Dome Lights: A look at a blog, MDC, Time magazine and Bob
Ramblings, mutterings, keen observations and things you ought to know out of Helena from the mind of Phil Drake.
WORTH CHECKING OUT: I recently learned about the Republican Uprising blog through a tweet. For those of you who think blogs are mostly for liberals, you might want to check it out at www.republicanuprising.com. “Summoning conservatives throughout Montana and the nation to reclaim their party” is its rallying cry. Its blogger is Rep. Matthew Monforton, R-Bozeman. It’s worth a look.
WOULD BE A SHAME: Hopefully some of you read my way-too-long story on the Montana Developmental Center and the town of Boulder. I had never been beyond the gates of the center until recently and was surprised to see what a beautiful campus MDC is. The buildings looked new and seemed clean. It would truly be a crime if it were mothballed when MDC closes. Hopefully the state and/or the town of Boulder will find a new use for it. My thoughts are with Boulder. That little town is growing on me.
INTERESTING READ: Time magazine had an interesting article in its Feb. 15 edition on the fight over fossil fuels in the Pacific Northwest. It’s called the “The Thin Green Line” by Alex Altman. Let me know if you can’t find it.
ON DECK: Here are some of the state committee meetings coming up this week:
•DNRC Land Board, 9 a.m. Feb. 16, room 137 of the state Capitol.
•Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Task Force 10 a.m. Feb. 16, Room 152.
•Protect Montana Kids Commission, 8:30 a.m. Feb. 18, Room 152.
•Montana Board of Livestock, 10 a.m. Feb. 18 and 8 a.m. Feb.19, Room 172.
•Sage Grouse Oversight Team, 1 p.m. Feb. 19, Room 172.
BOB IS BACK: Last week I wrote about Bob Sivertsen and his quest to have a special session to have the Legislature approve infrastructure improvements for Montana’s roads, bridges and etc. Bob, a former Havre-area lawmaker, rightfully pointed out that I panned his idea without letting him have his say. I couldn’t meet my maker (which could be any minute now) if I knew Bob was disappointed in me. So here are his thoughts on the issue. I’m sure he’d welcome all comments. You can email him at laredoenterprises76@gmail.com.
By Bob Sivertsen:
My fellow Montanans, its time for we the people to convey a message to our legislators and Gov. Steve Bullock to convene a special legislative session to address adequate funding for highways and infrastructure.
The Montana Legislature walked out of Helena last April without completing its job.
With three days to go in the session and with only one vote shy of passing Senate Bill 416, a compromise highway and infrastructure funding measure, they adjourned without completing their work.
I am disappointed, after promises they made when they asked for our vote. “Elect me (us) I (we) will we grow Montana’s economy and create jobs.”
I have been providing information since adjournment, trying to convince legislators and Gov. Bullock to convene a special session to address that critical funding.
The need for upgrades is supported by 30 engineers, who last year released a report wherein they had graded states on highway’s, infrastructure and capital assets, Montana received a C-.
I have other reports that allude to deficiencies that prevent the state from being competitive with neighboring states and provinces.
It needs to be understood, Montana is not broke, it had an ending fund balance, as of Oct. 1, of $365 million plus the Wildfire Fund had a balance of $80 million in December.
Why not invest a portion in highways and infrastructure that will enhance the Treasure State’s economic viability and create jobs?
I submitted a $200 million compromise funding measure to legislators and Bullock, not that I expected them to accept it, I was hoping it would get the process moving.
To do nothing will amount to missed opportunities.
Just think about the positive impact of $200 million invested in Montana’s slowing economy. The return on investment, if one uses the $4 multiplier effect (for every $1 invested, it returns $4 to the state’s economy) will be far greater than leaving it in the bank.
We all favor a cushion but it doesn’t have to be $300 million. Gov. Brian Schweitzer was satisfied with an ending fund balance of $150 million. My proposal would leave an ending fund balance of $245.7 million.
That’s a fair compromise.
We are well aware of the effects of low oil prices, however it presents Montana with an opportune time to invest in highways and Infrastructure.
Oil is a bargain, there would be a real savings in road construction; the low fuel prices are the lowest they have been in over a decade. Contractors are looking for work, that would result in some real competitive bidding for projects; and we have a labor force looking for jobs.
I have not, in my lifetime, seen the opportunities that exist.
I’m appealing to you. Please contact Bullock and your legislators, urge them to rise above the politics and convene a special session to address highway and infrastructure funding.
It’s our responsibility, they are working for us. I’m confident, if we will but make the request for a special session, our elected officials will respond to the will of the people.
It’s all about Montana’s economic future.
Dome Lights appears Sunday, unless the villagers catch me. Email me atpdrake@greatfallstribune.comor call 406-422-0772. I’m based in Helena. Mail me at P.O.Box 1601, Helena, MT 59624.