Will Great Falls Dems Learn Or Continue To Lose?

Rick Tryon on November 7, 2024

On October 10th I posted my predications for Election Day 2024 on my personal Facebook page, which you can read here.

Here is a summary of those predictions with some added after-the-fact comments:

“Montana remains ruby red with all statewide offices being won by the GOP, including Gianforte winning by a lot over Busse.” Both correct. Not a single Democrat won a statewide office and the Busse/Graybill ticket lost in a blowout. (‘Get Your Montana Back’ will go down as the most pretentious, phony, ineffective campaign slogan in Montana history.)

“Sheehy beats Tester for Senate and the Republicans win both MT U.S. House seats – Eastern district by a landslide, Western district by a little.“ All three correct, except the Zinke margin was bigger than I predicted.

“State legislature remains firmly in the hands of a GOP majority in both chambers, but losing a super majority by a couple of seats.” Correct, mostly due to redistricting.

“Cascade County/Great Falls legislative delegation stays nearly all GOP with Dems flipping one of the open seats – not two.” Exactly correct. In the two open seats, Jane Weber (D) beat Hannah Trebas (R) and Rina Moore (D) lost to Melissa Nikolakakos (R). Republicans won every other seat locally.

“GOP keeps the three Cascade County Commission seats.” Yep.

“And finally (drumroll please) Trump becomes the 47th POTUS in a close win.” Correct, however I missed the margin again. It was a landslide, not a “close win”.

The day after the election I was asked by one of the local Democrats who campaigned hard but lost how I was able to predict the outcomes so accurately. It’s not difficult – just ‘read the room’, which in this case is the local and state political climate and the mood of voters.

And when it comes to the Great Falls and state Democrat Party I said the following in the last sentence of my predictions post:

“If Dems have any chance of winning again in MT and locally they’ve got to return to their common sense, working class roots and abandon the kooky, wokey nonsense that destroyed their brand and cost them dearly with voters.“

Will local Democrats make the necessary changes in their party leadership and messaging, or will they double down on losing?

My prediction is that they will do the latter.

Is Jon Tester A Real Montanan?

Philip Faccenda on November 1, 2024

Is Jon Tester a real Montanan?

To answer the question, let’s first agree that a real Montanan is one who cares about Montana and fights for Montana. So, is Jon Tester a real Montanan?

Case in point – an article in the Washington Times by Valerie Richardson points out that Jon Tester abandoned the people of Montana:

“Senate Republicans were buoyant when two democrats joined with them in passing a pro-Keystone XL amendment as part of the overnight marathon budget debate, but GOP elation was short-lived.

After voting for the measure to support the pipeline, Sens. Joe Manchin and Jon Tester voted against it, joining the rest of the democratic caucus early Friday in passing an amendment by Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer to strip the Keystone XL language from the budget resolution.

What frustrated supporters is that a vote from either Mr. Manchin or Mr. Tester would have saved the Keystone amendment, sponsored by Sen. Steve Daines, Montana Republican, aimed at boosting legislation to authorize the pipeline after President Biden killed it on his first day in office.“

Additionally, two other amendments, taking out the proposal that would have prevented checks going to illegal aliens and support for fracking, were killed thanks in large part to Tester:

“Mr. Manchin and Mr. Tester voted in favor of both those amendments as well as the Keystone XL measure, but all three amendments were wiped out by Mr. Schumer’s proposal, which passed 51-50, with Vice President Kamala Harris representing the tie-breaker.“

I will concede that Senator Manchin doesn’t give a tinker’s damn about Montana, but Tester should. That’s if he is a real Montanan.

Why should this be important to all Montanans? Because the 258 mile portion of the Keystone XL pipeline that would have run through north-east Montana would have generated $63M in tax revenue annually for Montana. That revenue would have gone to schools, healthcare, public safety, and other valuable state programs.

At the time, Tester spokesperson Sarah Feldman said the Montana Democrat, “has and continues to support the Keystone pipeline, and any statement to the contrary is incorrect”. That’s total BS. When it came time to stand up for Montana, or choose to support Senator Schumer and party, Tester’s choice was Schumer, who probably doesn’t even know where Montana is.

