Montana Kaimin, October 21, 2020

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Montana Kaimin, October 21, 2020

Students of the University of Montana, Missoula

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This Newspaper is brought to you for free and open access by the Associated Students of the University of Montana (ASUM) at ScholarWorks at University of Montana. It has been accepted for inclusion in Montana Kaimin, 1898-present by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks at University of Montana. For more information, please contact [email protected]. MONTANA KAIMIN The 2020 kaimin voter’s Guide

Volume 123 Issue No. 7 October 21, 2020 Kiosk Kaimin Editorial

Cover Photo Sara Diggins The Montana Kaimin is a weekly independent student EDITORIAL newspaper at the University of Montana. The Kaimin office and the University of Montana are located on land originally FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA inhabited by the Salish People. Kaimin is a derivative of a Salish Let’s do our dang civic duty with the 2020 election language word, “Qe‘ymin,” that is pronounced kay-MEEN and For comments, corrections or letters to means “book,” “message,” or “paper that brings news.” Montana Kaimin the editor, contact [email protected] Here’s your friendly reminder that if the U.S. House and Senate. But the farther Our reporters spent the past week look- decisions on your behalf. or call (406) 243-4310. you are voting absentee or by mail this down the ballot you go, the trickier it gets ing into Missoula’s local elections, too, to All of our usual coverage is available EDITORIAL STAFF NEWSROOM STAFF election, you need to mail that bad boy out to keep up. give you the information you need about online, and we’ll be back next week with EDITOR-IN-CHIEF NEWS REPORTERS MULTIMEDIA STAFF @montanakaimin For advertising opportunities, contact a week before Election Day. That’s next Like the state supreme court races or the the senate and house races in your district, a good ol‘ Halloween issue. But for now, Erin Sargent Hanna Campbell Liam McCollum Tuesday, Oct. 27, for anyone keeping track. ballot initiatives or your local senate and as well as every other district represented let’s take a minute to absorb the election Isabella Butler Nick Mills [email protected] or And if you are voting in Missoula, you can house district races, with candidates you in Missoula. coverage you need to cast that ballot — BUSINESS MANAGER Griffen Smith Emma Smith call (406) 243-6541. also vote in person at the election office, if might not have heard of yet — or haven’t We’ve put together this voter guide to and do your dang civic duty by Nov. 3. Cassandra Williams Nikki Zambon Alexis Schroeder voting in-person is more your speed. had the time, between classes and work, to help you make informed decisions about Jacob Owens Walter Medcraft @MontanaKaimin The big federal and statewide elections research. And what about the third-party every race and issue on your Montana SPORTS EDITOR Matt Tryan have been unavoidable. You’ve likely been candidates up and down the ballot? ballot. And if you’re voting absentee or Jack Marshall SPORTS REPORTERS Zach Meyer subjected to a barrage of campaign ads So we’re doing something different from a different Montana county or state, Mariah Thomas already this season. We’re sure you’ve had this week. We’ve partnered with the UM we hope this still gives you whatever extra NEWS EDITOR John Paul Edge DESIGNERS boost you need to fill out that ballot and LIKE IT? HATE IT? WISH WE WERE Mazana Boerboom John Orzechowski Constance Darlington AT LEAST one pop up while catching up School of Journalism’s Community News CLASSIFIEDS DEAD? Natalie Brancaccio with The Bachelorette on Hulu. Service to feature in-depth pieces about send it in. We hope all our readers can take something away from this coverage, Email us your opinions at ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR ARTS & CULTURE REPORTERS Colton Rothwell Community You probably know which presiden- what those lawyer-speak ballot initiatives Alex Miller Noelle Annonen tial candidate you’re voting for this year. actually mean, who the non-partisan because even if you don’t vote here, you [email protected] James Bradley CARTOONIST You’ve probably made up your mind supreme court nominees are and what this do live here for at least nine months out of FEATURES EDITOR Clint Connors Cooper Malin Let’s make some peace. about the Montana governor’s race and year’s third-party candidates stand for. the year and should know who’s making Addie Slanger Meghan Jonas Looking for students and Week of 10/19/20 - 10/25/20 OFFICE ASSISTANTS faculty interested in joining MULTIMEDIA EDITOR COPY CHIEF Abigail Stone a multi-campus virtual Claire Shinner Andrea Halland rosary prayer group. All are ADVISERS welcome. Call Fr. Chris 415- DESIGN EDITOR COPY EDITORS Tammy Kim Daylin Scott Zandria DuPuis Jason Begay 854-9900 Alicia McAlpine DIGITAL EDITOR FEATURE PHOTO Sara Diggins SUDOKU Edited by Margie E. Burke Difficulty: Easy KAIMIN COMIC HOW TO SOLVE: 8 1 5 Each row must contain the Vanessa Hoesl, right, and Ruby, numbers 1 to 9; each column must 6, stand on Broadway Street in contain the numbers 1 to 9; and downtown Missoula, holding 5 2 each set of 3 by 3 boxes must signs to passing cars during contain the numbers 1 to 9. the socially-distant Women's 2 9 7 3 March on Oct. 16, 2020. About Answers to Last Week’s Sudoku: 100 Missoulians lined Higgins 6 8 1 4 7 5 3 6 2 9 Avenue holding signs about 7 6 3 2 4 9 5 8 1 their chosen issues- voting, 8 2 5 3 9 the Supreme Court, Planned 2 5 9 8 1 6 3 7 4 Parenthood, the Presidential 7 4 5 1 2 5 4 9 7 8 3 6 Election and, of course, Lamy 1 3 5 4 3 6 5 8 2 1 9 7 being the best of all. 9 7 8 6 3 1 4 5 2 SARA DIGGINS | MONTANA KAIMIN 6 8 9 6 9 1 3 2 5 7 4 8 8 7 1 5 4 2 1 7 8 9 6 3 3 8 7 9 6 4 2 1 5 Copyright 2020 by The Puzzle Syndicate

