Welcome, President Trump! Pay No Attention To The Haters.

ECB Staff on July 3, 2018

 

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E-City Beat would like to extend a big, hearty “WELCOME TO GREAT FALLS!” to the President and Commander in Chief of our Armed Forces. We’re not only proud to welcome President Trump, we’re excited and grateful that he has chosen our town for a Montana rally.

Just consider the thousands and thousands of dollars pouring into our local businesses and economy over the next few days, not to mention the hundreds and hundreds of out-of-town visitors. Imagine the national exposure for our beautiful city. What a great opportunity and privilege to have our President here during the Independence Day extended weekend.

Unfortunately there are some in our community who have allowed hate to trump their love of our community. Have you seen the social media campaign to organize protests while the President is here? We have no problem with peaceful, reasonable opposition and protest, but what we are seeing here in Great Falls now is just more of the same old hate and obstruction from the unhinged far left usual suspects. Here is the FB event posting for their demonstration.

“Refuse service to Donald Trump and his entourage.”?

“Donald Trump is NOT WELCOME in our city…”?

“Rally against and refuse service to Trump”?

Is that the love that trumps hate? It doesn’t sound like it. In fact it sounds like these folks have been listening to Rep. Maxine Waters and taking their cues from her hateful and divisive calls to incite mobs against Trump Administration officials and others.

“Is that the love that trumps hate? It doesn’t sound like it. In fact it sounds like these folks have been listening to Rep. Maxine Waters and taking their cues from her hateful and divisive calls to incite mobs against Trump Administration officials and others.”

The organizer for the Great Falls anti-Trump rally is 2018 Great Falls school board candidate and Great Falls MSU Director of the Weaver Library and eLearning, Laura Wight.

We found it interesting looking at the list of people who are going to the protest which includes local Great Falls State Representative Casey Schreiner (D). We have to wonder why Schreiner, a public official elected to represent ALL of us, would support and associate himself with a group that calls on local businesses to refuse service to fellow citizens.

Doesn’t Schreiner understand the big economic benefit this event will have for local business or that telling our President he is “not welcome in our community” is not one of our local values?

We hope voters remember how out of touch Representative Schreiner is when it comes time to vote this November. We don’t believe that embracing the “We Hate Trump” movement and having such open disdain and disrespect for our President, who won in a landslide in Montana and a wide margin in Cascade County, is providing the leadership or representation we deserve here.

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State Historic Preservation Office Cautions GFPS On GFHS Work

ECB Staff on June 29, 2018

   

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In a letter to City of Great Falls Planning and Community Development Deputy Director Tom Micuda, John Boughton, National Register Coordinator for the State Historic Preservation Office of the Montana Historical Society said, “We sincerely hope that the proposed addition to Great Falls High School is done in a manner that respects the historic elements of the existing building and grounds.”

The letter concerns the addition and renovation plan for Great Falls High School, and confirms what the National Register of Historic Places listing architects have been saying for quite some time.

Here is the entire letter (click here for the downloadable PDF):

The letter also addresses an issue that E-City Beat has been focusing on and that many local citizens are very concerned about:

“The removal of trees, which has already occurred, in the northeast portion of the historic district for additional parking was indeed unfortunate. The trees, which appear to have been quite mature, are a loss to the overall integrity of the district as they were undoubtedly part of the designed landscape of the property.”

“The removal of trees, which has already occurred, in the northeast portion of the historic district for additional parking was indeed unfortunate.”

The alterations to the historic campus negatively impact the GFHS Historic District as it currently exists and the GFPS intent to raze the Hi School Store (Campfire building) in order to develop a small amount of additional parking for the school would be unfortunate to say the least.

“We believe this building could be listed in the National Register either individually, based on its own history, or because of its association with the school, potentially through a boundary increase of the existing property.” 

All of this makes us wonder if District schools still teach history.

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Great Falls Suicide Survivor Speaks Out

ECB Staff on June 11, 2018

Editors note: for obvious reasons, E-City Beat is respecting the writers request for anonymity.

Suicide has no face because it is the face of everyone; I am one of those faces, I just happened to survive but I wasn’t supposed to. Suicide lives in the minds of those with radiant smiles and intoxicating laughs, in those you talk to everyday in bubbly fascinating conversations or serious political debates; but while this entire normalcy is taking place you would never guess that thoughts of suicide are also racing through their minds, over and over like a budding orgasm begging for sweet release.

