tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99561102009-06-26T04:09:18.770-07:00Treasure State JudaismMy musings. Usually, I use this space to talk about what is going on in my hometown, Great Falls, Montana. I also talk about the State of Montana, Jewish theology and anything else that percolates to the top of my mind. Enjoy the read.Treasure State Jewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385095688326371682noreply@blogger.comBlogger446125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9956110.post-87547927935931326992008-06-23T15:39:00.002-07:002008-06-23T15:41:41.289-07:00IGA!!It is now official; the rumors you have been hearing are true.  The downtown grocery store, formerly Albertson's, has been purchased by the owner of the Cut Bank IGA.<div><br /></div><div>The new downtown Great Falls IGA should be open by August 20.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9956110-8754792793593132699?l=treasurestatejudaism.blogspot.com'/></div>Treasure State Jewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385095688326371682noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9956110.post-54584321003856667742008-04-24T14:34:00.002-07:002008-04-24T14:39:19.754-07:00Slumlords521 5th Avenue North and 515 5th Avenue North are owned by <span style="font-weight: bold;">Patrick and Lonnie McCallister</span>, 727-6773.<br /><br />515 5th Avenue North is owned by <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mr. Darrin Highfill</span>, 453-8291.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9956110-5458432100385666774?l=treasurestatejudaism.blogspot.com'/></div>Treasure State Jewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385095688326371682noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9956110.post-45135146333012578412008-04-24T14:27:00.002-07:002008-04-24T14:31:36.391-07:00Is the 80-20 Policy part of the problem here?It is my perception that criminal activity is rapidly spiking in urban areas throughout Montana. So, I find myself asking why?<br /><br />It isn't just Great Falls, although we have a healthy share of the problem.<br /><br />I submit to you that it is now the policy of the State Department of Corrections that only 20% of the individuals "in" the Department to be incarcerated. Too many criminals are being wholesale released from prison so that the DoC can meet this threshold.<br /><br />If this is going to be our Governor's policy, he needs to provide our communities with extra funds for more parole and police officers.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9956110-4513514633301257841?l=treasurestatejudaism.blogspot.com'/></div>Treasure State Jewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385095688326371682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9956110.post-18316067725381193132008-04-24T14:22:00.002-07:002008-04-24T14:27:33.607-07:00Crime and ViolenceNo, this blog is not off hiatus. I have made the mistake of taking on too many obligations lately, and I just do not have time to blog. However, I would like to solicit opinions on how we all should begin to deal with vexing problems that continue to crate problems throughout the lower North side.<br /><br />Just to give proper attribution, this post is based on a comment I made on GF Girl's blog <a href="http://cataractcity.blogspot.com/2008/04/special-town-hall-meeting.html">here</a>.<br /><br />As you might have read in the paper today, Neighborhood Council 7 facilitated a town hall meeting for the residents of the 500 block of 5th Avenue North yesterday. The violence and drug activity there are unacceptable and we need to take steps to address those problems.<br /><br />Neighbors on that block raised a lot of concerns at the meeting. Both 515 and 521 5th Avenue North are single family homes that have been converted into multi-family rental properties.<br /><br />Both properties are in significant disrepair, and tenants often live in the properties for only weeks or months at a time. Residents of properties like these are responsible for much of the crime in the lower North and South sides of Great Falls.<br /><br />As you can imagine, these properties are rented by those that are extremely low-income. What can only be regarded as a ramshackle slum is often their last resort before homelessness.<br /><br />Anecdotally, the neighbors of those houses continue to observe activity consistent with the dealing of drugs. One neighbor said that she often observed dozens of cars stopping by 515 5th Avenue North in a period of one or two hours.<br /><br />Most of the people at the meeting placed the blame on non-responsive landlords who "will rent to anyone" and "do not care what kind of illegal activity they do there."<br /><br />Discussion turned to rental property standards and landlord licensing.<br /><br />We have a problem on the lower North and South sides of Great Falls. By God, does it take finding a dead body in the street to wake us up?<br /><br />We will clean up our downtown. I welcome your thoughts and ideas for the best way to do so.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9956110-1831606772538119313?l=treasurestatejudaism.blogspot.com'/></div>Treasure State Jewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385095688326371682noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9956110.post-38047228041508627792008-01-17T09:04:00.000-07:002008-01-17T09:07:53.307-07:00Indefinite HiatusAs may be obvious to some, this site is on indefinite hiatus.  There is a lot going on in Great Falls that deserves attention and analysis, but unfortunately, I find that I do not now have time to devote to my blogging hobby.<div><br /></div><div>Sites like Electric City Weblog, Firefly, Greaterfalls and Cataract City are doing a great job and I salute these writers.  I hope to be back soon.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9956110-3804722804150862779?l=treasurestatejudaism.blogspot.com'/></div>Treasure State Jewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385095688326371682noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9956110.post-34176679231862645682007-12-07T16:30:00.000-07:002007-12-07T16:51:47.739-07:00Neighborhood Council 7 December Agenda<div style="text-align: center;">AGENDA<br />NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL<br />DISTRICT 7<br />Monday, December 10, 2007<br />Longfellow School Library, West Entrance<br />6:30 p.m.<br /></div><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;">Please note: This agenda format allows citizens to speak on each issue prior to Council discussion. We encourage your participation. In the interest that all parties can be heard, please limit your comments.