PRESS RELEASE FROM ROGER A. HAGAN ON RULING BY REPUBLICAN PARTY ON CASCADE COUNTY REPUBLICAN CENTRAL COMMITTEE RULES
I am pleased to announce the Montana Republican Party has issued an important decision nullifying rules intended to prevent reform of the Cascade County Republican Central Committee (CCRCC).
Last week, a subcommittee of the Montana Republican Party Rules Committee determined all rule changes to county rules made by the CCRCC Executive Board from June 2018 to the present are null and void. The ruling was made in response to a challenge I submitted to the Montana Republican Party on March 8, 2019 on behalf of ALL Cascade County Republicans.
The rules, nullified by the Montana Republican Party, include rules allowing the use of unauthorized proxies in the county convention, rules designed to remove duly elected committeemen and committeewomen from their positions, and rules requiring people challenging members of the current executive board at the convention to submit a petition for consideration for an executive board position at least 30 days in advance of the convention.
These rules were adopted in secret meetings occurring in December 2018 and February 2019. The rules were adopted without notice to the duly elected committeemen and committeewomen.
The rules adopted were nothing more than an attempt by the CCRCC Executive Board to restrict the vote at the County Convention and to prevent the duly elected committeemen and committeewomen from exercising their right to represent their constituents and elect a new executive board.
I am delighted the Montana Republican Party has decided to crack down on the Cascade County Republican Central Committee.
Although we have won this battle, I expect that we are going to continue to see more efforts to undermine the will of the people and to stop the duly elected committeemen and committeewomen from electing officers of the executive board. I would hope that I am wrong.
Nonetheless, today is good day for those who believe in ethical and transparent political parties and the voice of ALL Republicans in Cascade County. A central committee should not be allowed to write rules in secret and attempt to impose them on duly elected officials in an effort to control a central committee.
On Friday, January 4, last week, I hand delivered a request for public information to the Cascade County Attorney’s office regarding employees at the Cascade County Sheriffs Office. The names of the CCSO employees listed here were included in the FOIA because several reliable sources provided information that the CCSO employment status of these individuals had recently changed, not because they are implicated in any wrongdoing or are the targets of any investigation at any time.
Here is the entire text of the request for public information:
“Has there been a change in employment status within the last 3 months at the CC Sheriffs Office for Lt. Dave Phillips, Dan O’Fallon, John Stevens or Scott VanDyken. If so, whether the change is a termination, a paid or unpaid leave of absence, or a move to a different position/pay-scale. The date and reason for any change of employment status for the above named or any other CCSO within the last 3 months – since October 2018.”
On Monday afternoon, yesterday, I received the following email reply from the County Attorneys office.
“Good afternoon Mr. Tryon-
I am in receipt of your request for public information, a copy of which is attached hereto. I am authorized under county policy to confirm dates of employment and positions held for the individuals you requested:
Dave Phillips was promoted from Lieutenant to the position of Undersheriff January 13, 2018. Dave has since retired from the Sheriff’s Office, effective December 31, 2018.
Dan O’Fallon currently serves as Commander with the Sheriff’s Office.
John Stevens served as Undersheriff for Cascade County until his resignation on January 13, 2018. He was hired on January 14, 2018, and currently serves as Cascade County’s Disaster and Emergency Services (DES) Coordinator.
Scott VanDyken was promoted on March 6, 2017, and currently serves as Captain with the Sheriff’s Office. He was also appointed on December 12, 2018, and currently serves as Acting DES Coordinator.
Thank you. Carey Ann Haight, Chief Civil Deputy, CASCADE COUNTY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE”
The information I requested was only partially provided. I assume that there are legal or other issues preventing the full disclosure of the information I requested pertaining to whether OUR employees have been placed on paid or unpaid leave and for what reason.
It seems to me that the public deserves to know the current employment status of OUR employees since they work for us.
One point of interest here is that it is stated that John Stevens “…currently serves as Cascade County’s Disaster and Emergency Services (DES) Coordinator” while Scott VanDyken “…currently serves as Acting DES Coordinator”.
Are taxpayers paying two DES Coordinators at the same time?
