Great Falls Tribune from Great Falls, Montana • Page A8

GREAT FALLS TRIBUNE WWW.GREATFALLSTRIBUNE.COM WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2012 For comments, tips or corrections Editorial board (our opinion) Call Business Editor Jo Dee Black, 406-791-6502 or TTjTT Jim Strauss, Publisher Editor 800-438-6600, or email the editorial board at I i VV Kf II I Jo Dee Black, Business Editor triblettersgreatfallstribune.com A. A 1 1 A- Vll -1- Ks Rich Ecke, Reporter Attend gubernatorial candidates' debate PAGE 8, SECTION A The value added to the economy by Montana's agricultural sector, crops, livestock and forestry is $4.15 billion, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Clearly, ag continues to be the largest industry in the state. Even if you've never driven a tractor or owned cattle, agriculture affects your livelihood, whether it's selling your goods or services to farmers and ranchers, how agricultural property taxes affect the assess ment on your personal or business property taxes, or job opportunities in ag-related business. And, of course, there is the often-quoted line "If you eat, you are involved in agriculture." Just like the ag industry itself, the issues affecting it are diverse and wide reaching.

Although the lack of a federal Farm Bill is the attention getter this year, there are plenty of state issues that will shape Montana's ag sector. That's the focus of the GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES' AG POLICY DEBATE 4 p.m. Friday at the Best Western Heritage Inn during the Montana Farmers Union convention. The event is open to the public. rical, we all have a vested interest when it comes to who holds Montana's governor's seat.

Take the opportunity Friday to learn more about this year's gubernatorial candidates and their stands on ag-related issues, which affect all of us. gubernatorial candidate ag policy debate at 4 p.m. Friday at the Best Western Heritage Inn during the Montana Farmers Union convention. The debate is sponsored by the Great Falls Tribune and will be moderated by retired Tribune Managing Editor Gary Moseman. There is nowhere more than in rural Montana where the phrase "Whiskey is for drinking and water is for fighting over" is more true.

Water rights are one issue the 2013 Legislature is likely to tackle. The current eminent-domain law is another, as well as the structure of oil and gas taxes, which affects the property taxes and local government services in many of Montana's rural communities. Montana is a big state with plenty of miles between meters and driveways. Infrastructure water and sewer lines and roads is critical throughout the state, in both urban and rural areas, and the sources of funding are always a debate topic by state law makers. State funding is critical to the Montana State University College of Agriculture, which has a fine track record of plant, soil and livestock research.

Once these issues are wrestled with by the 2013 Legislature, it's the governor's desk they end up on. Although whoever is elected, Democrat Steven Bullock, Republican Rick Hill or Libertarian Ron Vandeven-der, probably won't fire up a "veto" brand or anything (hopefully) quite that theat- Bullock makes political hay suing landowner Experiences prepare Baker for county issues Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock is misusing his office, being a bully and not speaking accurately regarding his plans to engender better landowner relationships with the public for access to hunting and fishing while suing a family ranch for dubious public access. First, on Oct. 15, Bullock used his state office to release a news release regarding his lawsuit against my client, Howard Zehntner. His news release stated that the road at issue "is a public road that has provided homestead access and access for fishing, hunting and other recreational activities in the Tenderfoot Creek drainage for generations." This is blatantly untrue, because Zehntner and his family have maintained a gate on the private road since 1960 and have locked that gate during hunting season to prevent hunting from the road and damage to his private road.

Furthermore, any access on that private road during times other than hunting was by Zehntners' permission, as noted in Bullock's lawsuit. Second, Bullock unveiled his plan aimed at public-private compromise, or his outdoor access plan, which according to the Great Falls Tribune, Bullock hopes will "improve relationships between public and private landowners, as well as draw a few undecided voters come Nov. 6." Basically, it seems Bullock used his office as Montana attorney general to sue my client to gain press attention for his governor's race. This is not only wrong, it is an abuse of power. Zehntner's grandfather homesteaded in the White Sulphur Springs area in 1878.

Zehntner and his brothers bought the private land at issue in 1959 and have been running a small family ranch since then that includes the property included in Bullock's lawsuit. The United States Forest Service has attempted for years to negotiate with Zehntner to get I made the decision to run for Cascade County Commission after very careful consideration. Cascade County is divided into three districts. The candidates must live in the district that has the seat up for election and the term is for six years. I decided that this was my time to continue to serve the community by a move into county government.

I believe I have many experiences that make me very qualified for this position. First, I was born and raised in Great Falls. I treasure my experience growing up here. I have seen Cascade County during its boom time in the 1970s, and its decline following the closure of the ACM smelter and the decommission of the airfield at Malmstrom AFB. Creating jobs will be one of my highest priorities.