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">CALL TO ORDER</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br />OLD BUSINESS</span><ul><li>Appointment of Secretary for December meeting</li><li>Approval of November minutes</li><li>Installation of Ole Johnson as interim councilor</li><li>9th Street Left Turn Safety Issues</li><ul><li>-->Deb Little and Principal Cal Gilbert</li><li>-->Jim Rearden</li></ul><li>Problem Properties</li><ul><li>-->512/516 6th Street North -> neighbors’ report of unauthorized tenancy</li><li>-->916 3rd Ave North -> court action in November</li><li>-->1021 5th Avenue North -> complaint by neighbor of trash in yard</li><li>-->116/112 12th Street North -> complaint between neighbors</li></ul><li>Downtown Street Conversion -> Letter from Jeanne Wilson</li><li>Resurgence of Graffiti at Skate Park</li><li>Status of City Water Main replacement on Lower North Side</li><li>Other Old Business</li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">NEW BUSINESS</span><ul><li>Zoning at Quality Exhaust Building, 812 15th Street North -> Kevin Willems</li><li>Absentee Landlord Regulation--discussion</li><li>Confirmation of time and date of next meeting</li><li>Swearing In and Neighborhood Council Orientation--Patty</li><li>Neighborhood Concerns</li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">REPORTS</span><br />Weed and Seed<br />Downtown Task Force<br />Police Advisory Board<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">ADJOURN</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9956110-3417667923186264568?l=treasurestatejudaism.blogspot.com'/></div>Treasure State Jewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385095688326371682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9956110.post-74715095429478640982007-11-09T13:27:00.001-07:002007-11-09T13:28:14.082-07:00Agenda for Neighborhood Council 7 meeting on 11/12/2007 at Heisey Memorial<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b>AGENDA </b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b>NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL </b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b>DISTRICT 7</b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b>Monday, November 12, 2007</b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b>Heisey Center, 313 7</b></span><span style="font: 8.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:78%;"><b><sup>th</sup></b></span><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b> Street North</b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b>6:30 p.m.</b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b></b></span><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b><i>Please note: </i></b><i>This agenda format allows citizens to speak on each issue prior to Council discussion.  We encourage your participation.  In the interest that all parties can be heard, please limit your comments.</i></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b></b></span><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b></b></span><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b>CALL TO ORDER</b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b></b></span><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b>OLD BUSINESS</b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></b>Approval of October minutes</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Pedestrian safety assemblies at Whittier and Longfellow Schools</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Problem properties<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>512 &amp; 516 6</span><span style="font: 8.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:78%;"><sup>th</sup></span><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"> Street North</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>916 3</span><span style="font: 8.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:78%;"><sup>rd</sup></span><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"> Avenue North</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Others ?</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Northside bicycle thefts</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Replacement of Councilman Gaskell</span></div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span> </p><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b>NEW BUSINESS</b> </span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Animal Foundation update—Melanie Lattin</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Code violations on her block—Gudrun Linden</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>December meeting location</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Carlie Boland—Montana House of Representatives</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></b>Neighborhood Concerns</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; min-height: 14px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></b></span></div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span> </p><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b>REPORTS</b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></b>Police Advisory Board—Donna Sadler</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Weed &amp; Seed—Jayci Braaten</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Downtown Task Force—Erin Tropila</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Council of Councils—Aaron Weissman</span></div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span> </p><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b>ADJOURN</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; letter-spacing: 0.0pxfont-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Next meeting December 10, 2007<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> </span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9956110-7471509542947864098?l=treasurestatejudaism.blogspot.com'/></div>Treasure State Jewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385095688326371682noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9956110.post-38472820444655293962007-11-07T14:41:00.000-07:002007-11-07T14:42:52.297-07:00Thank you for your vote!I was pleased to finally learn this afternoon that I had been re-elected to Neighborhood Council 7.  Thank you for your vote and support.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9956110-3847282044465529396?l=treasurestatejudaism.blogspot.com'/></div>Treasure State Jewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385095688326371682noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9956110.post-31736939251860884222007-11-07T06:45:00.001-07:002007-11-07T06:50:05.932-07:00Great Falls First has Election Results; Congratulations Mayor Stebbins<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 16.0px 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: times new roman;">These results come from Tim Austin's greatfallsfirst.com site.  100% of precincts reporting; it looks like most of the absentee votes broke to Susan Kahn.  Congratulations to Dona Stebbins, Mary Jolley and Bill Bronson.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 16.0px 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Tim also bemoans the lack of any published Neighborhood Council results.  Why the dearth of news?