Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Opinion & Editorial

Recently, all over the state, newspapers and advocates of open government observed Sunshine Week, a celebration of Montana's strong laws regarding freedom of information and the public's right to know. Those who participated in the framing of Montana's Constitution believed the public should have access to the workings of the government they support with their taxes, and the officials they elect to represent them.

It's time for the Stevensville Town Council to recognize that it is in their best interest and the best interest of the citizens they represent to operate openly and to make available to the public all possible information that will help keep the electorate informed. Recently, the Town attempted to keep the draft engineering report on the town's water system out of the hands of the local newspaper, for no good reason. The Star had to rely on the attorneys of the Freedom of Information Hotline to convince the Town to allow reporter Michael Howell to access the document. And even after that, the Town's attorney has suggested this document might be private.

It seems rather obvious that any document pertaining to any project paid for by public money, that is, funds collected from the taxpayers, is public information. Citizens have a right to know how their taxes are being spent and they often rely on their local newspaper to provide them with this information. It is not up to town officials to decide what information they will make available to the public. With very few exceptions, the Town's business is public.

The business of the Stevensville School District is also public, and the current Stevensville School Board, with the cooperation of Superintendent Dennis Kimzey, is to be commended for operating in a spirit of openness and public participation. The Board makes a point to provide The Star with information about all upcoming public meetings, and to provide all requested information as soon as possible. It wasn't always this way; the lessons were painful, but the community is better off now because the public is better informed.

The fact is, there is no good reason to keep information from the public. The scrutiny can sometimes be embarrassing or uncomfortable, and might even make government decision-making less expedient. But open government and our "right to know" is guaranteed by our Constitution, and elected officials have a chance to make even better decisions because of it.

Thanks from St. Mary's Mission

The Stevensville Junior High and High Schools have a wonderful program in place called "Switch Day." The parents attend their child's classes for the morning, while the students help with community projects around town. Thank you to each parent who participated in this program, allowing your child to reach out with helping hands. Thank you to 13 junior high students and their parents, and to Wanda Stordahl and Mica Coyle.

What a great morning we had with the students, Mrs. Stordahl and Mrs. Coyle. They cleaned flowerbeds, raked leaves, trimmed trees and bushes, and picked rocks. This hard working crew accomplished more in one morning than the Mission volunteers could get done in a month. Historic St. Mary's Mission has three acres to maintain, and with the help of 30 extra hands we have a good start on the spring chores as we prepare to open for the season on April 17th.

The community service these students experienced is a very important part of living in our wonderful community of Stevensville. This is a very sharing and caring town. The Stevensville School, the parents who attended classes, and the students who worked their hearts out, enhance that giving spirit. I encourage more parents to participate in this program that teaches our youth to take pride in reaching out to help with community needs.

Thank you to the Stevensville Schools for endorsing "Switch Day" which provides better communication between teachers, parents, and students. I'm sure the conversation over dinner that evening was interesting as each shared the experiences of the day. Thank you to the parents and students who participated in "Switch Day" which allows our community spirit to continue to grow stronger.

Colleen Meyer, Director
Historic St. Mary's Mission, Inc.

Thanks to local pet clinic

Dear Editor,

Recently, I found an injured cat in the barn where I have been horse sitting. It appeared that the cat had suffered a broken leg from being run over, and upon veterinary examination, this was confirmed. The cost of surgery to set a break of this nature is quite expensive, and it seemed that our only option might be euthanasia. This was very difficult to consider, especially since the injured cat was so affectionate and even-tempered in spite of the pain he was experiencing.

However, thanks to Valley Pet Clinic, I didn't have to make that decision. The surgery was generously donated by Valley Pet and "Mr. Kitty" is well on his road to recovery.

Marilynn Taylor
Florence

Tyranny of the majority?

Dear Editor,

With the leaders of this country (United States of America) clamoring for world democracy and willing to back this clamor up with threat or actual invasion, it is no wonder, given the nature of democracy itself, that the world has and is becoming a mess. Even when the democratic process is somewhat untainted and true, we have witnessed the rise of Hamas in Palestine, Fidel Castro in Cuba, and Hitler in Germany (at least in their first terms).