I will continue to dig as much as I am able to provide the public with the information they deserve on this and other local issues and matters. In the meantime readers will have to connect their own dots regarding the employment situation at CCSO, given the murky information so far.
E-City Beat has learned from several reliable sources close to the investigation into the Cascade County Sheriffs Office that the suspected wrongdoing is far more serious than “irregularities with regard to some purchases” as Cascade County Attorney Josh Racki stated in a recent press release.
According to our sources, there is a very high probability that a high ranking official at the sheriffs department will be formally charged with a felony, and soon. In addition, at least one other former CCSO employee will also soon be charged with theft of financial or other resources.
Our information and multiple confidential sources are very reliable and we believe the facts, when they are provided to the public, will prove them to be accurate. Stay tuned.
E-City Beat will continue to dig into this and all matters of local importance which for far too long have been glossed over, ignored and minimized by the so-called “news media” in this community.
Local public officials and institutions will be called out and held accountable. That is our promise and resolution for 2019.
By now most local citizens are aware that there’s something going on at the Cascade County Sheriffs Office. And it’s not a “riot down in cell block number 9”. It’s a criminal investigation stemming from “irregularities with regard to some purchases”.
Since I became aware of some activity going on late last week regarding this matter and raised it on my public Facebook page a couple of days ago, local news outlets have come out with a little, very little, information. Basically, all that’s been reported so far is County Attorney Josh Racki’s press release:
“Recently, the Cascade County Auditor noted irregularities with regard to some purchases by members of the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office. The County Auditor reported the matter to the Board of County Commissioners.
The Board consulted the Cascade County Attorney’s Office who referred the matter to the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) of the Montana Department of Justice. DCI assigned an agent to investigate. Once the investigation is finalized, DCI will report its finding to the County Attorney.
Should the outcome of the investigation support the filing of criminal charges, the matter has been referred to the Montana Attorney General’s Office for review. Because this matter involves an ongoing criminal investigation neither Cascade County or DCI are unable to release more information or respond to inquiries at this time.
JAR”
But there’s more information available for anyone, “journalist” or not, who cares to dig a little. Here are a few pieces of information that I have received from reliable sources close to the CCSO with direct knowledge of what’s going on:
Within the last week, at least one mid ranking officer was placed on administrative leave, escorted out of the sheriffs department building and had his/her vehicle taken and locked up pending investigation.
Also within the last week at least one high ranking officer has been placed on administrative leave and replaced for the time being.
Two others of the highest ranking officials have been temporarily banned from the CCSO building and property, at least one of them was escorted from the premises by investigators.
Arrest warrants may be coming soon.
The information above was verified by eye-witnesses and folks with first hand knowledge. I have not named any names yet in the interest of due process and to protect sources.
I’m not making this public in order to stir the pot, spread unfounded rumors or cause trouble, but because we can’t allow this kind of disturbing information and possible criminal behavior to be minimized or swept under the rug any longer, as it has been in the past.
Just off the top of my balding noggin here are several examples of local public officials and/or employees getting sweetheart treatment:
A Great Falls Public School District employee stealing fuel from the taxpayers district pumps – covered up and minimized by the district and local media.
Great Falls city commissioners voting taxpayer funds to organizations that employ immediate family members against HUD rules – not a one of them has apologized or taken responsibility for their actions. Business as usual and a pass from local media.
County fairgrounds manager being let go for incompetence/malfeasance but still got a nice deal and a fat check from county taxpayers.
Everything I’m being told by my sources is that this investigation into the CCSO is a very big deal. We’ll see.
If crimes involving the misuse of taxpayer money, or other crimes, are found to have been committed by Sheriffs Department personnel then we will need a full investigation into the who, what, where, when and how.
And the investigations should be conducted not just by the DCI, but also by those who call themselves “journalists” here as well. Because we need to know just how deep the corruption and theft goes if it’s determined to have occurred. Does it include local vendors? Other public officials outside the CCSO? Family members?
Finally, if you have any information about this or any other local stories that need to be told but aren’t, contact me any time.
As part of E-City Beat’s continuing effort to help our readers make informed decisions as voters we have sent questionnaires to all local candidates in the upcoming general election and will be publishing their responses starting today.