COOPER MALIN| MONTANA KAIMIN montanakaimin.com October 21, 2020 3 2 October 21, 2020 montanakaimin.com

Kiosk Kaimin Editorial

COOPER MALIN| MONTANA KAIMIN montanakaimin.com October 21, 2020 3 2 October 21, 2020 montanakaimin.com

Week of 10/19/20 - 10/25/20

Briefs & Blotter The Weekly Crossword by Margie E. Burke Horoscope 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 What each of the signs is doing on (or before) election day ICYMI 17 18 19 ADDIE SLANGER [email protected] (In case you missed it) 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 The Women’s March last Have you met UMPD’s bomb 31 32 33 Saturday, Oct. 17, was the dog yet? Ruger is marking his second one of the year, second year as an explosives 34 35 36 organized after the death of detective dog, and also, a very 37 38 39 Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg: good boy: 40 41 42

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45 46 47 48 49 50 UM Catering is in charge of Our local movie critic reviews 51 52 53 providing meals for students in “Evil Eye.” His take? Stay-at- quarantine due to COVID-19, 54 55 56 home cinema isn’t a total bust: regardless of whether or not 57 58 59 they have a University meal Copyright 2020 by The Puzzle Syndicate plan: ACROSS 1 Long story 57 Like venison's 19 Make giddy 5 Went out with flavor 21 Drop off NAT BRANCACCIO| MONTANA KAIMIN 10 Drop a line? 58 Animal in a 24 "Ick!" Welcome to the voting issue of the Kaimin! 14 Make a pitch roundup 25 Brazilian dance If you came right to the horoscope, we’re driver’s seat. You know, the crack of doom 15 Fluid buildup 59 Film feline 26 Beelike guessing that election news maybe isn’t into which your phone fell last week?) 16 "Field of Dreams" 27 Haughty your thing? But even the stars (and we setting DOWN 28 Worthless one know a thing or two about the stars) are in ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): Voting (after Blotter: cheesy cars, grizzly gunman and a busted bike thief 17 Like some 1 Hit the mall 29 Have a feeling cutting someone off in line at the ballot agreement on this: It has never been more GRIFFEN SMITH vaccines 2 That certain 30 Church leader drop off and being annoyed because it was 10/12 CHEESY CARS important to vote! So do it! Here’s how [email protected] 18 Of great impor- something 32 Back street you’ll be doing it on (or before) Nov. 3. YOUR TURN and they weren’t paying Students in parking lot “G” woke tance 3 Prairies, e.g. 35 Lacking shape attention). up to a confusing sight: one or more 20 Log-in entry 4 Pumpkin pie 36 Discrepancy Since last week, UMPD has LIBRA (SEP. 23-OCT. 22): Voting (and posting slices of cheese on their cars’ front 22 Flexible seasoning 38 Green mineral reported 16 crimes on and around an Instagram boomerang of your sticker TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): Voting (complete windows. At least six vehicles were 23 Sudden 5 Knock down a 39 Golf shot campus. The most common crime while giving a thumbs-up with freshly with a five-step plan that includes the targeted, and while the slices didn’t outpouring peg 41 Overly diluted was disorderly conduct, with three coffee place you’ll stop by afterward). do lasting damage, the cheesy 24 Pesky insect 6 Hold dear 42 Tony, to Jeannie manicured nails). separate incidents on the same culprit did bust the front bumper Solution for dry Care for Cooktop 25 7 44 GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): night. There were also a number of of a car while laying out his goods. eyes 8 Flightless bird 45 Minor damage SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Voting (and Voting (and thefts, as usual. According to UMPD, the cheese 27 Masquerade 9 Mildew cause 46 Vicinity getting stuck in a 30-minute conversation hoping you run into your cute next-door was velveeta. 31 On the double 10 Having limits 47 Study hard with your mom after you called to remind neighbor at the mailboxes of the apartment 10/11 WASHINGTON GRIZZLY complex. You have a whole conversation GUNMAN 32 Cropped up 11 Scintilla 48 Give a hoot her to send your ballot from home. Maybe 10/13 DENY, DENY, DENY 33 Slippery one 12 Origami bird 49 Singer Tori you should call home more often, Scorpio). planned, complete with a contingency Two men, while charging a RAs on night patrol in Pantzer 34 Outfielder's cry 13 "Stop right 50 Jedi guru flowchart, just in case). phone between the Adams Center Hall noticed the noxious odor of 35 Dentist's advice there!" 