So goodbye $63M in annual tax revenue, and many good-paying jobs for real Montanans.

Letter To The Editor – ‘CIVICS 101’

ECB Staff on October 31, 2024

Editors note: the opinions expressed in “Letters to the Editor” do not necessarily reflect the opinions of E-City Beat, our volunteer staff, or contributors. All letters to the editor are welcome and will be considered for publication.

With the upcoming election, here is a crash course in our government.

LEGISLATIVE: To write and pass laws. They must be passed by both chambers with the same wording, amendments, etc.

EXECUTIVE: To enforce the laws as passed. The President, as head on the Executive Brach, is the chief administrator. Case in point: The 26th Amendment to the Constitution states thus: The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.

Section 2
The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

So when Virginia removed ineligible voters, why did the President not uphold the law and fought it?

JUDICIAL: To rule on the laws AS PASSED. Is it NOT their job to legislate from the Bench, that is, change the wording or interpret it as they choose. Again, the US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in favor of Virginia. Guess which 3 dissented?

This brings us to our current election. We have the opportunity to vote for not one, but 2 judges to the State Supreme Court. The example above, to this writer, seems to show the disdain for the Constitution or the rule of law for certain judges.

We have candidates saying they are for cutting taxes, etc. However, the letter attached at the end of their name tells the story. One party believes, can and has been for letting us keep our money. Also, the letter at the end should represent their true ideology. It seems that “R” means another: RINO. We have a County Commissioner who has shown the real, true meaning of that letter, while the other 2, through their past actions, stand for the other. One candidate says it is time to move on, while supporting someone appointed and not elected by We the People. We can – and should – write in the true candidate who believes when someone is elected they are put there by the people and not to be removed. Think about it. We vote and then 2 others rescind that vote and basically tell the voting public we were wrong. As for the write in: the name must be spelled correctly. Also, when voting, you can ask for a list of write in candidates.

My closing argument for this election comes from Dan Bongino.

The Republicans may not be the solution to your problems, but the CAUSE of your problems is most definitely the democrats.

Keith Verros
Great Falls

Vote Democrat? Thanks, But No Thanks

Philip Faccenda on October 16, 2024

You’ve probably seen the bench advertising signs supposedly giving you permission to vote Democrat this time, but do you really need Ruth Johnson’s approval?

Every voter has the right to vote their informed, or uniformed, decision even if it goes against common sense. The issues are clear, and national as well as state elections reflect very similar party positions on important issues that affect you.

If you want higher taxes with your hard-earned dollars to go to illegal migrants, or if you don’t care about the increase in violent crime that is sometimes tied to these law-breaking foreign nationals, you can vote for those candidates who voted for, or have a strong likelihood, to vote for allowing the failed, and illegal immigration policies to continue, and those candidates are overwhelmingly democrats. Why, even our former mayor signed on to a letter encouraging the federal government to relocate Syrian refugees (illegal migrants) to Great Falls.

If you believe that it is right to allow men to compete in women’s sports and that they should be allowed to share a locker room with girls, then you probably will want to vote Democrat this time.

If you believe, as Senator Tester does, that recent newcomers to Montana who have created many new jobs for Montanans are bad for Montana, then you should probably vote Democrat. It’s kind of ironic that we want new businesses in Montana, but not those created by entrepreneurs who are not native-born Montanans. How many generations does it take to be a real Montanan?

If you believe that killing the pre-born is somehow your right to choose, then you should probably vote Democrat in local, state, and national elections.

Keep in mind that some decisions you make have real life, or death, consequences.

Columbus Day Is Here To Stay

Philip M. Faccenda on October 14, 2024

Editors note – Today, October 14, 2024, is Columbus Day. Here is a re-post of a piece I wrote which includes my commentary on Columbus Day from 2021.

Like many Italian Americans I recognize Columbus Day as a way to take pride in my Italian heritage.