Today we feature the candidates for Cascade County Sheriff, Jesse Slaughter (D) and Bob Rosipal (R). Here are the three questions we asked each of them:
Why are you the best candidate for the position you’re running for?
Please identify three specific goals you want to achieve if you are elected and how those outcomes will benefit Cascade County citizens.
What is the biggest challenge facing Cascade County generally and the biggest challenge facing the specific department you are seeking to lead and how will you address that challenge?
1. Why are you the best candidate for the position you’re running for?
I am committed to Cascade County as both a community member and a Deputy. I have been a Deputy Sheriff with the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office for over 25 years. I set my career goal to become Sheriff when I was first hired. I gained the knowledge and experience in every area of the Office so when it came time for promotion, I was ready for that next position. I have led patrol shifts as a sergeant and lieutenant and have held every position on the SWAT team, from an operator to the current Commander. I was also assigned as the Chief Deputy Coroner and the training supervisor for the Office.
There will be a change in leadership in January. Those I work with know I will provide a great culture and climate for them to work in. I am supportive, I listen, and I am flexible when others bring ideas to the table. I recognize those that have done a good job. I take responsibility for my decisions and don’t point the blame somewhere else, and I expect that from others as well. I know our Office, the needs of the Office, and I will make sure it will continue to grow in a positive and productive manner. I can lead the 150 staff members into that positive change. I had several Deputies approach me and ask me to run for Sheriff, which is very humbling. I am supported by deputies and command staff in this campaign.
I have extensive budget experience. I began working with the budget in 2005 and I have been fiscally responsible for those budgets assigned to me.
2. Please identify three specific goals you want to achieve if you are elected and how those outcomes will benefit Cascade County citizens.
My goals for the Office are to build the Reserve Deputy program, form a citizen’s committees, and hire more deputies.
The Reserve Deputy would work along side a full time Deputy in functions around the County, such as; the fair, rodeos, etc. These positions would give experience to volunteers who are looking to pursue a career in law enforcement as well.
The citizen’s committees will be made up of various citizens from around the County. We would meet to discuss issues in their area and come up with solutions to problems. They would know what the Sheriff’s Office is doing, which shows transparency. These meetings could take place in a school, the fire stations, or senior centers. To go along with this, I would be attending monthly Townhall meetings in Belt and Cascade who we have contracts for service with.
I want to hire more deputies. Having more deputies on the road means better coverage of the County. I would like to assign another Deputy to the drug task force. I will have to work closely with the County Commissioners when it comes to any goal that has a cost.
3. What is the biggest challenge facing Cascade County generally and the biggest challenge facing the specific department you are seeking to lead and how will you address that challenge.
The biggest challenge Cascade County is facing right now is the jail. No one person can fix this issue. The Sheriff, Jail Commander, Judges, and County Attorneys are working everyday together to lower our population, with the safety of our citizens in mind.
Having a pre-trial screening process is a great idea, but it also comes with a financial cost. Hiring the right amount of people to review each offender, doing backgrounds on offenders, deciding what the appropriate alternative (GPS, 24/7, SCRAM, ect.) is and purchasing the equipment will be costly.
Rehabilitation programs for those addicted to drugs and alcohol are very important and can work, but we cannot change the criminal mindset in people. However, I believe drug and alcohol education for the youth in our schools needs to be a (Sheriff’s Office) continuing priority.
Why are you the best candidate for the position you’re running for?
The Sheriff is one of only a few law enforcement positions selected by the people. My desire to be Sheriff of Cascade County is not about me, its about our future…the future of your family, my family, and our community.
I am a public servant at heart and I care deeply for the people of this county. For 18 years I’ve had a very successful career serving the people of Montana. I started as a civilian coroner, then a deputy sheriff/coroner. I spent a decade protecting the residents of Great Falls as a police officer and Master Police Officer before I was appointed to my current position as a detective, specializing in protecting children.
The Cascade County Sheriff’s Office has been stagnant for many years, it is the right time for an infusion of new leadership and technology; I am excited to foster an environment of inclusion and empowerment. With members of the community, and the very talented men and women of the Office, we will work together to improve timeliness of law enforcement services, to integrate current technologies, to increase safety on the streets and within the detention center, and to plan the sensible spending of your tax dollars. We will look for new opportunities to serve the county, and we will provide the strength to do what’s right, even when it may not be popular.