52 Chow checker SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 22): Voting (after and Washington Grizzly Stadium, some, um, leafy greens oozing out 36 Work the CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): Voting (while were approached by a third man Answers to Last Week’s Crossword: surviving a mini-heart attack and spilling of a resident’s dorm room, and bleachers coffee and/or pasta sauce on your ballot). judging that family-stick-figure bumper who became verbally aggressive Ill-behaved called it in to UMPD. When officers 37 S W A M P H E F T A D A M sticker on the car in line in front of you. and drew his gun. UMPD received 38 Horse pill met the student at his door, he P I X E L O G R E B O N O CAPRICORN (DEC. 23-JAN. 19): Voting (and You’re also judging Libras and Leos for the report and responded within said he had not smoked anything. 39 Analyze grammar A R E N A B O Y S C O U T S one minute, their headquarters pestering your roommates every day until their social media, let’s be clear. The theme The officers disagreed, however, 40 Heeded an R E S O N A N T T I D B I T being just a couple hundred feet they go drop off their ballots, too). of this is judgment). based on the fact that the resident R.S.V.P. F E D O R A G E L away. By that time, the suspect had Whodunit appeared to be high—and his room 42 B R O W O B I T S S E C T LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22) started to run north toward the riv- feature AQUARIUS (JAN. 20–FEB. 18): Voting (and : Voting (and just smelled very dank. The resident re- COLTON ROTHWELL | MONTANA KAIMIN R E V A M P P O T S B O O er. Officers confronted the gunman 43 Fighting force judging Libras and Leos for posting Insta maybeeee selling yourself to groups ceived a referral for a law violation. I T E R A T E P E P T A L K and arrested him without firing 44 4:1, e.g. stories of their I VOTED sticker). asking for sponsored #ads on Instagram versity Villages. There, they found 10/15 PARANOID ly informed the officers that the E R R R E A L P A R S E E a shot. They charged him with 10/14 BUSTED BIKE THIEF 45 Poetic measure to promote voter awareness. Hey, you the suspected bike thief, who had While practicing at Dornblaser paranoid man was the one who S O C K D R E S S A S S N assault with a weapon, two counts 48 Gilligan, for one PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Voting (after worked hard to gain a following on Insta, Remember the bike theft detailed thousands of dollars’ worth of war- Field, the UM men’s soccer team was armed. (To clarify, no one had of aggravated assault and carrying 51 Not germane H I S N A T I O N right? Why shouldn’t you reap some in the blotter two weeks ago? Well, rants on him. Inside the apartment ran into a man who was convinced a gun but the officers.) After a short getting cut off in line at the drive-in a concealed weapon without a 53 Verne's captain S H A P E R D I N O S A U R benefits?). after that man watched an im- were two stolen bikes, one of which that someone armed was hunting standoff, officers released the man. ballot drop-off and feeling so flustered permit. 54 At hand T A R P A U L I N Z E B R A poster ride his bike into the sunset, had been reported taken in Nevada. him down. The team barricaded He told them that he had bought that you drop your ballot in that little 55 Durable fabric U R G E H A N G E C L A T VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEP. 22): he reported a tip to UMPD, leading There were multiple bike parts as itself in the locker room, and called a bus ticket for Ohio, and UMPD crack between the center console and the Voting (but in ~ 56 Lump of dirt B E E R R O S Y S T Y L E officers to an apartment in Uni- well. UMPD. But dispatch mistaken- gave him a ride to the Greyhound pastel pink ~). station. 4 October 21, 2020 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com October 21, 2020 5 Week of 10/19/20 - 10/25/20