Unfortunately, once again this year there are those would like to take Montana in the direction of other states like Hawaii, Oregon and South Dakota, in the elimination of Columbus Day.

Those voices seem willfully ignorant of a couple of important facts.

First, Columbus never set one foot in what we now call America.

Secondly, history is replete with examples of indigenous peoples in America conquering and taking neighboring tribes as slaves, stealing their land, brutalizing and raping women, engaging in human sacrifice and torture as well as committing atrocities including acts of cannibalism.

All of this before any Europeans even knew the New World existed. So, as Zachary Mettler points out is his excellent article, “The Left Hates Christopher Columbus. Here are Five Reasons Why We Should Still Celebrate Columbus Day”, if Columbus is off limits to celebrate, so are indigenous peoples.

No racial or ethnic group is pure and innocent when it comes to treating fellow human beings badly. Those who constantly single out white Europeans as monsters while ignoring the atrocities committed by other groups and individuals do so mostly for selfish political reasons.

Their hypocrisy is clear to anyone interested in the facts.

So I would ask the local Great Falls finger pointers and virtue signalers how they feel about the fact that Clark himself held slaves and the Corps of Discovery helped open up the West to American expansion and the “exploitation” of indigenous peoples?

Where are the calls to eliminate the statues of Lewis and Clark in and around Great Falls?

Where are the demands to get rid of any mention of Lewis and Clark in our local celebrations or in the naming of local restaurants and other businesses and tourist sites?

Please, be consistent or be quiet.

Philip Faccenda – Proud First Generation Italian American“

POSTSCRIPT

Christopher Columbus wrote in his Lettera Rarissima, “Let those who are fond of blaming and finding fault, while they sit safely at home, ask, ‘Why did you not do thus and so?” “I wish they were on this voyage; I well believe that another voyage of a different kind awaits them, or our faith is naught.”

To quote a piece by John Hirschauer: “Contrary to the simplistic picture painted by academics, the indigenous cultures Columbus encountered were as assorted as those of any other peoples in history. While it might be true that some such cultures fit the nomadic, tranquil image pushed by the revisionists, not even close to all of them did. Which leads to an inevitable follow-up to those who would eliminate Columbus Day in favor of “Indigenous People’s Day. Which “indigenous people” do you have in mind? Is it the Kalinago people, who ate roasted human flesh, with a particular affinity for the remains of babies and fetuses? Is it the Aztecs, who killed an estimated 84,000 people in four days in their consecration of the Great Pyramid of Tenochtitlan?”

As historian Samuel Eliot Morison, in his book The Great Explorers noted, Columbus “had his flaws and his defects, but they were largely the defects of the qualities that made him great – his indomitable will, his superb faith in God and in his own mission. That will and faith make him a man worthy of this, the day on which we honor him.

Great Falls Candidates: Sandor Hopkins For HD23

ECB Staff on October 11, 2024

Editors note: Candidates on the November 5 ballot for Great Falls/Cascade County HD23 are Republican Eric Tilleman and Democrat Sandor Hopkins. Tilleman did not respond to our request for a candidate profile.

Who I am: I grew up in an Air Force family, yet have lived most of my life in Great Falls. I graduated from CMR High School in 2005 and Montana State University – Bozeman in 2013 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, and a focus on International Relations. I currently live with my wife on the lower south side of Great Falls, and enjoy spending time in my community and on our public lands.

What I do: I am a project manager for a land surveying company that does business across Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. I have been a Certified Floodplain Manager since 2018, a Trustee for the Maclean-Cameron Animal Adoption Center since 2020, and a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners since June of 2023. I have worked on both the public and private side of land-use planning, and understand the challenges and limitations faced by landowners and renters seeking affordable housing.

Why I am running: Foremost, I believe that Montanans in Great Falls and across the state are feeling the strain of an inadequate housing supply and soaring costs of living, impacting every aspect of daily life. I was privileged to be a part of a working group that drafted Senate Bill 382, known as the Montana Land Use Planning Act, which was approved with broad bi-partisan support and signed by Governor Gianforte on May 17, 2023. I want to ensure that this Act becomes a reality and improves the lives of everyone who chooses to live in our great State.