The thought of suicide is toxic yet comforting at the same time, it is your escape out of whatever is tearing you apart; suicide lets you leave this world on your own terms, when you are ready – sounded like a pretty decent deal to me at the time.

“The thought of suicide is toxic yet comforting at the same time, it is your escape out of whatever is tearing you apart; suicide lets you leave this world on your own terms, when you are ready – sounded like a pretty decent deal to me at the time.”

As a suicide survivor I’ve witnessed the devastating effects that my actions had on my family, particularly on my husband and my child. Nothing can prepare you for the conversation with a teenager who came home, found your goodbye letter to him and then found you – it’s over a year later now and my child is still reeling from what he witnessed, what I did to him. It was never supposed to be that way, he was never supposed to find me, but that’s what happened.

To survive in the first place is quite hard; because you failed at the one thing you were dead serious about doing (pun intended). I had not reached out to anyone; no one knew that this was coming, just as many others have done before me. I had been thinking about suicide for a long time but I hadn’t been serious about it, I had been serious enough to be saving up prescription pills “just in case” I ever decided to go through with it.

The day happened, I snapped; I think that is what occurs with the majority of people who commit suicide. An event, someone says literally says the wrong thing to your already suicidal mind and you just snap and say I’m done. It was quite peaceful for me, the decision to die, which looking back is quite odd because in my everyday life I’m petrified of dying. In that moment, I was totally calm, I took hundreds of crushed up pills, drank some alcohol and water left out my letters to my husband and child and just waited – it didn’t take long.

I woke up in the hospital, which is the last place you want to be when you’ve just tried to commit suicide. I’ll never forget the look on my husband’s face, so many emotions – anger, resentment, love, gratitude, shock, bewilderment. Everyone has so many questions to ask you after you attempt suicide and you just want the world to be quiet. After the hospital stay, there is the mental hospital stay (which is a shocker to someone who’s never walked down that path before). Then there’s group therapy, individual therapy, doctor’s appointments, medical bills, the list goes on and on.

Coming home to the house where I attempted to end my life was emotional to say the least; Mind blowing. Horrific. Hopeful…Because my story DID NOT END THERE!

“Coming home to the house where I attempted to end my life was emotional to say the least; Mind blowing. Horrific. Hopeful…Because my story DID NOT END THERE!”

The very recent deaths of famed fashion designer Kate Spade and world-renowned Chef and TV Food Star Anthony Bourdain really rocked me to my core and are what prompted me to write this article. They are two people, two faces, two lives that lived life extraordinary and because of their stature got to experience many things that most of us do not. None of that matter though; I can speculate, that like myself, the day before their deaths they presented themselves to the world as happy, normal people; moving about their regular activities that would not raise alarm to anyone to suggest that suicide was racing through their minds.

When someone is serious about committing suicide they are not likely to reach out for help, talk to anyone about it or give any noticeable indication that something is wrong. That is not to say that if someone who does reach out shouldn’t be helped, they absolutely should; because one day they could end up JUST LIKE US.

I urge all of you out there who are spouse’s/partners of someone with depression, anxiety or mental illness of any kind, stand by them! I know it’s hard and it may feel unfair to you but people don’t ask to have a mental illness but they do ask for love and support just as if they were going through any other illness. It could be you one day in the same shoes, as this strikes the mind in our weakest moments and has a power all its own.

To those of you thinking about suicide, I’m not going to tell you to reach out; what I will tell you is to think of everyone you are going to leave behind. Whose birthday are you going to miss? Whose graduations? Whose weddings? If you are married, what is this going to do to your spouse? If you have kids, what is this going to do to them? I know what it did to mine. The death of you leaves behind such trauma, when confronting what is bringing you to the point of suicide would actually be easier. Trust me, I’ve been there.

I’m alive today; so grateful that I wasn’t successful in my attempt, that my last breath wasn’t on my kitchen floor. Suicide, like a drug, still floats through my mind like a stabbing thorn on my bad days however I know how much I have to live for and I look forward to the days of being old and gray.

Suicide has no face because it is the face of everyone. Be Kind.

