The Independent-Record from Helena, Montana • 9

1' The Independent Record, Helena, Friday, October 4, 1988 IB I I i LAUD1G El. LEVITAN Judge rules discrimination case must first go to Human Rights Commission By TAD BROOKS IR Staff Writer step for resolving the complaint, and that Romero could later go to court if he disagreed with the commissions decision, or if the commission gave him a right-tp-sue letter. In signing the order, Honzel noted that access to the court system is not an independent fundamental right (but) is given such a status only when another fundamental right is at issue. Although it may be a sad commentary on our law, the right to sue an employer for discrimination was not available under common law, Honzel wrote. Rights Commission gives him a right-to-sue letter.

Romero last December filed suit alleging he was forced to quit his job at Tire after two years because racial harassment at work became unbearable. Romero charged his constitutional right to individual dignity was being violated by owner Kent Johnson, who allegedly encouraged co-workers to use racial slurs against Romero, including the names fat Mexican and burrito breath. He demanded a jury trial in suing for sno ooo in punitive damages But the defendants said the claim should be dismissed on grounds that Romero has an administrative remedy for his complaint by taking it to the Montana Human Rights Commission. Judge Honzel agreed, but Romero then filed a wide-ranging attack alleging portions of the Human Rights Act are unconstitutional because it denies him equal protection under the law, access to the court system and the right of trial by jury. The Human Rights Commission intervened in the suit on behalf of the defendants, arguing that, it is the first A Helena district judge has dismissed a Mexican mans $500,000 racial discrimination suit against a Helena tire store on grounds that the Montana Human Rights Commission is the proper forum for the complaint In an order issued Wednesday, Helena District Judge Thomas Honzel found as groundless Jim Romeros arguments that portions of the Montana Human Rights Act are unconstitutional, and said Romeros claim wont be heard in court unless the Human Glad to be home New owner eyes local TV changes By SHERRY JONES IR Staff Writer Several weeks ago I visited a friend in Massachusetts, and was amazed at the sharp contrasts be-twen life in Montana and survival in a large eastern metropolis.

The Boston area is a job-seekers paradise, where qualified workers are actively pursued by employers offering sky-high wages and attractive benefit packages. My friend handles personnel matters at his company; much to his chagrin, seven employees recently resigned to accept more lucrative positions. I suggested advertising for help in the mountain states, but the idea was rejected by his superiors on the grounds that unemployed grass-roots Americans would initially be unable to establish themselves financially in the east. Weekend news and more reporters are in KTVH-TVs not-too-distant future, as part of new owner John Radecks plan to give Helena a full-service news organization. Theyve been doing a wonderful job with what theyve had to work with, said the president of Big Sky Broadcasting Ltd.

Partnership, which bought the station last week. Now, theyre going to have more to work with. In the works are a morning news show; a re-designed news set; improved transmission and, premiering today, a slick new logo that ties in with NBC graphics. Pound for pound, it will be the best television station there is, Radeck said. RENTS ARE TRULY outrageous.

My friend pays $650 per month for a two-bedroom apartment, inexpensive by regional standards. When first and last months rent and a deposit are added together, its obvious that most Montanans would have trouble locating affordable housing. Purchasing a home is even more prohibitive, with prices mostly in the several hundred thousand dollar range. Cultural opportunities abound; there are numerous museums, concerts and special events. However, from my friends home slightly north of Boston I had to take a bus and a subway to get into the city.

A car would have saved time in reaching a destination, despite heavy traffic and overly-aggressive drivers, but where does one park? Availability of spaces is so limited that auto travel becomes an exercise in frustration. i i 5 i i I I HES BEEN PLANNING the changes since several months ago, working with news director Ian Mar-quand and other station staffers. He praised the KTVH crew, saying They're very talented, terrific people. I was sold first on the people at the television station. He bought the station for $2.5 million, but more spending is in the works, Radeck said.

He has ordered new equipment for the stations transmitter, to produce a strong, perfect the best its ever been." Hes funding a production suite" for more professional commercials and graphics. And hes invested in a teleprompter' that will let news anchors keep their eyes on the camera while they talk. The object is to become as state-of-the-art as you possibly can, he said. IMMEDIATELY AFTER my plane landed, I was warned about drug-related murders prevelant in the area, I was insructed not to wander around, especially after dark. Local newspapers bore out my friends concern, reporting daily stabbings and shootings.

My pleasure in the Egyptian exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts was dampened by the knowledge that I had a very limited time in which to persue it. Despite my best intentions, lack of familiarity with public transpor- -tation schedules necessitated my walking a considerable distance that evening. Subsequently, I chose to miss events of interest rather than endanger myself. There are advantages and disadvantages everywhere. Yet despite the very real problems we face here, Im glad to be a Monta- nan.

RADECK BRINGS experience to Helenas station. Hes managed several successful stations, the latest of which was WJKS-TV in Jacksonville, Fla. But, he cautions, Im not coming to town as a Mr. Know-It-All from the big city. In fact, his roots are in some smaller towns, including Mason City, Iowa, population 30,144.

Radeck went to high school there and in Milwaukee, and worked as a teen-aged radio announcer in both cities. In radio and television his work has ranged from reporting to programming, from promotions to sales. Along the way, he said, hes learned a lot about how to run a station. I try to provide a working atmosphere that will enable creative ac- tivity to go as far as the creative individual wants to take it, he said. I want to make it as much fun as possible, And, of course, he wants to make money.

