Legislators courageous in stopping compact
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Editor,
Montana can take great pride, as we do, for the courage the legislators showed by voting against passage of HB 629 (the CSKT compact) and HB 636 (implement the compact), both contracts that would have put everyone in Western Montana in jeopardy: business, future development, agriculture and our access to affordable hydropower. Many non-tribal citizens would have been subject to tribal jurisdiction, a government in which we have no vote. Thank you, legislators, for your grasp of how far reaching and unconstitutional both bills were.
We speak for many: we want a compact, but it must be fair and equitable to all. I suggest a new compact commission be appointed with people with common sense and an open mind, but familiar with treaties, water rights, state law, the Constitution, and have lives/livelihoods that depend upon water and who will live with the consequences of the compact once finalized. Citizens from each of the 11 counties affected must be on the negotiating team, along with the CSKT representatives. Our form of government depends upon an informed populous and informed government officials. Without being informed, we are easily swayed. We support you and will continue to stay informed and involved.
Dave and Trudy Samuelson,
Mike and Sharon Gehl, St. Ignatius
Tim Howard, Missoula
Jim Faust, Ronan
Natalie Champoux and Leta Wicka, Charlo
