Dear Editor,
As Chairman of the Montana House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee, I strongly endorse and urge the voters of Ravalli County to re-elect Representative Pat Connell, HD 87, who represents the southern Bitterroot Valley.
I watched Pat bring dedication, enthusiasm, and professional experience to the committee when it was most needed. He was neither for nor against the stated positions of the FWP Department, sportsmen or outfitters, but sharply questioned the motives and justification for all sides of the issues that we faced as a committee. His obvious goal was to maintain game populations and a quality hunting experience for everyone. Representative Connell’s leadership this past session was critical so that the Legislature did not jeopardize the de-listing of the wolf from the federal Endangered Species Act by passage of wrong-headed bills.
The East and West Fork of the Bitterroot Hunting Districts 250 and 270 were well served by Representative Pat Connell, as was Montana as a whole, and I want him back on the FWP Committee next session. Primary voting day is June 5. Mail ballots will be sent out the first week in May. If you don’t vote in the primary election, your candidate may not be on the November ballot.
Ted Washburn, Rep. HD 69
Bozeman