</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 16.0px 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">--</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 16.0px 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; font-family:Verdana;font-size:18px;">Great Falls, Montana - Election Results</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 16.0px 0.0px"><span style="font: 16.0px Verdana;font-family:Verdana;font-size:180%;"><br />Great Falls Tribune - <a href="http://www.greatfallstribune.com/"><span style="color: #0022f8;color:#0022f8;"><u>Montana Election Results</u></span></a> - <a href="http://www.greatfallstribune.com/multimedia/cityelections/index.html"><span style="color: #0022f8;color:#0022f8;"><u>VIDEO</u></span></a><br />KRTV - Great Falls, Montana - <a href="http://www.montanasnewsstation.com/Global/story.asp?S=7322864&amp;nav=menu227_5"><span style="color: #0022f8;color:#0022f8;"><u>Montana Election Results</u></span></a><br />Beartooth NBC - Election Results - <a href="http://www.ktvh.com/"><span style="color: #0022f8;color:#0022f8;"><u>Montana Election Results</u></span></a><br />Fox News - <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/"><span style="color: #0022f8;color:#0022f8;"><u>Election Results</u></span></a><br />ABC News - <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/"><span style="color: #0022f8;color:#0022f8;"><u>Election Results</u></span></a></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 16.0px 0.0px"><span style="font: 16.0px Verdana; color: #383838font-family:Verdana;font-size:180%;color:#383838;">GREAT FALLS, MONTANA - ELECTION RESULTS</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 16.0px 0.0px"><span style="font: 16.0px Verdana;font-family:Verdana;font-size:180%;">Includes votes cast at the ExpoPark: 10,344<br />About 100% of total votes counted.<br />Updated: 5:00 a.m. - November 7th, 2007</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 16.0px 0.0px"><span style="font: 16.0px Verdana;font-family:Verdana;font-size:180%;"><b>CITY OF GREAT FALLS, MAYOR:</b> <br /><b>Dona Stebbins: </b>4,100 - with 40.7% of the votes<br />Ed McKnight: 3,824 - with 38.0% of the votes <br />Susan Kahn: 1,404   - with 14.0% of the votes<br />Larry Steele: 704 - with 7.0% of the votes</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 16.0px 0.0px"><span style="font: 16.0px Verdana; color: #133107font-family:Verdana;font-size:180%;color:#133107;"><b>CITY OF GREAT FALLS, CITY COMMISSIONER:</b></span> <br /><b>Bill Bronson</b>- 4,150 - with 21.3% of the votes<br /><b>Mary Jolley</b>- 5,148 - with 26.5% of the votes<br />Diane Jovick-Kuntz- 3,582 - with 18.4% of the votes  <br />Stuart Lewin- 3,445 - with 17.7% of the votes <br />Elna Hensley- 2,069 - with 10.8% of the votes </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 16.0px 0.0px"><span style="font: 16.0px Verdana; color: #133107font-family:Verdana;font-size:180%;color:#133107;"><b>CITY OF GREAT FALLS, NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL:</b></span> <br />We are unable to find any information from any news source.<br />Hard to believe that elected council members cannot<br />find out who won in their Neighborhood council districts.<br />How do we change this???</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 16.0px 0.0px"><span style="font: 16.0px Verdana; color: #070c47font-family:Verdana;font-size:180%;color:#070c47;"><b>Thank you for Voting - Great Falls</b></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9956110-3173693925186088422?l=treasurestatejudaism.blogspot.com'/></div>Treasure State Jewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385095688326371682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9956110.post-39577354398689212342007-11-07T06:34:00.000-07:002007-11-07T06:37:56.485-07:00Why Not Publish Neighborhood Council Election Results?My paper just arrived at my door.  I eagerly looked inside for the results on the Neighborhood Council races (there are six people running for the five spots on council 7).<div><br /></div><div>For all the talk about Neighborhood Councils being a bright spot in our community, don't you think that they should rate some mention in our paper?  At least some results, buried and a font size of only four points?</div><div><br /></div><div>I mean, c'mon ...</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9956110-3957735439868921234?l=treasurestatejudaism.blogspot.com'/></div>Treasure State Jewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385095688326371682noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9956110.post-54651557741502439632007-11-07T04:34:00.000-07:002007-11-07T05:11:35.421-07:00Initial Election ObservationsAs of the insanely early writing of this post (yes, I am an election junky), the Tribune is posting some early election results.  Right now, the following information is available;<div><br /></div><div>7,164 votes have been cast, which represents about 79% of the total.  A little basic extrapolation, and we see that about 9,068 votes were cast in this election.</div><div><br /></div><div>The votes for Mayor recorded thus far are as follows:</div><div><ul id=""><li>Dona Stebbins; 2,867 votes<br /></li><li>Ed McKnight; 2,697 votes<br /></li><li>Susan Kahn; 985 votes<br /></li><li>Larry Steele; 455 votes<br /></li></ul></div><div>The votes for City Commission recorded thus far are as follows:</div><div><ul id=""><li>Mary Jolley; 3,561 votes<br /></li><li>Bill Bronson; 2,981 votes<br /></li><li>Diane Jovick-Kuntz; 2,427 votes<br /></li><li>Stuart Lewin; 2,404 votes<br /></li><li>Elna Hensley, 1,465 votes<br /></li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>Now, tempers ran hot in this race, and everyone seemed to have an opinion.  This number isn't so different from two years ago and two years before that.  I was expecting a higher number of votes cast, especially due to the wonderful weather yesterday.</div><div><br /></div><div>Why is the vote so low?  I submit to you that a lot of that blame can be placed on the boneheaded decision of the Cascade County Clerk and Recorder to combine the voting locations at the Expo Park.  While it might have made her job easier to count the 4,000 votes made at the polls there, there could have been more votes to count if she had decided to do the job we elected her to perform.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I will fire the first shot for the 2008 elections; Lance Olson's job for county commissioner will be up for re-election next November.  My vote will go to a competent candidate that will vote to give me back my local polling place.  I hope that this becomes an issue in that race.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, of the 7,164 votes counted and published by the Tribune, the race for City Commission seems to be a pretty done deal.  There is a 500 vote gap between Bronson and Jovick-Kuntz; I don't think that Lewin or Jovick-Kuntz are going to be able to overcome that kind of vote gap with only 2,000 votes left to be counted.  I could be wrong, but I think that we can safely say that we have winners in that race, and they are Jolley and Bronson.  I don't think this result is a real surprise to anyone.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, look to the 3,561 votes achieved by Jolley.  As the most level-headed coal plant opponent in this race, I think that those votes most cleanly represent the side of our electorate that want a change in our city government.  With that in mind, look to the mayoral race.</div><div><br /></div><div>You can see that McKnight and Kahn, together, represent about 3,600 votes.  That voting block would have been enough to catapult any single candidate to the mayoral position.  However, as GeeGuy observed last week, as two candidates they split the vote.  McKnight is the clear choice of that bloc; and the 985 votes siphoned by Kahn make her the spoiler in this race if McKnight doesn't pull a rabbit out of his hat.</div><div><br /></div><div>Don't get me wrong; this is still a horse race.    There are only 170 votes separating Stebbins and McKnight.  Let's see what news the morning brings.