This county is full of wonderful people who believe in putting up a hard day’s work, being a good neighbor, and enjoying what our beautiful state has to offer. Its important we are always moving forward while we protect our traditions and build upon our legacies.
It’s not a cliché, or a political catch line, when I say that I bring new perspective to the office. The time is right now, I am the right leader, and it will be my honor to be Sheriff of Cascade County, Montana.
Please identify three specific goals you want to achieve if you are elected and how those outcomes will benefit Cascade County citizens.
INCREASE THE SAFETY OF CASCADE COUNTY’S RURAL SCHOOLS – As a law enforcement officer I have spent a large portion of my career protecting children. I am proud to be part of the team who pioneered the first course teaching Great Falls’ emergency personnel how to respond to an active shooter incident.
I am already working with parents and faculty to introduce a comprehensive and affordable strategy to increase the safety and security of the seven schools in rural Cascade County. We will call on highly skilled and trained community members to serve as Reserve Deputies assigned to protect our most valuable resource every day.
FOSTER TRANSPARENCY WITHIN THE OFFICE – The Sheriff’s Office is an office of and for the people. We must be more transparent by opening our doors to the community. By providing you with a firsthand understanding of the office and our limitations, we may rally your support to help us push through the confines of “status quo” so we can far better serve the community.
We will improve the transparency of the internal hiring and promotion processes. The men and women of the Office deserve fair and consistent treatment.
BECAUSE OF YOU, FOR YOU – We work for the people of Cascade County. We must thrive on a culture of providing excellent law enforcement, detention, and coroner services. With an influx of innovation and a fresh perspective, we will use face-to-face interactions, and technology advancements, to honor our legacies, appreciate what’s happening now, and anticipate what the future needs of our community may be.
What is the biggest challenge facing Cascade County generally and the biggest challenge facing the specific department you are seeking to lead and how will you address that challenge?
JAIL OVERCROWDING – We must implement an innovative long-term solution to the overcrowding of the Cascade County Detention Center, the largest detention center in northcentral Montana.
When the jail can no longer house offenders effectively, the safety and vitality of our entire community suffers. Law enforcement officers, judges, and probation/parole officers must possess the option to incarcerate a suspect or offender when they determine it necessary.
I am already building a team to research the implementation of pre-trial programs that can aid in keeping low-risk offenders out of jail. When a low-risk offender can continue working, and contributing to our community, they maintain the ability to pay toward their fines and toward restitution to victims.
E-City Beat is pleased to share the following as a public service to local readers.
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jerrica Seilstad August 9, 2018 MSU Extension Agent, Cascade County 406-454-6980 Jerrica.seilstad@montana.edu
CASCADE COUNTY 4-H ENROLLMENT OPENS ONLINE SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 www.mt.4honline.com
Cascade County, MT—Enrollment for the 2018-2019 4-H year opens online on September 15, 2018. Youth across Cascade County between the ages of 5-18 years old interested in learning more about their passions, are encouraged to join. Contact Jerrica Seilstad at MSU Extension, Cascade County at 454-6980 or email at Jerrica.seilstad@montana.edu to learn more about the program and enrollment.
In 4-H, if you can dream it, you can do it! It is and always has been a place for every youth no matter what background they come from or what interests they have. Members may reside in town, the suburbs, or in rural areas and take a range of projects from aerospace science, interior design, woodworking, forestry and more! 4-H offers more than 200 different projects and learning experiences that actively engage youth while having fun.
Through 4-H, research shows that youth enrolled in 4-H are four times more likely to give back to their communities, two times more likely to make healthier choices, and five times more likely to graduate from college.
Start your learning adventure this Fall! Volunteers are needed and appreciated. Contact our office for more details.
Bob Rosipal
In 4-H, if you can dream it, you can do it! It is and always has been a place for every youth no matter what background they come from or what interests they have. Members may reside in town, the suburbs, or in rural areas and take a range of projects from aerospace science, interior design, woodworking, forestry and more! 4-H offers more than 200 different projects and learning experiences that actively engage youth while having fun.