By a Great Falls anonymous friend, neighbor, family member, co-worker, and suicide survivor.

Candidate Profile: Michael K. Cooper Sr. (R) HD 26

ECB Staff on June 1, 2018

Editor’s note: This is another in our series of profiles for local legislative candidates. Each state House and Senate candidate in the Great Falls area was given the opportunity to submit, in their own words, a brief profile outlining why they’re running, what party they represent and why they are the best candidate for the position. You can see the full list of local candidates here.

Democrat Casey Schreiner is the other candidate in House District 26 and did not respond to our request for a profile.

I am running for office because I have been on the side lines most of my life. Now that I am older and have raised my kids and, have more time to contribute to joining others is trying to stop gov’t overspending and out of control property taxes. There are many reasons to run for office and I could fill up this page with reasons but, to try to make gov’t accountable for their spending and why our state debt is out of control.

I am Republican.

I have worked for approximately 45 years and have seen the good (prosperous) times and the lean times and have seen politicians seem to talk a good story to get elected and when they get there they forget about their commitment to the people. I am one who is truthful to my God and to myself and know where I stand on most issues and I think I can do the job that most elected people fail to do.

I have been an employee and business man and have seen both sides of life in general. I’ve been thru the good times and bad, People are willing to keep to there commitments when pressured, but I will. I think people know how to keep and invest their money better than the gov’t. I believe I have the balance and judgment to make the good decisions that will benefit Montana’s to have a better and more prosperous life.

Candidate Profile: Mike ‘Mac’ McNamara (R) HD 24

ECB Staff on May 31, 2018

Editor’s note: This is another in our series of profiles for local legislative candidates. Each state House and Senate candidate in the Great Falls area was given the opportunity to submit, in their own words, a brief profile outlining why they’re running, what party they represent and why they are the best candidate for the position. You can see the full list of local candidates here.

Democrat Barbara Bessette is the other candidate in House District 24 and did not respond to our request for a profile.

The people of Great Falls, Cascade County, and Montana deserve the most experienced people to represent their needs and desires. Thomas Jefferson once said, “The government you elect is the government you deserve.” So it stands to reason that if you elect representatives casually, without looking at their knowledge, skills, abilities and values, you won’t get the best people for the job. I have spent my entire adult life in the passionate service of others.

I’m running as a Republican because my values align with the Republican platform. I believe our state is unique because of our constitution and our citizens. I believe in political and economic freedom. I believe that our people are the owners of our country and that government derives it powers from us, not the other way around; and that we are the best stewards of our rich natural resources. I believe we can revitalize Great Falls, our county, and our state, creating well-paying jobs to improve our lives and stem the loss of our young people to other states.

I believe in living within our means, limiting debt to manageable levels, balancing our budgets, and reducing the burden of taxation on everyone – especially those struggling. We are a state of abundant harvests and we must support our farmers and ranchers – they are also leading the way in conservation. We should responsibly use the energy sources we have been given in ways that do not harm our environment – always remembering that future generations will rely on a clean environment. We need to safeguard Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid and improve on the provision of healthcare to those in need, suffering from addiction and mental illnesses. We need to make government work for the people of our great State and our Nation.

We must also honor our tribal relationships. I believe in strong families, safe neighborhoods, the best education for our youth, and controlling college costs. I believe in freedom of religion, not freedom from religion. And I am committed to combating drug trafficking/abuse and human trafficking. Last, I believe that we should all come together in respectful civil debate and be kind to each other, rather than using hateful speech.

I am a retired military officer, a decorated, disabled, combat veteran. I’ve served the people of America for 23 years fighting against our enemies to keep us safe. I’ve taken on difficult missions in the worst places and conditions, and gotten the job done! Of all the places I could have retired I chose Montana – “glory of the west” – because my values are Montana values.

As a financial planner I have helped thousands of Montana families reach for their dreams and achieve financial independence. I am a husband, a father, a grandfather and a sportsman, so I care deeply about the future of Montana and our progeny. I will represent HD 24 with honor and integrity, and resolutely stand up for its interests in the face of adversity. I give you my word.