I will work diligently toward expanding our economic base by encouraging new business development. Secondly, I proudly served our country overseas in the U.S. Army. I traveled extensively throughout Europe. I can't tell you how many times I met someone who had been stationed at Malmstrom and wanted to tell me of the time they spent in Montana.

I will be a strong advocate to maintain our current military missions and look to expanding future missions. Thirdly, I have a degree from MSU and a graduate degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin. My professional career was spent in community mental health, with nine years as a child and family therapist in a county mental health facility. I worked closely with Child Protection Services and the court system dealing with child abuse issues. While working in this posi- tion, I became very well versed in budget issues related to our department.

Unfortunately, because of shrinking budgets, we had to scale back many of our services. I am well aware of the needs of residents here in Cascade County and the services ROBIN REMMEL BAKER Candidate that are provided on a daily basis. I will strive to continue to offer those services. And finally, the main reason I chose to run for the County Commissioner position has been my previous community service. I have served in many civic and volunteer groups.

The largest influence for me has been serving as chairwoman of Neighborhood Council 6 for the past four years. Our council has dealt with numerous citycounty issues, namely annexation, zoning and infrastructure issues. I am a strong proponent for growth and development, but I also believe that the existing water, sewer and roads have to keep pace. I have chaired meetings where neighbors have discussed issues of flooding, new housing developments, and SID requests. Many of these sessions required helping people keep cool heads so a productive discussion could take place.

I am not a politician, nor have I spent my entire career in government. I am a citizen who believes I can make a difference in my community. I have been running a real grassroots campaign. I deliberately chose not to spend a huge amount of money on my campaign on TVradio Bobcats access to federal land it was acquiring from private landowners who neighbored Zehntners' property. Zehntner has said no to those negotiations, which is within his right as a Montana private property owner.

Subsequently, the Forest Service bullied Zehntner by filing two legal actions against him, on which he fought and HERTHA LUND Guest Columnist prevailed. The Forest Service and others completed the multimillion-dollar Tenderfoot acquisition without securing the access they want. However, apparently, the Forest Service does have other access to the property, but it maintains a locked gate on that road which prohibits public access. It is ironic that the Forest Service locks its roads and then collaborates with Bullock to force Zehntner to give up his private property rights and provide public access across his property. In 2011, two representatives from the Forest Service scheduled to meet Zehntner and his representatives to determine whether there was a public road on Zehntner's property and to work out an amicable resolution.

Then the Forest Service backed out of the meeting and the next Zehntner knew, Bullock's office was threatening him and the Meagher County commissioners to remove a gate that had been in place since 1960, but was now on land owned by the state of Montana. Upon request, Zehntner moved the gate onto his private property where the Meagher County commissioners told him he could place the gate. Bullock claims to be protecting the right to public access; however, he is really just trampling the private property rights of a 73-year- will the sportswriters show their support in the stands and not in their writings? John and Lorraine Watson Great Falls Other side lies The economic crisis was caused partly through stupidity and partly through deliberate policies to keep the working class "under control" and content to take whatever crumbs the wealthy were willing to pay. President Bill Clinton rescued our economy; President "Chicken" George Bush wrecked it. President Barack Obama is working to salvage it, but some people are working to sabotage him.

Evidently they don't care if they destroy the U.S. entirely as long as they get the "black guy." When one side is being paid to lie, and the other side is not being paid to expose the lie, which side is more believable? Joan M. Sabia Chinook old Montana rancher. Apparently, Bullock doesn't care about Zehntner's financial hardship incurred due to the lawsuit he filed on behalf of the state of Montana and the multiple lawsuits filed by the Forest Service. Bullock's allegations are tenuous, at best, and that he simply is misusing his position to sue a Montana private landowner in order to gain press attention for his bid for the governor's office.

Prior to the Forest Service's bullying and now Bullock's bullying, Zehntner allowed the public to access his family's private property, as acknowledged in Bullock's lawsuit. Now, due to the government's bullying, threats, and lawsuit, Zehntner has decided to restrict access to unknown visitors to his private property. The reality is that Zehntner has had a gate across the road to his family's private property for more than 52 years. His family has allowed permissive access with visitors signing in and out for their own safety. Therefore, the only thing working against public access and landowners' relationships with hunters in this case is the government's bullying of a Montana landowner.

If Bullock really cared about Montanans and their constitutional rights, he would have attempted to use his position to negotiate a deal between the Forest Service and Zehntner, instead of using his office to file a questionable lawsuit to gain press for his political campaign. Apparently, Bullock has no understanding of private property rights or about how to develop good relationships for hunters and Montana landowners, which he is touting in his political campaign. Hertha L. Lund practices law in Bozeman. She has represented farmers and ranchers in policy and legal issues for more than 22 years.