Thats the bottom line in any business, he admits, but it goes beyond that. Theres a responsibility to give something back to the community, too. Radeck said hell increase KTVHs involvement with, and service to, the Helena community. Because, in Radecks eyes, hes not the only one making the business decisions. God is my partner in this, he said.

Then, with a grin, he amended, Or maybe Im Gods partner. EARLY CHRISTMAS? Nope, just Christmas-tree decorations being shown as part of the Montana Florists Associations 58th annual convention under way at the Colonial Inn. About 300 shop owners and wholesalers are on hand for the convention, which features seminars on raising, caring, preparing, and selling flowers and plants. (Staff photo by Gene Fischer) LAURIE LEVITAN is Helenan who writes occasional columns for the IR. CITY IARY Parkinson's Support Group meets Wednesday at noon at the Cooney Convalescent Home, 2555 E.

Broadway. Guest speaker is John Holland, president of the Montana Chapter of the American Parkinsons Disease Association and chair of the Great Falls Support Group. Refreshments will be served. For information call Echolyn Travis, 933-5755. the misdemeanor charge, with bond set at $255.

According to police reports, Squires cited a Los Angeles Police Department baage number, but said but had left his badge at home. Squires reportedly told the clerk he wanted information about some people who had earlier attempted to rent a hotel room, but had been thrown out because they had caused a disturbance in the lobby. Police checked Squires story with Los Angeles police, and found it bogus. When confronted, Squires said he made up the tale because he thought it was funny, and added that he told similar stories before, according to the reports. POLICE Upcoming events YMCA Schools Out for grades K-6 on Thursday and Friday begins between 7:30 and 9 a.m., with pick up by 5:30 p.m.

ties include special creative workshops, sports, swimming, movies and field trips. Register at the YMCA or call 442-YMCA. Suicide hotline If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call this 24-hour crisis line number: 442-0640. Vitals Births Felecia and Richard Petek of East Helena, a boy on Oct. 13.

Tonight in Helena 7:00 Free and confidential pregnancy testing, Birthright Office, YWCA Building, 501 N. Park, downstairs entrance, call 443-0662. 7: 00 Fellowship of Christian Adult Singles (FOCAS) meets at -First Assembly of God Fellowship HalL2210 Dodge Ave. for a harvest potluck. 7:00 Single File plays volleyball at Ray Bjork School.

All singles welcome. 7:30 "Strange Snow will be performed at Carroll College Little Theater. Tickets $3, $2 for seniors and students. Call 442-3450. 7:30 Fame will be performed by the drama department of Helena High.

Tickets $3. For reservations call 442-8090, ext. 35. To Kill a Mockingbird will be performed at Street Theater. For tickets call 443-3311.

1 4 Organizations Alcoholics Anonymous meetings scheduled for tonight are: 7:00 Candlelight meeting at St. Peters Episcopal Church, 515 N. Park. 7:30 NACOA Adult Children of Alcoholics meets at St. Peters Cathedral, 511 N.

Park, upstairs. 8:00 1900 Ninth Ave. 8:00 410 Ninth Ave. For information call 443-9688. Midnight Nite Owl group 1900 Ninth Ave.

A A Hotline, if you need help call 443-0438. Gamblers Anonymous meets at Helena Indian Alliance, 436 N. Jackson at 6 p.m tonight, (use back door entrance). Helena AIDS Support Network has established 24-hour phone line to offer information, assistance andor support to people with AIDS, ARC, HIV and their families and friends. Call 449-1071.

24-hour support and crisis line offers an opportunity to seek help. Call 443-5353. i Singles Dinner Club will meet Sunday at 2 m. at Mr. Steak.

Those over 50 are welcome. For information call 442-6422. Dll Robert Joseph Malach, 31, of 3631 Riviera Dr was cited at 102 a.m. today at Montana Avenue and Phoenix on charges of second-offense DUI and driving without headlights. Bond was set at $535.

SOMEBODY KICKED TWO DOORS IN at the Westside dromat Thursday between 11:50 a.m. arid 2:03 p.m. Whoever did it was wearing sneakers, because 11-inch-long sneaker prints were left on both the door to the office and the utility room. Laundry owner Gary Stout said nothing appeared to be missing. Damage to door jambs and dead boltfc was set at $190.

A CUSTOM-MADE MOUNTAIN BIKE valued at $950 was stolen Thursday night from Patrick Bakkes driveway at 927 Cannon St. Bakke said the bike has a red frame, black spoke wheels, a handle-mounted computer and a red Cannondale bag on the back rack. FIRECALLS Man cited for shooting bear A 52-year-old Helena man forefeited a $750 bond Thursday on charges he shot a black bear out of season at Canyon Ferry Lake Oct. 12. Cecil H.

Ferguson, of 3476 E. Shore also was charged with hunting without a license. The bond forefeiture is equivalent to Ferguson pleading guilty 1 to the charges, said Justice of the Peace Bernard McCarthy. Fergusons $750 is the fine imposed for the offense, he said. Impersonation leads to arrest A 35-year-old Helena man was arrested on charges of impersonating a public servant at 2:09 a.m today after he allegedly told a Jorgensons Hotel clerk he was an FBI agent working undercover for the Los Angeles Police Department.

Robert Merril Squires, of 5395 N. Montana was jailed on Thursday 7:12 p.m., Phoenix and Montana, false alarm. 10:44 500 block of Broadway, emergency medical. i.