I also would like to work towards limiting government involvement in private medical decisions between healthcare professionals and their patients, advocating for the conservation of our public lands, striving towards energy sustainability and independence, and investing in our future through a robust educational system, and quality of life through adequate mental and physical health care. My goal as a Representative is to improve Montanans’ quality of life, not just in Great Falls, but across our beautiful State.

What I plan to do: Ensuring quality affordable housing at all income brackets is a good first step to lowering the overall impacts of cost of living in Montana, but that is only one piece of the puzzle. Our City and County governments are required to work within tight budget constraints, while the State of Montana maintains a substantial budget surplus. It is the Legislature’s responsibility to invest these funds back into services and programs that benefit ordinary people, and the source of this revenue restructured in a way that lessens the burden on renters and residential property owners. Some of the services I would advocate for include mental and behavioral health services, child care services, funding for public schools, and healthcare access in underserved communities, and resources for those who provide these services. I am running a campaign based on optimism that prioritizes people over party politics, divise rhetoric, and meaningless culture wars. I look forward to serving all citizens of House District 23

Great Falls Candidates: Jane Weber For HD19

ECB Staff on October 10, 2024

Editors note: Candidates on the November 5 ballot for Great Falls/Cascade County HD19 are Republican Hannah Trebas and Democrat Jane Weber. Trebas did not respond to our request for a candidate profile.

Jane Weber
Candidate for House District 19

I have lived in HD 19 for over 35 years. Like most people, I want our grandchildren to grow up in a safe, beautiful Montana with boundless opportunities for a better life. That’s why I am running for Legislative House District 19, so I can be a voice in our kids’ future.

I was a Cascade County Commissioner for ten years, so I know the cost to provide the needed services to taxpayers.  I enjoyed working with county residents, Department Heads, other county elected officials, and city officials developing policy. 

Prior to the county commission, I worked with the Forest Service in a variety of hands-on positions. I became the Public Information Officer and worked with the Great Falls community to build the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center which I managed for ten years. I learned the importance of community engagement, volunteer contributions, budgeting, and business management.

At a minimum, the legislature needs to address these three issues:  

Prosperity and Equity.  Montanans deserve opportunities to prosper. Hard work, grit and determination only gets you so far in these economic times. Laws passed in 2023 did not help working Montanans. Instead of long-term solutions to fund the services we need, the legislature passed short-term fixes that benefited wealthy corporate interests. The legislature did not spread the expense of government equitably. Legislators did not adjust tax formulas that had been successfully used before to stabilize homeowner property taxes; instead homeowners shouldered a disproportionate share of the tax burden while tax breaks for out-of-state corporate interests cost Montana millions in tax income.

Public Education. Our kids went to public schools. When everyone has a good education, everyone benefits. Public education is the great equalizer upon which our nation was built. State government should be a partner with parents, educators, and local school boards in making sure that all kids have safe schools where they can find their strengths and learn skills for a prosperous future. The state should do their part to fund our schools, but the school funding formula for public education is not keeping up with inflation. Montana’s schools are having a difficult time recruiting and retaining quality educators who can give the individualized attention each child needs. Teachers deserve competitive wages and opportunities for advancement, just like the rest of us. 

Healthcare Access.  When people are sick, they should be able to go to the doctor. Getting health care when it is needed can be a matter of life and death, and is also critical to keeping costs low for insurance companies, the state, and Montanans. When an employer can only provide insurance with high premiums, high deductibles, and co-pays, one emergency room visit can derail a family’s path out of poverty. Over 90% of Montanans with Medicaid Expansion coverage are working people who can seek medical care early and continue to work to support their families. Medicaid Expansion keeps our rural hospitals and nursing homes viable. Renewing this program is the fiscally responsible decision.