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9956110-5465155774150243963?l=treasurestatejudaism.blogspot.com'/></div>Treasure State Jewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385095688326371682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9956110.post-29269758296343917932007-10-31T07:24:00.000-07:002007-10-31T07:28:54.046-07:00RetractionI went a bit overboard in an earlier post about the October 20 candidate's forum.  I used a word, jail, that was not mentioned by any candidate.  However, to be fair, at least one candidate, Stuart Lewin, did talk about referring "stuff" to the Attorney General.<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://treasurestatejudaism.blogspot.com/2007/10/revised-cost-estimates-for-one-way.html">Mary is right</a>.  Neither she nor any other candidate specifically said that they wanted to put people in jail.  That was only my inference.  So, I apologize.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9956110-2926975829634391793?l=treasurestatejudaism.blogspot.com'/></div>Treasure State Jewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385095688326371682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9956110.post-56066565449592902442007-10-30T19:58:00.000-07:002007-10-30T20:00:16.343-07:00Revised Cost Estimates for One Way ConversionI just got back from the Council of Council's meeting. Andrew Finch, <br />the senior transportation planner for the city, gave a presentation <br />on the BID's proposal to convert downtown one way streets to two way.<p>I will spare you from the entirety of the discussion. However, <br />remember the city's original estimate of $500,000 to perform the <br />conversion? Mr. Finch told me that the State transportation <br />department added some requirements to any conversion that will push <br />the cost of the conversion to the range of $1.5 Million - $2.5 Million.</p><p>Anybody still think this is a good idea?</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9956110-5606656544959290244?l=treasurestatejudaism.blogspot.com'/></div>Treasure State Jewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385095688326371682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9956110.post-77812370549866552962007-10-30T16:21:00.000-07:002007-10-30T16:24:00.273-07:00Logically Critical shutters its doorsOne of my favorite podcasts is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Logically Critical</span>.  It is funny, thought provoking, intelligent and extremely well-produced.  Unfortunately, as of October 28, it is also no more.<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.logicallycritical.net/Welcome.html">Before the audio files are pulled from the site, do yourself a favor and listen to some of the episodes.</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9956110-7781237054986655296?l=treasurestatejudaism.blogspot.com'/></div>Treasure State Jewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385095688326371682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9956110.post-78875549340235878872007-10-30T16:16:00.001-07:002007-10-30T16:20:15.917-07:00Great Falls Citizen Council Agenda and Minutes<i>TSJ's notes:  Does anyone find anything interesting about the list of attendees at the last meeting?  Or rather, by who is not on this list?</i><div> </div><div>--</div><div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><span style="font: 18.0px Helvetica;font-family:Helvetica;font-size:180%;"><b>GREAT FALLS CITIZENS COUNCIL</b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><span style="font: 18.0px Helvetica;font-family:Helvetica;font-size:180%;"><b>Council of Councils Meeting</b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 16px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><span style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><b>AGENDA</b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><span style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Tuesday, October 30, 2007</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><span style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Gibson Room—Civic Center—7:00 p.m.</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 16px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b>Please note:</b>  <i>The Great Falls Citizens Council agenda format allows citizens to speak on each issue prior to Council discussion.  We encourage your participation.  In the interest that all parties can be heard, please limit your comments.</i></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b>CALL TO ORDER—Chairperson Ron Mathsen—Neighborhood Council #1</b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><b></b><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b>OLD BUSINESS</b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b> Approval of minutes from the last meeting</b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b>Other</b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><b></b><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><b></b><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b>NEW BUSINESS</b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b>Disaster Preparedness—Asst. Fire Chief Steve Hester &amp; Emergency Preparedness Officer Sarah McCafferty (15 minutes)</b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b>One-way conversion—Sr. Transportation Planner Andrew Finch </b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: 18px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b>(15 minutes)</b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b>Other</b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><b></b><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><b></b><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b>OTHER BUSINESS</b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b>Council information sharing</b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b>Other </b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><b></b><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 54px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><br /></div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span> </p><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b>ADJOURN<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><b> </b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><b>--</b></span></div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Great Falls Citizen's Council</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Council of Councils Meeting Minutes</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">May 29, 2007</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Delegates and voting members of the Council of Councils present were: Ron Mathsen, Neighborhood Council #1; Phyllis Hemstad, Neighborhood Council #2; Tim Austin, Neighborhood Council #3; Tawny Newth, Neighborhood Council #5; Matt Ott, Neighborhood Council #6; Aaron Weissman, Neighborhood Council #7; and Gary Schoenthal, Neighborhood Council #9.  </span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Others present were Brandyce Berg, Emily Costea, Shelby Lilley, Ashley Lilley, Shannon Newth, Betty Stimac, Larry Stimac, and Patty Cadwell.</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by acting Chairperson Gary Schoenthal, Delegate for Neighborhood Council #9.</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">The one order of Old Business was a discussion, and subsequent consensus of opinion, on the proposed Neighborhood Council boundary changes.  