Page 3, Column 4, last paragraph, Mayor Michalson stated, “It should also be noted that the community can always attend any meetings of the town council, and all town officials encourage the public to exercise their civil right and responsibility to attend, both budget and regular town meetings, in order to decide for themselves.”
So, am I invited back to town hall or is this another falsehood fostered by the Town of Stevensville? If I am invited back, I would please like a letter confirming the Town has dropped this Trespass and notify the Sheriff’s Office and Dispatch as you folks have threatened me with arrest.
If not, then we all know the veracity of the administration, its statements and publications.
Contrary to your statement that I can watch town meetings on Facebook, please enlighten me where on Facebook I can find these meetings. Because I cannot find them. These meetings I am allowed to view include the Park Board, Planning and Zoning Board, Airport Board, Town Council, Committee of the Whole and Special meetings. It appears that the last time a meeting was linked on Facebook was over two years ago. And none of those allow for live public comment which is my right.
I might be loud, I might not be as nice as you like, but I am not a liar. I do not consider asking someone to do their job harassment. As you folks have pointed out numerous times, we have rights, and the exercise thereof is not a crime, it is a public duty. So why not live up to your word, honor your oaths and be the Americans you say you are?