By Mark Adams, Stevensville
I would like to comment on recent events surrounding the mayoral recall in Stevensville. Mayor Dewey’s response to Judge Recht’s ruling is stunningly arrogant. The Mayor says, “The agreement was executed in good faith and based on our interpretation and understanding of the relevant policies. Those understandings and interpretations, coupled with the opinion of the City Attorney, gave us no indication that a violation would occur.” Who are the people he consulted in his administration? Certainly not the City Attorney because the City Attorney did not know the contract existed until it was already signed, sealed and delivered. Dewey also said “Ultimately, it is the voters who will get to decide whether the dedication I have demonstrated to this community is enough to forgive an oversight that hinges on a grey-area of law where legal experts have landed on different conclusions.”
In my opinion, the only thing Mayor Dewey is dedicated to is doing Town business behinds the back of the Town Council and taxpayers of Stevensville. If you want more examples just ask him about the last year’s fireworks display and the rates of the lighting district in Creekside that he raised illegally. That is only the tip of the iceberg. When it comes to grey-areas, Mayor Dewey stretches the imagination. Judge Recht’s words stand alone, “Dewey acted outside the law and without legal authority.” No grey in that statement. Dewey likes to make impressive proclamations but he doesn’t back them up with any facts. I believe the citizens of Stevensville need to cut away all the Mayor’s glossy rhetoric and start uncovering the truth.
Angela says
Sharon leaves out critical facts when she “clarifies.”
Here are the ACTUAL FACTS direct from Judge Recht’s decision to move the recall forward.
Dewey (and his lawyer) agreed that the following facts were undisputed:
At the December 12, 2019 Town Council meeting, the 2020 Budget was approved. This budget included the expenses for the FCCS contract as a line item for each department. The contract itself was not on the agenda, nor was it ever mentioned or discussed during the meeting.
**That same evening following the meeting, Mayor Dewey signed the FCCS contract.**
At the January 9, 2020 Town Council meeting, the Council approved Claim #15695 for FCCS’s onboarding fee as PART OF A LIST OF OTHER claims.
At the February 27, 2020 Town Council meeting, the Council discusses a Claim #15796 for $2100 for FCCS for the first time. The Town Council DENIED the claim and tabled the issue until March 12, 2020.
At the March 12, 2020 Town Council meeting the Town Council learns of the FCCS contract for the FIRST via the Agenda Packet. The minutes reflect that Town Council members and citizens expressed concern and dismay over the previously executed contract and questions Mayor Dewey’s authority to execute said contract without Council approval. The Town Council voted at this time to REJECT the FCCS contract (although they DID pay that month’s claim since services had already been rendered).
Attorney Owens did not render his opinion about the FCCS contract until AFTER the contract was executed.
So – a Ravalli County JUDGE says Dewey violated the law. The Town Attorney, who would like to keep his job, says he almost violated the law, but not quite. I know who I trust to provide an impartial opinion.
And regarding the fireworks, Bob signed the check because he took Dewey at his word that it was a budgeted and approved expense. Once Bob found out that it was NOT AN APPROVED EXPENSE he cancelled the check. Dewey lied to the press and public about already having the donations from local businesses and private donors. He never had private donors. He has tried to collect donations to this day to cover the costs. Dewey’s lack of ethics is astounding.
Sharon Gee says
I can’t believe you are defending Bob who signed a fireworks check and then illegally stopped payment on it.
Is it not Bob’s job to know what he is signing?
Forgiveness, understanding and excuses for Bob but no compassion for our Mayor who believed he was acting in good faith and adhering to our towns current purchasing policy when he hired First Call? Sounds about right.
How many IT companies submitted bids?
Did Council later approve the charges and accept the contract?
Sharon Gee says
A couple of clarifications:
First, Scott Owens Professional legal opinion is that Brandon Dewey did not do anything illegal *(see article in Bitterroot star entitled ‘Petition circulating to recall Stevensville mayor’ dated April 21, 2020 excerpt below):
“Scott Owens rendered an opinion on the issue. In his opinion, the mayor did nothing illegal in signing the contract. He said an agreement had been signed by the mayor for a large amount of money that usually would require council approval, but the money had been included in the budget that the council approved and was only being paid out incrementally.
The council had already approved one payment of a couple thousand dollars but balked at the second payment. Council President Bob Michalson has argued that the council was not aware of the full extent of the contract when they approved the first payment.
Owens argued that under the circumstances, and given some discrepancies between state law and town policies, in his opinion the mayor did not violate any laws.
“He came close,” said Owens. “He came right up to the limit. But in my opinion, he did not cross the line.” He said he ran the issue by attorneys at Montana Municipal Interlocal Authority, which handles insurance and other legal issues for Montana’s cities and towns, and another private attorney.
“There was a lot of discomfort, but they did not think his actions were illegal,” said Owens. “I know Rodabaugh has got an opinion about the law. I have one.”
Second, Regarding the fireworks check, Council President Bob Michalson did sign that check. How much more in agreement can you be than that?