All delegates present agreed that leaving the boundaries as they are would be best and several commented that "if it's not broken, let's not try to fix it."  All agreed, also, that a goal of trying to match Council boundaries to voter precincts would be unattainable, now and in the future.  Matt Ott, NC #6, and Phyllis Hemstad, NC#2 both expressed their concern about the already small size of their Councils.  Gary also reminded everyone that the County has decided to have the single voting location at the Montana Expo Park, but for those who can't or don't care to vote there, absentee ballots are available for any reason.  Aaron commented that he believes the single voting location will present a hardship for many of the citizens in his Neighborhood Council area.</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">The only item of New Business was a presentation by General Deltoro, Commander of the Montana Air National Guard (MANG).  He was accompanied by and introduced Colonel Mike McDonald who will soon become the new Commander of the 120<sup>th</sup> Fighter Wing of the Guard.  He stated that MANG also oversees the 219<sup>th</sup> Red Horse Squadron.  He explained that MANG's responsibilities are to uphold the Constitution of the United States and to uphold the Constitution of the State of Montana.  The members of the Guard are local people who stay here to protect the citizens of Montana.  They all have been or will be deployed to Iraq, acting to protect the Constitution of the US, but they work for the Governor of the State of Montana all the time.  He pointed out that concern for new missions at Malmstrom may not be GF citizens' highest priority—that building on the capacity of both MANG and Malmstrom would be the best benefit locally.  Currently, MANG is working to implement a program where experienced MANG pilots will work with inexperienced Air Force pilots for the benefit of both.  Other things MANG has done recently include development of a wireless system that enables MANG, GFPD, and Great Falls Fire Rescue to communicate, and chemical and biological detection and containment systems for disaster response.  Future training for the Guard includes a train derailment exercise in August and a FEMA level exercise next year.  General Deltoro also made a recruitment call to anyone in the audience who might be interested.  Ron Mathsen and Phyllis Hemstad addressed the General on their concerns around the airplane noise containment issue which affects both of their areas.</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">In Other Business, the Council Delegates commented on their thoughts concerning the upcoming Animal Appeal process and their involvement in same.  Aaron Weissman offered his displeasure with the City Commission for "dropping this in our laps," referring to each Neighborhood Council's option to hear the appeals of Neighborhood Council area citizens denied or revoked the permit to own multiple animals.  Gary Schoenthal saw no problem with the appeal process but did have concerns about the fee schedule that goes with the new Animal Ordinance.  Ron Mathsen pointed out that each Council has the privilege of opting out of hearing appeals.  Tawny Newth was concerned that the Council members would not have clear instructions on how to hear the appeals and Tim Austin also wants training.  Patty Cadwell mentioned that Kory Larsen did indicate that he would do a training prior to the Animal Ordinance's effective date.  Aaron Weissman anticipates problems with hearing some appeals and not hearing others.  Ron Mathsen thought that hearings at neighborhood levels would be positive measures.</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Also in Other Business, the Council Delegates expressed concern over the City Commission's lack of response to their February letter requesting that the Commission put in place funding for capital improvements to the City parks.  Patty said she would follow up on that.  Tawny talked about the New Neighbor Packets that were being developed by the members of the ACTION Team.  Also mentioned was an upcoming Leadership training opportunity and the Councils' involvement in Riverfest.</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times New Roman; min-height: 15px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Gary adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m.    </span></div> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9956110-7887554934023587887?l=treasurestatejudaism.blogspot.com'/></div>Treasure State Jewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385095688326371682noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9956110.post-26705240203141228202007-10-27T07:22:00.000-07:002007-10-27T07:25:59.108-07:000-3-1?? Worst Season Opening in Memory ...I can't remember a worse October for my Terriers.  However, this looks like it was a good game.<div><br /></div><div>Michigan's goaltender, Billy Sauer, turned away 27 shots on goal in just the first two periods, and held BU scoreless.  I would say that this guy has a future.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's hoping to a better November ...</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9956110-2670524020314122820?l=treasurestatejudaism.blogspot.com'/></div>Treasure State Jewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385095688326371682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9956110.post-28211623334294316222007-10-22T12:33:00.000-07:002007-10-22T15:49:28.529-07:00Candidate Stand on Downtown Street Reconfiguration<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 13.0px Georgia; color: #2b3039font-family:Georgia;color:#2b3039;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Question:  Do you support the idea to reconfigure 5th and 6th Streets, and/or 1st and 2nd Ave S, as two way roads?</span></i></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(43, 48, 57); min-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 13.0px Georgia; color: #2b3039font-family:Georgia;color:#2b3039;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bronson</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">:  Did not attend October 20 forum.</span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(43, 48, 57); min-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 13.0px Georgia; color: #2b3039font-family:Georgia;color:#2b3039;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Helnsley</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">:  Did not attend October 20 forum.</span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(43, 48, 57); min-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 13.0px Georgia; color: #2b3039font-family:Georgia;color:#2b3039;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Jolley</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">:  Does not support without more public input.  Thinks this may be "solution in search of a problem."</span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(43, 48, 57); min-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 13.0px Georgia; color: #2b3039font-family:Georgia;color:#2b3039;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Jovick-Kuntz</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">:  Did not attend 10/20 forum.