Reduce spending Are you done buying into the progressive economic policy being spewed by local and state Democratic candidates? Do you really believe massive government spending is the answer? It certainly doesn't work in our family budgets. We might have the appearance of prosperity but only until the bills come due. Do you believe government is the solution or, more often, the problem? For the answer to this one, just ask any employer how they view governmental regulations. Republicans consistently try to create a business-friendly environment for our small businesses while Democrats try to stymie them at every turn. Of concern to every voter should be handing trillions in debt to our children and grandchildren.

On the state level, our local Democrats voted along with their colleagues to add more than $300 million in new spending to the state budget. Thankfully, the Republican majority advertising, billboards and mailings. I chose not to waste my contributors' donations. Instead, I have been going door to door, meeting people and finding out what issues are important to them. The overwhelming issues have been restrictive regulations on businesses and the need to improve infrastructure.

And that takes money. I've been a small business owner and understand the importance of profitloss statements and balance sheets. The county's last two budgets have benefited from the increased revenues from the PPL dam upgrades, which resulted in no tax increases. This will not continue because of the large amount of development occurring in TIF districts, which does not generate revenue for the county. Balancing future budgets will take careful planning.

I know that there is a huge learning curve for any new person coming into a position in government. I believe that all of the experiences I listed above will give me a very solid base to address issues as a commissioner. I have met with many of the county's department heads and have a good understanding of the work that needs to be done. One area of interest is the Expo-Park. I believe more revenues can be generated by expanding the number of events they produce and using profits to renovate existing buildings and future development.

It truly has been a humbling experience to see the level of support I have received since starting this campaign. I would be honored to have your vote in this election. Robin Remmel Baker, a Republican, is a candidate for Cascade County commission. PLEASE WRITE TO US The Tribune publishes all nonlibelous letters it receives on topics of public interest. Each letter must be written and signed by its author for the Tribune only, and not longer than 250 words.

Letters should contain the author's full name, home address and daytime phone number. Letters are subject to editing for clarity, taste and brevity. Readers are welcome to write for publication every 60 days. Write to Great Falls Tribune, P.O. Box 5468, Great Falls, MT 59403.

Fax us at 406-791-1431 or email us at tribletters greatfallstribune.com. Letters to the editor and guest opinions submitted to the Tribune may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms. FOLLOW GREAT FALLS Like theTrib at facebook.com greatfallstribune and follow us at twitter.eomlGFTribune. On our minds: Waffling, cuts, election and Raps sports report My wife was sitting across the room and reading the sports pages of the Tribune on Oct. 15.

She turned the cover page around and asked if I could read the large headline. Good Lord! I thought newspapers only used type that large if World War III had begun or Israel had just nuked Iran! But I remembered there was one other time that size type would be used when the folks from the Tribune sports department had an opportunity to nail those Bobcats. The word "mistake" glared back at me. How many of them graduated from the University of Montana, Montana's only School of Journalism? The Cats lost by three points to the number one team in the Big Sky. The Grizzlies lost by 10 points to a mediocre team.

It was too bad that both of our Montana teams went down to defeat. I thought the Griz were finally on a big comeback and the Cats should have had another victory, but it was not to be. When held the line on growing the size of government in these lean economic times. for one, am done buying the BS. I will be voting Republican this election.

I will be voting common sense. Bonnie Sturgeon Great Falls Thinks Romney waffles Prejudice can be smart. To segue into that premise, let's consider Mitt Rom-ney's stances. While governor of Massachusetts, he was instrumental in creating a program for universal health care that has functioned successfully so successfully that it became the template for "Obamacare." To be fair, "Obamacare" could be termed "Romney-care." Romney has advised that, if elected, he will repeal "Romney care" uh, "Obamacare." More recently, he has stated he would retain certain parts of it, so he'll repeal only some of it, as of now. Back in Massachusetts days, he was pro-choice.

With different political backing, he became anti-choice. Recently, he did note that he would not promote legislation to outlaw abortion if elected. That was fairly recently; his position may have since changed. Best check the wind change indicator. He dismissed 47 percent of the U.S.

population until it became obvious he'd be better off claiming to represent 100 percent of the people as a candidate. In his youth, he was a proponent of the Vietnam War but inconsistently requested four deferments from military service to pursue a college career, etc. The list goes on, so it would seem chancy to vote for Romney. Unless, could it be that Romney, even with the drawbacks, is simply preferable to having a black man in the White House? If that's true, then we're prejudiced, not stupid unless you consider prejudice stupid. Argh! I've caught position-change fever.

Bob Schulze Hysham.