Candidate Profile: Jeremy Trebas (R) HD 25

ECB Staff on May 29, 2018

Editor’s note: This is another in our series of profiles for local legislative candidates. Each state House and Senate candidate in the Great Falls area was given the opportunity to submit, in their own words, a brief profile outlining why they’re running, what party they represent and why they are the best candidate for the position. You can see the full list of local candidates here.

Democrats Staci Bechard and Jasmine Krotov are the other candidates in House District 25 and did not respond to our request for a profile.

I’m running for office because I bring a unique voice and balance to state government. The themes that I’ve supported include advocating and voting for increased mental health services, giving people their money back by reducing taxes, and attempting to bat back what I call “nanny state” laws. This next session, if I’m elected, I’d like to work on exempting social security income from state taxation. Montana is one of 13 states that tax social security, raising $75,000,000 by doing so.

I’d also like to continue supporting mental health service initiatives, such as the list of priorities put forth by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). In addition, I’ll continue pushing for changes in child protective services. Lastly, there was a proposal last session to regulate unscrupulous animal breeders but it failed. I’d like to bring that back up so that we may proactively deal with animal neglect issues instead of re-actively dealing with the fallout of a bad situation.

I’m running as a Republican in short because I tend to agree with their platform and principles. Without reciting the entire party platform, I think it can be summed up as being strongly for freedom and liberty, balanced by personal responsibility. Republicans strongly believe in the rule of law and government that exists only by the consent of the governed. Individual integrity is paramount.

I believe I’m the best candidate in this race because I’ll always vote to keep taxes and debt low at the state government level. In the last legislative session, money was tight and hard decisions had to be made. Republicans balanced the budget without raising taxes. Raising taxes is the “easy answer” when government is seeking to plug a budget hole, but those taxes come from taxpayers that are already struggling. It is good policy to keep the tax base growing, meaning creating the policy environment that helps individuals and businesses prosper, rather than constantly increasing taxes on a smaller and smaller group of those willing to stick around to pay them.

During the time the budget was being voted on in the House of Representatives last session, there was over $200,000,000 in amendments brought to the floor by the Democrats. That’s $200,000,000 we definitely didn’t have available to spend, and which the Republicans said no to. We have to live within our means as government, just like everyone else. I stood with my party and responsibly crafted a fair budget for taxpayers, and for those that rely on services that the government provides.

The Pot Calls The Kettle Deplorable

ECB Staff on May 23, 2018

Soon after the Great Falls Public School Districts operational levy failed School Board Trustee Ann Janikula took to her Facebook page to criticize and lambast E-City Beat Publisher and Editor, and longtime taxpaying citizen, Phil Faccenda for daring to have a dissenting view about the GFPS District, the school board, the levy, and Superintendent Lacey.

Janikula’s long and winding screed was filled with sanctimonious pearl clutching and faux proclamations of disbelief as if to say, “How dare anyone criticize or question our Dear Superintendent? It is forbidden!”. You can read Janikula’s scolding diatribe here, if she hasn’t taken it down by the time you read this.

We’re perfectly A-OK with Janikula’s, or anyone else’s, opinions even when they differ from those of writers on this blog. The thing we found interesting here is that Janikula took a screenshot of someone’s comment on our blog and used that as her strawman to indict and lash out at Faccenda and anyone else who disagrees with her and the District’s agenda. How disingenuous and dishonest of her.

We deleted the offensive comment in question within 24 hours of it being posted, which was when we became aware of it and were able to get a volunteer with administrative privileges to access and delete, because it did not meet our standards of public discourse.

But what we find most amusing is the comments on Janikula’s own post. Here is a little sampling which we found to be rather entertaining and informative:

Above you’ll see the very first comment on the page is from Rosenleaf who talks about being ‘civil’ to one another in the very same paragraph she implies that commenters on E-City Beat and apparently Faccenda are ‘scum’ and ‘Nazi sympathizers’ encouraged by President Trump. We’re not sure how else to read Rosenleaf’s kooky comment given the subject of Janikula’s post.

But notice the names of the first and last ‘Likes’ who associated themselves with Rosenleaf’s hateful comment – two GFPS school board Trustees, Jan Cahill and Ann Janikula. Is this the kind of sentiment we should tolerate from our elected public officials?

Here’s another:

So, in a post lecturing us about inappropriate, hateful personal attacks Ann Janikula ‘Likes’ a comment calling Phil Faccenda an ‘ignorant pig’ etc. Again, is this the kind of thinking a school board Trustee should be affirming and ‘Liking’?