It may surprise many of our publicly educated that the founding fathers of this nation were avowed enemies of establishing a democracy. The list includes James Madison, James Monroe, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, George Washington, Patrick Henry, and George Mason (for those of you into basketball, yes, the namesake of George Mason University, and the man, who penned the Virginia Declaration of Rights, after which the U.S. Bill of Rights is modeled), to name a few. Those attending the Constitutional Convention of 1787 reluctantly decided that State Representatives (but not Senators until 1913 with Amendment 17 squeezed between two other notorious freedom losing amendments: Amendment 16, establishing income tax and Amendment 18, America's first prohibition substance act) would be elected by popular vote. And that these Representatives of the people would be elected to defend the Constitution and the rights stated therein, and not allowed to stray beyond the stated boundaries of the Constitution, which limited their powers. Many feared that a democratic majority would, in a short period of time, legislate to suppress minorities and that this suppression would become worse than that of kings or dictators. George Mason and Patrick Henry pointed this out, when the original Constitution still allowed for slavery to proceed for a period of time after adoption, and both among other anti-Federalists demanded that a Bill of Rights be appended to this treaty in hopes to insure that individual freedom would be preserved and that slavery would be ended. History shows how that all turned out and at what sacrifice.

One of my many favorite poets, D. Allan Thomas, wrote this:

Democracy

As the world spins so G-- Damned accurately,
And so extremely exact are we,
Proclaiming that democracy,
Is what has saved us all and made us free,
Let there be no confusion.

Of the ten who met were eight,
Deciding the other two¹s fate,
Commenced to praise their choosing,
No one noticed which side of the two,
Clearly a point to eschew,
Were on the side that was losing.

Seven, yes, seven,
Decided that heaven
Would be the best place for the eighth,
For he had wavered at best,
With the vote of the rest,
And didn't quite have enough faith.

A close vote with just four,
Showed the three to the door,
It was surely quite well for the best.
Even the three that were shown,
Caving in to the clone,
Admitted that they failed the test.

Of the four there were three,
Ex-communing poor me,
I was shocked by the force of your vote.
You, my lifelong friend,
Pledged support to the end,
Gave me no more thought than a stoat.

However, now I can see,
That two of the three,
Are making their move as we speak,
Any thoughts coming late,
Predetermines your fate,
And trumps any justice you seek.

As the world spun so G-- Damned accurately,
And so extremely exact were we,
Proclaiming that democracy...
Was and will always be,
Just what we want to see,
An illusion.

As the founding fathers of this country knew, espousing and spreading democracy is not and never will be the answer. Showing, by example, what individual freedom can do for the world, extending a trading hand, and removing restrictive barriers, without regulated conditions, will do more than to crusade the world to spread democracy.

David A. Merrick
Corvallis

Our chance to pass it on

Dear Editor,

After the fires of 2000, I had the honor of helping with the I Care a Ton program started by then Lt. Gov. Judy Martz. Over the 12 months following the fires this program dispersed desperately needed hay, grains, livestock and pet feed to ranchers and communities who suffered the loss of pasture ground and recently put up hay. Donations came from all over the United States and many foreign countries from as far away as Australia and New Zealand with the midwestern states sending train loads and truck loads of supplies just to Ravalli County.

Our fellow livestock producers in the panhandle of Texas have just had not only the loss of pasture land but their homes, outbuildings, equipment and livestock destroyed by fire, generations of history wiped out in a day. Now is the time for Montanans to say thank you and pass on our blessings to those in need.

R-Calf has just sent out the following information on how to help and it is my sincere desire that the citizens of Montana, livestock producers to citizens from all walks of life, take the time and effort to offer assistance in any manner you can just as those folks worldwide reached out to us in our time of need.

To make a donation, send a tax-deductible check made out to the "Rancher-2-Rancher Relief Fund" and mail it to: Rancher-2-Rancher Relief Fund, P.O. Box 30715, Billings MT 59107.

Fellow ranchers across the country who wish to donate hay can call the Texas Department of Agriculture's "Hay Hotline" at 1-877-429-1998. Also, hay, grain and fencing supplies can be dropped off at Pampa's rodeo grounds and the Roberts County Airport in Miami.

Individuals who want to make various material donations, as well as producers in need of resources or whose homes were damaged by fire can visit www.texasvipers.org so matches can be found. The website is operated by Texas Volunteers in Plains-Area Emergency Response System (Texas VIPERS).