</span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(43, 48, 57); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(43, 48, 57); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Kahn</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">:  Does not support without more public input.</span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(43, 48, 57); min-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 13.0px Georgia; color: #2b3039font-family:Georgia;color:#2b3039;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lewin</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">:  Does not support, as he feels it will increase traffic on 9th Street.  He thinks that 9th Street creates a "wall" through an existing neighborhood.</span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(43, 48, 57); min-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 13.0px Georgia; color: #2b3039font-family:Georgia;color:#2b3039;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">McKnight</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">:  Does not support.</span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(43, 48, 57); min-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 13.0px Georgia; color: #2b3039font-family:Georgia;color:#2b3039;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Stebbins</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">:  Did not attend October 20 forum.</span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(43, 48, 57); min-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 13.0px Georgia; color: #2b3039font-family:Georgia;color:#2b3039;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Steele</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">:  Does not support.</span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(43, 48, 57); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(43, 48, 57); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For those candidates that did not attend, or wish to further explain their answer, I offer comments to this post as a public forum on this issue.</span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9956110-2821162333429431622?l=treasurestatejudaism.blogspot.com'/></div>Treasure State Jewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385095688326371682noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9956110.post-53101781154536617192007-10-22T12:29:00.001-07:002007-10-22T15:49:53.868-07:00Candidate Stand on Southern Arterial<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 13.0px Georgia; color: #2a303afont-family:Georgia;color:#2a303a;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Question:  Last month, the City and State held a public meeting to move forward their plans for a Southern Arterial connecting 57th Street to I-15.  Their idea is not for a bypass, as was the original plan for this route.  Do you support this plan, and if so, what do you envision for this new road?  Will it be like I-115 in Butte, King Avenue in Billings, etc.?</span></i></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(42, 48, 58); min-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 13.0px Georgia; color: #2a303afont-family:Georgia;color:#2a303a;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bronson</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">:  Did not attend October 20 forum.</span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(42, 48, 58); min-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 13.0px Georgia; color: #2a303afont-family:Georgia;color:#2a303a;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Helnsley</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">:  Did not attend October 20 forum.</span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(42, 48, 58); min-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 13.0px Georgia; color: #2a303afont-family:Georgia;color:#2a303a;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Jolley</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">:  Attended public meeting, and listened to about 70% of attendees that they did not want this route.  She thinks this should be studied further, but wonders why we are building a bypass that will not be used by any through truck traffic.</span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(42, 48, 58); min-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 13.0px Georgia; color: #2a303afont-family:Georgia;color:#2a303a;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Jovick-Kuntz</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">:  Did not attend 10/20 forum.</span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(42, 48, 58); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(42, 48, 58); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Kahn</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">:  Supports construction of road.  Unclear as to design.</span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(42, 48, 58); min-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 13.0px Georgia; color: #2a303afont-family:Georgia;color:#2a303a;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lewin</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">:  Supports route as good opportunity for well planned commercial development, with service roads, etc.  Does not think route should follow alongside Missouri, thinks it should cross it to minimize environmental impact.</span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(42, 48, 58); min-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 13.0px Georgia; color: #2a303afont-family:Georgia;color:#2a303a;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">McKnight</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">:  Does not support condemning any private property for public road.  He discussed his grandparent's home in Western Montana, which is now under I-90.</span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(42, 48, 58); min-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 13.0px Georgia; color: #2a303afont-family:Georgia;color:#2a303a;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Stebbins</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">:  Did not attend October 20 forum.</span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(42, 48, 58); min-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="font: 13.0px Georgia; color: #2a303afont-family:Georgia;color:#2a303a;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Steele</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">:  Thinks a bypass for truck traffic is a good idea.  Agrees with Lewin that it should not be alongside river, as that makes roads icy.</span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(42, 48, 58); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(42, 48, 58); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For those candidates that either did not attend or wish to further explain their answer, I offer comments on this post as a public forum on this issue.</span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9956110-5310178115453661719?l=treasurestatejudaism.blogspot.com'/></div>Treasure State Jewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385095688326371682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9956110.post-1524569934362424332007-10-22T12:04:00.000-07:002007-10-25T08:25:05.325-07:00Candidate Stand on Police Staffing LevelsDuring the last two candidate forums, I have had the opportunity to ask a few questions.  