“So, in a post lecturing us about inappropriate, hateful personal attacks Ann Janikula ‘Likes’ a comment calling Faccenda an ‘ignorant pig’ etc. Again, is this the kind of thinking a school board Trustee should be affirming and ‘Liking’?”

The other name that sticks out here is former Great Falls mayor Dona Stebbins, who many believe cost our city hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars due to her arrogance and incompetence in “leading” us into the Electric City Power fiasco and a half-million dollar lawsuit related to her having a citizen forcibly removed from a meeting.

And finally this gem:

“I am disgusted by the lack of integrity that man has when blogging…” says Tracy Houck, who has repeatedly lied to everyone in Great Falls, the media and the Commissioner of Political Practices. Tracy Houck, who was found guilty of and punished for violating the Montana Campaign Practices Act. Tracy Houck, who deliberately backdated official campaign finance documents in an effort to deceive the COPP and the public. Tracy Houck who has cheated, lied and behaved unethically repeatedly as a candidate and commissioner. Tracy Houck who had to have a letter of admonishment and warning from the City Attorney hand delivered to prevent her from further damaging our city in the shameful CDBG funding scam she was involved in.

She’s disgusted by someone else’s “lack of integrity”? Houck wins the Gold Medal in projecting her own lack of integrity on others.

Janikula’s post and the corresponding comments are a prime example of what’s wrong with the current crop of “leaders” in Great Falls – extreme hypocrisy, arrogance, incompetence, lack of judgement, political tribalism and unfortunately, plain old stupidity.

Did they really think we wouldn’t notice?

Candidate Profiles: Diane Heikkila (R) And Mary Swenson (D) – Cascade County Treasurer & Superintendent Of Schools

ECB Staff on May 16, 2018

Editor’s note: This is another in our series of profiles for local Cascade County candidates. Each county office candidate was given the opportunity to submit, in their own words, a brief profile outlining why they’re running, what party they represent and why they are the best candidate for the position. 

Here are the County Treasurer & Superintendent Of Schools profiles. Republican and incumbent Jamie Bailey is the other candidate and did not respond to our request for a profile.

Diane Heikkila

I am running for the position of Cascade County Treasurer and Superintendent of Schools as a Republican because I believe this department is in desperate need of strong leadership and integrity.  I believe in fairness for both the customer and the employee.  I do not believe it should be so difficult to register a vehicle in Cascade County.  It is rumored to be the most difficult county to register a vehicle in, within the state of Montana.

I was born and raised in Cascade County and am proud of saying so.  I was born in Great Falls, went to junior high and high school in Cascade and have raised two very successful children in Belt.  I have been married to my husband Paul for 33 years.

I am looking to make some very big changes to the Treasurers department if elected. I would like to see two windows as you enter the door for handicapped and single transactions including vehicle renewals, tax payments and questions.  The phone lines  will be answered.  Right now, two people are responsible for not only answering the motor vehicle phone lines but also checking in titles and backing up the clerks at the counter.  Needless to say many calls do not get answered.  I would like to see an additional employee added to the other two and all unanswered calls answered by the Supervisor and the Treasurer if need be. If possible, the employees we have now will be shifted into this position so all employees can fill in when needed.

I would like to see a reader board with updated information added to the waiting area so people don’t stand in a long line to find out they are missing pertinent information.  I would like to see the mail desk moved into the main office instead of in the customer waiting area.  This will give room for two separate lines for customers, single transactions and multiple.  That person will also be able to assist with answering phones.  Employee breaks mandated by the union will be adjusted so half the employees do not go at the same time. Clerks from the back office along with the Supervisor and the Treasurer will fill in for breaks and lunches more readily when needed.

The Motor Vehicle Department is run by the State.  We need consistency on rules according to the State Title and Registration manual.  Right now many rules are inconsistent making it difficult for both the clerk and the customer to complete the new vehicle registration process in one visit to the department.

I have worked at the motor vehicle counter for 2 ½ years and listen to the concerns of the public and the employees.  I am in this race to make a difference for everyone.  We need leadership to achieve efficiency and I believe we can get that without adding new employees to this department.  Please vote for me for Treasurer and help me to make a difference.  Thank you for your support.