Local Candidates: Cascade County Commission

ECB Staff on October 9, 2024

Editors note: Candidates on the November 5 ballot for Cascade County Commission are Republican Eric Hinebauch and Democrat Don Ryan. Ryan did not respond to our request for a candidate profile. Republican Rae Grulkowski has filed as a write-in candidate.

I am 5th generation Montanan, that grew up on the Hi-Line near Chinook, MT. My family continues to operate the farm I grew up on. After graduating from the University of Great Falls, I ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing my own business, in 2011. As the owner of an insurance agency, with multiple employees, I am deeply rooted in our community. My vision is to help create a supportive environment in Cascade County, one that nurtures small businesses, fosters a prosperous economy, values a safe environment, and promotes sensible growth. At the age of 38, I bring a unique perspective. I strive to ensure that when my business journey concludes, Cascade County remains an affordable and thriving place to call home.

I believe in active community involvement. I love to support the people and organizations working to make a difference in Cascade County. Wrestling has always been a big part of my life and had the privilege of serving as the CMR Assistant Wrestling Coach and Great Falls Central Catholic Head Wrestling Coach spanning a decade.  I have proudly served on several community boards in the past including the Heisey Youth Center Board, Saint Ann’s Parish Council, GF Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee and Great Falls Development Alliance. I continue to be involved as a Rotary Club member and serving on the Benefis Foundation board and as University of Providence Trustee.

I served as a Great Falls’ City Commissioner and dedicated that time to effecting positive change. I helped clear encampments in downtown areas. I advocated for diversity of viewpoints on various city boards, ensuring fresh perspectives were represented.

Public safety has always been a top priority and I’ve actively sought ways to support our safety services, even when faced with budget constraints.

I collaborated with the City’s planning and development department to simplify processes, fostering a culture of exemplary customer service.

Yet, the challenges facing Cascade County transcend city boundaries. It’s imperative that we rebuild trust in our county government. Effective communication is key, ensuring that citizens are well-informed and involved in decision-making processes. Operations within the county commission office are in disarray, necessitating improved methods for daily decision-making are a priority. As our county experiences growth, meticulous planning is essential, not only from a developmental standpoint but also concerning public safety.

Amidst the turmoil in the Elections Office, it is essential we move forward. It’s incumbent upon the county commission to ensure that Terry Thompson receives the necessary support and training for success. Decisions have been made, and despite personal reservations, we must forge ahead, endeavoring to regain the trust of voters.

Why choose me? The relationship between the city and county has been strained for years. However, my rapport with Mayor Reeves presents an opportunity to mend this division, fostering collaboration for the betterment of our community. Unlike many newly elected officials, I am prepared from day one. I possess a comprehensive understanding of budget intricacies and municipal governance responsibilities. My approach is proactive and resolute, with a singular focus on realizing Cascade County’s full potential.

Cascade County must prepare now, with sensible growth planning, so when the anticipated population boom from Malmstrom’s missile upgrade comes, we are ready. We have many opportunities in the agri-processing sector, but we need leaders who will ensure our land and waterways are protected, while we maintain our Montana ways.

I’ve got the energy and tenacity to work hard every day to help lead Cascade County through the coming opportunities. If you’re ready for fresh leadership, I’d appreciate your support.

Eric Hinebauch

______________________________________________________________

Hello Cascade County!

I am Rae Grulkowski, your Cascade County Commissioner and I am running again in November as a write-in candidate.  My husband and I own a multi-generational business in Great Falls, we own residential rental properties and we make our home south and east of Stockett.  Therefore, my representation on the Commission always carries thoughts for the influences of government on our rural constituents.  I am an advocate for bottom-up leadership.  That means encouraging citizens to speak up and be heard.  I take a very conservative position regarding taxpayer funds.  I support safe communities and effective emergency response.  Adhering to and enforcing policies and laws puts me on firm ground and ensures all employees and staff are dealt with fairly and equitably.

My first two years in this office were spent battling to have transparent Commissioner meetings and refocusing Commissioner decision-making as a Board, rather than as individual Commissioners.  Business owners and citizens have laws and rules they are expected to follow, the Board of Commissioners are also accountable to follow laws and rules. 

