Please explain seniority
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Editor,
It has become painfully clear that there are those in the Flathead/Mission Valley who believe “seniority” dictates more than just who gets water and when; they seem to believe it dictates whether you are a valued, local insider or a despicable, outside agitator. Somehow it determines whether you’re allowed to speak, to have an opinion or have the right to voice that opinion; the right to be a contributing part of the community in which you’ve chosen to live.
What and where are the rules that define this seniority? At what point are we allowed to apply for membership in this closed community and gain a voice in how our lives are affected by those who already believe they have lifetime memberships? At what point do the rules and personal responsibility for our local community apply to us as well? Do we need a priority date of 1855 or time immemorial? What mystical event or set of circumstances defines this right? When do we graduate from “outside agitators” to “respected seniors or elders”? Who can I contact to get a copy of the covenants or rights or by-laws for seniority?
It seems ludicrous that someone would move here, purchase property, pay annual property taxes on that property and income taxes to the county and state, contract local craftsmen for construction, husband – not tame or change – the land, bring outside income into this state and valley and use them to support the local economies at every opportunity by purchasing local production of food and services, supporting local activities, fundraisers, raffles, charities and take an active part in supporting how the local communities should maintain their basic identities, and this is somehow not viewed as a positive buy-in or eligibility for membership in the local fraternity.
We seem to need a clear set of rules and guidelines for newcomers. Maybe it should be published in the official “Welcome to Montana: Relocation Package” to avoid surprises.
Michael Gale
Ronan