In the next three posts, I will attempt to summarize my questions and the responses received.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Question:  Over the past several months, the Great Falls Police Department has been operating at less than a full budgeted force.  What are the reasons for the staffing shortfall?  If this is a problem, what would you do to correct it?</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Bronson</span>:  Insufficient pay is the reason for the problem.  He would offer more pay to officers.  He also feels that the new contract with the Police Beneficial Association will solve much of this problem.  He says that he has reviewed the contract.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Helnsley</span>:  Insufficient pay.  She would offer more.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Jolley</span>:  Insufficient pay.  She would offer more.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Jovick-Kuntz</span>:  Insufficient pay.  She would offer more.  She also feels that it is a problem that communities like Missoula hire officers that we have trained in our police academy, which is recognized to be one of the best in the region.  She feels that we are training individuals and then they are being hired immediately by other communities that offer more pay.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Kahn</span>:  Insufficient pay.  She would offer more</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Lewin</span>:  Lewin recognized that insufficient pay was part of the problem, and that we should offer more.  He also referred to "the elephant in the basement," which was duplicative services being performed by both the city and the county.  He would like to work with the county to combine services whenever possible.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">McKnight</span>:  Insufficient pay.  He would offer more.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Stebbins</span>:  Did not attend October 17 forum.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Steele</span>:  Insufficient pay.  He would offer more.</div><div><br /></div><div>For those candidates that did not attend or wish to further explain their answer, I offer comments on this post as a public forum on this issue.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">UP</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">DATE -- GeeGuy has posted a video of the </span><a href="http://ecityblog.blogspot.com/2007/10/gf-debate-police-issues.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">candidate's answers on this question up on his blog</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">.  Instead of reading my very sparse notes, go view the candidate's answers yourself!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><embed style="width:400px; height:326px;" id="VideoPlayback" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=1769555871270673478&amp;hl=en" flashvars=""></embed> </p><br /><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9956110-152456993436242433?l=treasurestatejudaism.blogspot.com'/></div>Treasure State Jewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385095688326371682noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9956110.post-75825134463761408072007-10-21T07:39:00.000-07:002007-10-22T15:45:59.109-07:00Lots of Red Meat at Last Night's Candidate ForumFor a good part of the evening, I struggled with the best term to describe last night's event.  Then I read <a href="http://ecityblog.blogspot.com/2007/10/town-hall-meeting-update.html">GeeGuy's blog</a>.  Last night was certainly a forum for the anti-establishmentarians out there; both the candidates and the audience.<div><br /></div><div>It was very disappointing that the incumbents, those that support them, and all of our local media chose to skip this forum.  About three dozen people attended the forum, which was a 'debate' among Mary Jolley, Ed McKnight, Susan Kahn, Larry Steele and Stuart Lewin.  And yes, most of the questions were about the coal plant.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, these candidates responses among what ended up to be a mutual admiration society or campaign rally were still instructive.  Quite frankly, I was horrified when Jolley, McKnight and Kahn suggested that the new commission spend its time investigating current city employees through use of its subpoena power.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let me say that again.  Jolly, McKnight and Kahn said that they want our commission to hold hearings and investigate current city employees over past acts.  They want to exercise the commission's subpoena power, and they want to put people in jail.</div><div><br /></div><div>I submit to you that we don't need a commission that spends our time and money making themselves into a Starr chamber.  We have real problems in our city government and neighborhoods that need to be solved.  Prosecuting a vendetta is not helpful to anyone.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our city police department has been operating at less then full force for months, and I submit to you that this is part of the reason we have had a mini crime wave in the Lower North and South sides.  Part of the reason for these department vacancies is not enough pay being offered to new recruits and current officers.  However, a big part of the problem is that the city's recruitment officer, Lt. Lockerby, has had his hands full trying to run a dog pound.  This is one of the unintended consequences when the commission goes half-cocked into ill advised adventures.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lewin was actually the most reasoned and moderate of the candidates last night.  He has it right; we need to move forward.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9956110-7582513446376140807?l=treasurestatejudaism.blogspot.com'/></div>Treasure State Jewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385095688326371682noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9956110.post-24291668950326679032007-10-18T21:21:00.000-07:002007-10-18T21:27:32.941-07:00Bypass??? What Bypass?Dave over at Dave's Gift Shop Weblog has an interesting <a href="http://www.davesgiftshoppe.com/weblog/?p=25">post up on his site supporting the idea of a Southern bypass</a>.  (Dave, I would have left this post as a comment on this site, but didn't want to deal with the tsuris of creating an account on your wordpress).<div><br /></div><div>Now, I think that a Southern bypass is a good idea.  I think that it has been a good idea for the 30 years it has been proposed.  My only question about the current plans for the "Southern Arterial" is that the current plan is NOT a bypass.  It will not be an "Interstate 25."</div><div><br /></div><div>According to current plans, we are to spend between $100 Million - $162 Million for a 2 to 4 lane local road with controlled intersections every mile or so.  The likely speed limit on this road will be 40 MPH.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, why are we building this?  It isn't to get a bypass.  It is to get an Arterial; one that likely will be not too much more than an opportunity for commercial development.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, commercial development isn't a bad thing.  However, it isn't a bypass.