Questions surround water agreement
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Editor,
Judge McNeil’s writ of mandate states that the FJBC has no legal authority to enter into any agreements or give your water rights away. The writ further says that the FJBC has no ownership interest in any water rights; their job is to improve, develop, operate, maintain and administer the irrigation systems. Why is the FJBC still spending your money to support this taking of your water rights? You are currently still paying Alan Mikkelsen, or “Alpine Research,” $50,000, via the FJBC’s 2013 budget, to hold meetings with organizations like the Potato Growers Association and Stockgrowers Association, print articles and “coach” Caulfield to continue this charade, even though his contract was not renewed. Who voted to keep him on the payroll?
That same budget includes $130,000 for Jon Metropoulos, a registered lobbyist and attorney, who couldn’t even file pleadings on time, and who is now asking for more money to hire yet another attorney to fight Judge McNeil’s writ of mandate. Why is the Flathead Joint Board paying a lobbyist to defend the rights of the irrigators? “Metro” has made $125,000 to $130,000 to represent irrigators’ water rights. However, he must have been too busy counting his money to keep track of the fact that your water rights are being given away, against the Montana State Constitution. When asked at a meeting of the FJBC if he had read the acts and treaties, his comment was they are just too hard to understand; doesn’t his resume say “attorney”?
Why did the State of Montana hire Jay Weiner, from California, whose firm works for tribes and tribal governments, to write the current water compact? Why has Chris Tweeten been writing articles filled with jawing that doesn’t answer anyone’s questions? Why, when questions were directly asked regarding contents of the agreement, were our questions ignored? Where is the environmental impact statement that is required anytime a government agency makes a move?
Hello, wake up people; it doesn’t matter which side you are on, it’s time to take control of the situation, stand up and demand that your money and water rights be protected.
Ken Scott
St Ignatius