Mary Swenson

To see that the office is equipped with well trained employees and is able to remain fully staffed. This will help with citizens wait time and ensure the lines are moving at a more efficient pace. I know there are times this is unavoidable but I would like the people to see that there is progress being made. It has been a problem in this office for a while but I would work to find the solution to cut it down or eliminate it.

I am running as a Democrat because of the party beliefs and I looked at the candidates I know to see what party they belong to.

I have an accounting and a business administration degree. I also have a certificated in governmental accounting. I have a work history with Cascade County for 15 plus years with almost three of those in the Treasurer’s Office. I know the real estate tax software and how the coding works with the accounting software. I assisted with the banking RFP and part of the transition to the new banking. I organized the accounting department of the Treasurer’s Office along with solving other numerous issues that had come up. I take my job seriously and am dedicated to it.

A Mom’s Letter

ECB Staff on May 15, 2018

Editor’s note: Since last Wednesday we have received several letters and other communications from local citizens expressing their disappointment over GFPS Superintendent Tammy Lacey’s comments after the voters voted against the districts requested $1.35M operational levy.

We’re publishing this letter because we feel it is well written and accurately represents the majority of comments, letters and other communications we have received. We are respecting the writers request for anonymity, not something we have made or will make a habit of, because the reasoning is sound and justified in this case, which we have verified.

I have a response to Tammy Lacey’s response to the vote, but wish to remain anonymous due to the heated environment that this vote has created. If you feel that you could use a viewpoint response to E-City Beat. Please let me know, and I would be happy to send it to you.

Thank you.

Superintendent Tammy Lacey, Great Falls Public School Board, Teachers, Administrators and Citizens of Great Falls:

I was astounded by the comments that Superintendent Tammy Lacey made regarding the recent tax levy. I am a property owner in Great Falls, and I have no qualms about saying that I voted ‘no’ on the recent school levy. Yes, I have a child going to school within the district, in the past I had voted ‘yes’ to the previous school levies.

I think that Tammy Lacey fails to really see what is going on in the personal lives and financial means of the bulk of citizens within the district. Every day we must make choices that affect our bank accounts. We have bills to pay and there have been recent property tax increases that were also affected by the increase in property values; in addition to the rise in costs for utilities and basic necessities. Add all this up to the fact that many of us are working good, full time jobs, but ones in which there have been no pay increases.

Right now, I feel blessed to have a good job that is full time, even if I am paying for the bulk of the benefits that are available. Yes, getting people to vote to tax themselves is hard especially when those people do not see raises, cost of living increases, and who must pay the brunt of any increase to their health insurance plans from their own pockets. I feel for the elderly in our community who also must choose between basic needs in order to live their lives such as groceries and medication or to fund the gap in the district’s finances.

I also want to point out that my vote would not have changed had I used a mail-in ballot, walked myself to the voting booth, or had to stand up and express my vote in public. You try to shame us regarding our vote, but it is our vote and our civic and democratic right. Please do not think that we take this lightly.

You should be ashamed of yourself as a voice for our teachers who instruct our children to think critically and for themselves that you would lump all ‘no’ voters into a category of those who “confused…their dislike of government” as a reason for voting against another school levy. Tammy Lacey, you do not know me nor my family, you do not know our struggles, and it is clear that you do not understand the struggles of the community that you plead for funds from.

“You should be ashamed of yourself as a voice for our teachers who instruct our children to think critically and for themselves that you would lump all ‘no’ voters into a category of those who “confused…their dislike of government” as a reason for voting against another school levy. Tammy Lacey, you do not know me nor my family, you do not know our struggles, and it is clear that you do not understand the struggles of the community that you plead for funds from.”

Not only do I work full time, I also go to school full time. I want to one day be able to look at my family’s finances and feel confident that voting yes and raising my property tax will not negatively affect our other needs and obligations as well as our want to support local businesses and charities. Maybe, instead of looking at the failed levy as an “us” against “them” scenario, you should look at it as many in the community also do: we are having to tighten our belts as individuals and as a community we are asking the school and other institutions to do the same thing.

