A public vote is only an issue because of the poor representation we are getting from the commission. If the city was working the Coal Plant issue in a first-class fashion, would you really care about a public vote? Look at the initiative system and some of the nonsense that comes out of it. We are a republic not a democracy. We voted them in and collectively should feel responsible for picking people unwilling or unable to do what is necessary to bring quality open management to our city government (read “replace Lawton”). There are some great people working for our city and I believe most of our commissioners are capable people too. They just need a kick in the pants to do what they know needs to be done. Lawton’s obfuscation and seat of your pants style of management needs to end. I have not met any local business owners who are not tired of the Lawton reign. It’s a common conversation around town, yet nothing happens.
I really like the idea of a successful ¾ billion dollar industry moving to the Great Falls area. If it takes city involvement to make it happen because no private entities are interested, I’m OK with that too. I don’t have a problem with the environmental concerns as described in the EIS. At one time my only concern was SME taking advantage of us because of our lack of expert representation. Then I heard SME say they were going to sequester the CO2 in order to gain greenie support. Only a snake oil salesman or a nut would make this claim with the current plant design. I don’t agree with the environmentalists on this project but I don’t think they should be lied to because they serve the purpose of keeping us aware. This has left me not trusting the city or SME to watch out for the Citizens of GF. I disagree with you Firefly on your point that the commissioner elections are too far away to have effect. The effect of the election starts as soon as a candidate files and begins an opposition campaign. A credible candidate could get plenty of press and use this to shine the spotlight on what is or more importantly isn’t going on. Public embarrassment would be a powerful tool or kick in the pants to initiate a “Replace Lawton” movement.
Well.
I would still care about the right to vote.
We are a democratic form of government, which is what I stated.
In my opinion, the elections are too far away. They will be building the thing by then.
Commenting by HaloScan