Not being one to “go along to get along”, in my tenure, there have been many 2-1 votes.  Do you know what the difference is between a 2-1 vote vs. a 3-0 vote?  The representation.  Something I take seriously.

The County Commissioner is the highest governing official in the County.  Only the citizen is a higher authority than a County Commissioner.  I encourage you to consider your candidates thoroughly in this election.  With 3 candidates for County Commissioner who have all been Public Servants in the past, you have an excellent opportunity to view their prior accomplishments.  Do not vote for a political party.  Vote for the candidate who will be honest in their commitment to be your Public Servant.  There is freedom in your vote, Cascade County!  Make your vote count on November 5.

Please learn more at raeforcascadecounty.com. 

Great Falls Candidates: James Rickley For HD25

ECB Staff on October 9, 2024

Editors note: Candidates on the November 5 ballot for Great Falls/Cascade County HD25 are Republican Steve Gist and Democrat James Rickley. Gist did not respond to our request for a candidate profile.

James Rickley
Composer | Musician | Producer
Educator | Teacher | Principal
Superintendent | Leader
Consensus Builder

Montana House Of Representatives District 25
Cascade County
District 25 for 22 Communities
Adel • Airport • Ashuelot • Cascade
Cascade Colony • Castner Falls • Eden
Emerson Junction • Fair Haven Colony • Fort Shaw
Gordon • Great Falls West • Hardy • Manchester
Riverdale • St. Peter • Simms • Sun Prairie
Sun River • Truly • Ulm • Vaughn

http://jamesrickleyforhousedistrict25.com

Montana is the ideal environment to nurture any creative spirit and expression. I was brought to this state as an educator for a district that contained parts of the Fort Peck reservation. I discovered that this state is a small town with just long distances. It is complete in a way that offers the stimulation in abundance above any locale in the country. Its citizens have shown an acceptance of divergent thoughts with open ears and minds.

 I have flourished as an artist here in Cascade County with encouragement from all I’ve met in this treasured state. I am able to experience activities, events, and entertainments that are always challenging. This makes for an exciting and stimulating world like none other I’ve experienced. I’ve been able to utilize my training in all types of community environments – urban to frontier and have found a life connection that fosters my growth. My presence here is my arrival home. I’m running as a legislator in response to this gift.

There is a critical shortage of mental health services in Montana, particularly in District 25. I believe that increased investment in mental health resources is essential, coupled with efforts to create vibrant, supportive communities that attract and retain qualified mental health professionals.

I advocate for a streamlined, accessible directory of services, achieved by pooling and blending various specialties. Additionally, I emphasize the need to codify and stabilize social and childcare services to provide a strong support system.

As a member of the retired community, I understand the importance of establishing a continuum of care, ensuring clear definitions of services, facilities, and decision-making processes. I am deeply committed to addressing Montana’s status as the state with the highest suicide rate, prioritizing comprehensive strategies to prevent this tragedy.

I believe that every student in Montana deserves access to a quality education, regardless of their zip code. I have a proven track record of success in improving education outcomes, having worked with the Nevada governor to ensure that students across the state could receive a high-quality education.

I believe that we can achieve success in Montana by expanding access to online learning, embracing project-based learning models, and exploring other innovative instructional methods. I am committed to working with educators and policymakers to ensure that all Montana students have the opportunity to succeed.

I understand that taxes are the lifeblood of a functioning society. They enable the government to provide essential services like clean water, reliable communication, safe roads, fire protection, healthcare, and education. I believes that everyone should contribute their fair share to the common good, ensuring these services are available to all Montanans.

I will work to ensure that Montana’s tax system is fair, efficient, and transparent, holding everyone accountable for their contributions. I believe that paying taxes is not just a financial obligation, but a demonstration of responsible stewardship towards the state and its future.

The CORE of My Creed

Believe we CAN accomplish our vision.
Exploring and finding OPTIONS to situations.
Create an atmosphere where we can exercise our RISK muscle.
Celebrating our individual spirits with ENTHUSIASM.