Never met Bruce Fredrickson
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Editor,
According to an article in your Nov. 19 issue lawyer Bruce Fredrickson is looking for a lobbyist for the upcoming session of the legislature to focus on defeating the proposed Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Water Compact.
In the article Fredrickson “said his firm had met with former Secretary of State Bob Brown” and another gentleman because “they would know who to hire to make a private property rights argument against the compact.” The article continues to quote Fredrickson about how the other man and I had advised him regarding the type of lobbyist who could most effectively oppose the Water Compact.
I don’t know about the other guy, but in my case this is complete baloney. I’ve never met Bruce Fredrickson. Contrary to what he infers, I’ve never provided any advice to him or knowingly to his firm about how to lobby the legislature.
The fault for the misrepresentation lies not with your publication, but with Fredrickson.
Here is what I think happened. Recently a lawyer friend of mine in Kalispell asked if I was interested in lobbying. I replied I wasn’t. He then asked for my recommendations for experienced lobbyists who could represent matters pertaining to water law. The Water Compact controversy came up in our conversation, but I didn’t know he was looking for someone to oppose the proposed Water Compact.
I’ve been out of the legislature for 20 years, and most of the lobbyists I knew are long gone. I suggested a few names that came to my mind who are very capable and have knowledge of water or natural resource law. Those I remember mentioning are Stuart Doggett, Tom Ebzery, Leo Berry, Blair Strong, Chris Tweeten and Jon Metropoulos.
Fredrickson used some of these same names in your story. I therefore think that my telephone conversation with the lawyer in Kalispell is the basis for Fredrickson’s embellishments and distortions. I’ve since learned they are in the same firm.
To infer as Fredrickson did, that I am aiding or advising him in his fight against the proposed Water Compact is patently untrue.
Bob Brown
Whitefish