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9956110-2429166895032667903?l=treasurestatejudaism.blogspot.com'/></div>Treasure State Jewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385095688326371682noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9956110.post-12950930633491008192007-10-17T11:13:00.000-07:002007-10-17T11:21:29.737-07:00Attend Candidate Debate TonightAs I have been posting, two local bloggers are sponsoring a mayoral and city commision candidates debate tonight. I encourage any reader of these pages to attend the debate.  See you there!<br /><br /><center><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">October 17, 2007<br />7:00 p.m.<br /><br />Northwest Center<br />2201 Northwest Bypass</span></span><br /><br /><iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;time=&amp;date=&amp;ttype=&amp;q=2201+Northwest+Bypass,+Great+Falls,+MT&amp;sll=47.51586,-111.34879&amp;sspn=0.015825,0.029182&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=h&amp;z=14&amp;iwloc=addr&amp;om=1&amp;ll=47.522707,-111.343861&amp;output=embed&amp;s=AARTsJpbxoXPcNvryWufyg-fY3BR-L5rfQ"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;time=&amp;date=&amp;ttype=&amp;q=2201+Northwest+Bypass,+Great+Falls,+MT&amp;sll=47.51586,-111.34879&amp;sspn=0.015825,0.029182&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=h&amp;z=14&amp;iwloc=addr&amp;om=1&amp;ll=47.522707,-111.343861&amp;source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small><br /><br /></center><center><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Admission: $5.00<br /><br />To Vote for a Winner: $10.00</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></center><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9956110-1295093063349100819?l=treasurestatejudaism.blogspot.com'/></div>Treasure State Jewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385095688326371682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9956110.post-39613803380937006392007-10-14T14:02:00.001-07:002007-10-14T14:08:11.385-07:00Bike Thefts in Lower North and South SideOver this Summer and early Fall, there have been a rash of bike thefts in the Lower North and South sides of our fair city. I haven't been unaffected by this; some young punk broke into my locked garage and stole my son's brand new West Coast Chopper bike, which we had given him for his birthday.<br /><br />The city should do more to prevent bike theft. This is a gateway crime, that encourages punks to think of private property as something that is not worth respect.<br /><br />In addition to taking bike thefts seriously, Great Falls should follow Missoula's lead and institute a voluntary bike registration program. A bike owner should be able to register the particulars about his or her bike, including serial number, with the GFPD. Pawn shops should be required to check against this registry before they are able to buy a bike. The registered owner should be contacted by the shop or the GFPD whenever a bike is brought into a pawn shop, and it should be returned to the lawful owner if it was stolen.<br /><br />I understand that the management of such a registry database is a bit daunting. However, the fact that the city just pooh-poohs current thefts is deplorable.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9956110-3961380338093700639?l=treasurestatejudaism.blogspot.com'/></div>Treasure State Jewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385095688326371682noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9956110.post-31303978241952372542007-10-14T10:20:00.000-07:002007-10-14T10:45:57.099-07:00More Ideas for QuestionsWell, I think that is enough questions from one source. However, there are a lot more issues that the Commission candidates should be prepared to tackle. Here are some ideas;<br /><br /><ul><br /><br /><li><span style="font-weight:bold;">The 5th-6th Street/ 1st Ave-2nd Ave South reconfiguration idea.</span> Should those streets be converted to two way? What issues and challenges do the candidates see in that reconfiguration?<br /><br /><li><span style="font-weight:bold;">Working to Ensure Northcentral MT remains a Medical Center.</span> Many jobs come to Great Falls because of our medical facilities. All of Northcentral Montana utilizes our medical resources. However, I submit to you that the ongoing and continued spat between the Clinic and Hospital reduces both the morale and the effectiveness of these resources. In addition, many elderly residents of communities like Havre, Ft. Benton and Shelby have no way to get to Great Falls, as there has been no regular bus service between our communities for about three years. Our City Commission should work to make sure that our medical facilities remain effective and they continue to serve all of Northcentral Montana.<br /><br /><li><span style="font-weight:bold;">Promotion of Bringing Canadian Tourism Dollars to Great Falls.</span> The strength of the Canadian Dollar presents a real opportunity to bring many outside dollars to our community. We should be doing everything in our power to make it easy for Canadians to spend their loonies and toonies here. These currencies will be strong for the foreseeable future. However, many Great Falls retailers will not take these dollars, and even have signs up saying that they will not accept Canadian change. This is largely due to policies at local banks.<br /><br />We should be be doing more than just promoting our shopping opportunities to residents of Lethbridge and Calgary (however, we should be doing more of that). To start with, we should begin accepting Canadian currency in our parking meters. While I would not support getting the city into the currency exchange business, we should support and encourage those in that business to set up shop here. What will our City Commission and Mayor do to promote Canadian tourism here?<br /><br /></ul><br /><br />Those are a few ideas off the top of my head. The candidate forum is on 10/17. More information can be found at greaterfalls.com and the Electric City Weblog.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9956110-3130397824195237254?l=treasurestatejudaism.blogspot.com'/></div>Treasure State Jewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385095688326371682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9956110.post-45134803296716303132007-10-14T09:25:00.000-07:002007-10-14T09:31:21.666-07:00Fifth Question for Candidate Forum; Point of Sale System for Golf and SwimThis is my fifth question I submit for consideration for the upcoming candidate's forum:<br /><br /><blockquote>In recent years, Park and Rec officials have stated that they cannot provide firm numbers on the usage of our Golf Courses and Swimming Pools because they do not have a Point of Sale computer system to track entrances to these parks. They have proposed spending about $100 thousand on such a system. Is this a valid concern?<br /><br />If so, would you support the acquisition of such a system? How much would you propose spending?<br /><br />If not, would you characterize current procedures as adequate? If not, would you support the implementation of more rigid manual point of sale procedures at our golf courses and swimming pools?</blockquote><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9956110-4513480329671630313?l=treasurestatejudaism.blogspot.com'/></div>Treasure State Jewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385095688326371682noreply@blogger.com0