I want to point out that many of the communities that recently saw the successful passing of levies also have seen the benefits of a surge in business and increased populations. While Great Falls has been stagnant in terms of population growth and have seen several business close or will be closing very soon, leading to some in our community to look for employment elsewhere and/or “cut the fat” from their expenses. You may say, but if we have vibrant schools and successful administrators it will encourage this type of growth. We were promised this with past levies and bonds, and yet have seen more businesses closing and dormant economic growth.

You chastise us like children Mrs. Lacey, but you fail to understand that we are adults that must make financial decisions based on income and expenses. We do not take joy in having to vote ‘no’, so now I will chastise you in failing to understand and empathize with the citizens of the district that you serve. A drop in the bucket for some may be a down pour for others.

This vote has made monsters out of all of us, including myself; I am disappointed that so many cannot see both sides of the coin and respectfully agree to disagree. I am also disappointed because I know there are ways to decrease budgets that do not affect our students or place in jeopardy the jobs of our teachers. The School District’s ‘Plan B’ feels more like a ‘we’ll show you all what happens when you don’t side with us’ scenario.

Because of the viciousness of this vote, I ask that I remain anonymous, not for myself, but because I fear that my ideals will be used against my child, who is a student in the Great Falls Public School District.

Candidate Profiles: George Anthony Schultz (R) And Dominick Snell (R) – Cascade County Commissioner

ECB Staff on May 14, 2018

Editor’s note: This is another in our series of profiles for local Cascade County candidates. Each county office candidate was given the opportunity to submit, in their own words, a brief profile outlining why they’re running, what party they represent and why they are the best candidate for the position. 

Here are the County Commissioner profiles. Democrat and incumbent Jane Weber and Republican Joshua Eli are the other candidates for Cascade County Commisisoner and did not respond to our request for a profile.

George Anthony Schultz

1. OPPOSE THE SLAUGHTERHOUSE

2. The aggressive & vigilant maintenance & continuance of ALL private property ownership & rights

3. Defeating City Hall & corruption is accomplished with your voting ballot at the ballot box

I’m running to infuse and provide a new information stream that fosters an environment where ethics, integrity and dignity can flourish.

The G.O.P leads all other political parties in defending and continuing our Bill of Rights and Constitution, further securing our private property ownership and property rights !

I will bring troubleshooting and problem solving skills to the office with a special emphasis on remedy, relief and resolution to all conflicts and disputes concerning land, housing, property, real Estate.

These type of conflicts should be settled before the sun goes down. I will be posting writings on a variety of topics including a proposal for a “ Sunset Policy”, to resolve disputes before the sun goes down at www.thewaterbearerstribune.com

Dominick Snell

The main reason as to why I would want to run for County Commissioner is that I want to see Great Falls and Cascade County flourish and become prosperous again. I have become tired of the Status Quo with the elected officials and there needs to be change. The main change is to bring The People’s Voice back into the government. It has been long standing that the elected officials have stopped listening to The People who have voted them in. The promises that are said during campaigns are usually not fulfilled when the person is elected into office and this must change.

I am running as a Republican because I myself see this side of the political spectrum to be more in line with my views. I do believe in less government and less taxation from The People that pay those taxes. I firmly believe that The People have the say in government and that government is only there to enforce what The People want, not the other way around. I also uphold the Constitution, without change, as the full Right of The People and should not be changed or taken away. I also hold a very Conservative view on matters concerning economic and sociological standpoints. Therefore, I am running as a Republican because that is what I am in thinking and ideology.

I see myself as a solid candidate mainly because I am not a Politician and do not think like one. I was born here in Great Falls, did my higher education in Great Falls, I love Great Falls, and live in Great Falls. I want to be the Voice of the People in the government. I would like to see Great Falls become what it once was as a booming economy with great job growth as well as an influx of new people coming in. Now, we are the most boring town in Montana with stagnant growth across the board. I still see Great Falls becoming a wonderful place to stay and grow with but that is only if the elected officials would listen to what is needed by The People and not what they want.

I know that I can, with a clear and logical head, look at the budget of Cascade County and trim the excess to bring more for less. I know that by looking at the budget and seeing where the frivolous is being spent as well as the incompetent is being funded and then get rid of both to save the tax payers from another levee or even reduce the ones that we have. I know that I can be the one to turn the elected officials around to start to listen to The People again.