Suzy Foss
Hamilton

Support Stevi Farmer's Market

Dear Editor,

The Stevensville Farmer's Market will be starting up again shortly. Only goods made in Montana can be sold. The other vendors, like me, are mostly from the Stevensville area. They pay property taxes and other taxes in Ravalli County. They patronize local businesses. The market sales drop every other Saturday to half of normal. This is due to a group that comes down from Choteau (up near Great Falls) every other week and sets up in front of the old Stageline Pizza store. This group does not pay taxes in Ravalli County. They do not patronize local Stevensville businesses. They do not pay a fee for setting up their booth as all Farmer's Market people do. Please take this all into account when you shop in the outdoor market in Stevensville each Saturday. Please patronize the local people at the Stevensville Farmer's Market.

Carl Russ
Stevensville

What about cumulative effect?

Dear Editor,

Cumulative Effect. Did you know that for years, cumulative effect has been part of the subdivision criteria? I have testified at countless subdivision hearings, explaining how each will affect this valley, hoping and praying they would hear my input.

Have the Commissioners or their hand picked Planning Board members listened? Now, we are faced with huge subdivisions, with huge drains on county services. Talk about cumulative effect. It's like a sledge hammer has hit the valley. And still the Commissioners are locked in indecision. Oh sure, you hear them talk of valley wide zoning. But what does that mean? Is it possible that there are things happening behind closed doors? Commissioner Chilcott approached the Realtors and developers to craft the verbiage to zone our valley, with the help of a high priced consultant. How do I know? Because I'm a Realtor.

What this means is only one group has been asked to participate and shape the future of Ravalli County. Where are the other invitations to the decision making process? Shouldn't we have a system that is out in the open and strengthened by citizens' discussion and input?

I've lived here all my life, except for the years that I traveled as the wife of an Air Force Officer. I always looked forward to coming home to this beautiful, secluded part of the world, tucked between the Rocky Mountains.

Now, the world has found our home. There is no turning back the clock. Now is the time for conservative, balanced leadership with vision.

Will our local government continue to be simply perverted by people who want to make money and move on? Development does mean jobs. But where do you draw the line between economic development and community character? We're at a turning point in this valley. The commissioners need to step up to the plate and make a choice that will protect this valley and its citizens. And responsibility goes both ways. When you the citizen votes, elect someone who is going to make those tough decisions!

Being a Realtor has responsibilities. One is that you are part of a bigger picture, part of a community. This valley means too much to all of us to be destroyed by something that is becoming all too common a standard in our society. Money. Yes, I am a Realtor running for County Commissioner. The day I'm sworn in as a Commissioner, my Realtor's license will become inactive. There will be no conflict of interest on my shift. It's that simple.

Kathleen Driscoll
Hamilton

Support Light of Hope

Dear Editor,

The 2006 Light of Hope event will be held Friday, March 31st at the Bitterroot River Inn. Bitterroot CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) sponsors the Light of Hope. This event increases awareness of child abuse and child neglect in Ravalli County. Community wide awareness of the signs of abuse and neglect is essential for the identification and protection of children in need. Bitterroot CASA invites you to attend: $18/person; casual or business; 7 p.m.

The Bitterroot CASA program is invaluable to the district court in child abuse cases.

Bitterroot CASA develops and trains volunteers to assist in child abuse and neglect cases. Upon completion of training, the CASA volunteer is available to be court-appointed to serve as a "guardian ad litem" or special advocate for a child in need of care. Bitterroot CASA serves a vital role representing the "best interests" of the child in need of care. CASA volunteers gather essential information, and present their findings, thus serving as the objective eyes and ears of the Court.

It is important to note the child in need does not reside with the CASA volunteer. Working independently of any state agency, the CASA volunteer responsibilities include establishing a rapport with the child, as well as promoting trustworthiness, respect, responsibility and justice for the child. The CASA volunteer makes written reports to the district court regarding the child's status and welfare. Reports may include a recommendation for foster care, parental reunification plan, and/or termination of parental rights.

An evening of fine food and entertainment, featuring Russell Perri on piano and dance performances by the Ballet Bitterroot Performing Arts awaits you. There will also be a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and guest speaker District Court Judge John Larson. Please support Bitterroot CASA generously. Also consider applying for the essential, challenging and rewarding position as a CASA volunteer.

Jim Haynes
District Court Judge

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