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House District 91, which covers the Lower Rattlesnake and The kaimin’s missoula the eastside of the University District, features Democratic incumbent Connie Keogh and Republican challenger Bethanie Calvert Wanberg. Keogh won her first term as a state representative in 2018. She won a four-way race in the 2018 Democratic primary 0 0 guide before winning against her Republican opponent in the general 2 2 election election. ALEX MILLER This year, Keogh ran unopposed in the primary, and received [email protected] 100% of the votes cast. In her first term as a state legislator, she served on the Agriculture Committee, Education Committee After over a year of campaigning, the 2020 election is right and Judiciary Committee. She was the primary sponsor for six around the corner. This set of stories will focus on the candi- bills in the 2019 legislative session, but only two of these passed dates that will directly affect voters in Missoula. From house votes in the House and Senate. Keogh is currently serving on districts (HD) to senate districts (SD) (and even a mill levy the interim Education Committee. affecting public transportation), we’ve got you covered. Her website emphasizes a bipartisan approach when it This election cycle is like nothing voters have dealt with comes to education, and her desire to focus on environmental in the past, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. For the first issues as well. time in Montana’s election history, 46 of the 56 counties will Wanberg, Keogh’s Republican challenger, also ran unop- vote exclusively by mail. Missoula County has allowed for posed in her primary this year, earning 100% of votes from a mail-in option, but voters wishing to participate in-person Republicans in her district. can go to the county election office. Wanberg is currently the vice president at Wanberg and Each of these stories will cover the patchwork of districts Associates-ISC, a local business that has been operating out of that slice through Missoula County. From SD 7, which in- Missoula for over 20 years. Wanberg and Associates provides MontPIRG interns Sam Cittadini and Summer Romo stand by a MontPIRG ballot drop box on Oct. 15, 2020. EMMA SMITH | MONTANA KAIMIN cludes portions of Missoula, Mineral and Flathead counties, private investigative services, networking with retired FBI graduate and the President of Wanberg and Associates-ISC, In an interview with the Missoulian, Marler said her first all the way to HD 100, which sits neatly between Orchard agents. which provides private investigative services and has been priority for the Missoula community if she is elected is housing. Homes and the University District. Wanberg’s husband, Gary, is also running for election against operating in the Missoula community for over 20 years. She said she will advocate for more state funding for affordable Democratic incumbent Katie Sullivan in House District 89. His business’s website states that, “... we are networked with housing and property tax alternatives. Keogh won 84.2% of District 91’s vote in 2018. This year in retired FBI agents and others in law enforcement and private Hamilton could not be reached for comment. primary elections for House District 91, 3,390 votes were cast investigation throughout the United States and abroad.” for the Democratic primary, and 543 were cast in the Republi- Wanberg’s wife, Bethanie Calvert Wanberg, is the Vice HD99: David “Doc” Moore vs. Mark Thane can primary. GRIFFEN SMITH President of Wanberg and Associates, and is running against the Democratic incumbent Connie Keogh in the race for House [email protected] District 91. HD 94: Tom France vs. Karen Sherman HANNA CAMPBELL House District 99, which primarily covers the Miller Creek [email protected] area of South Missoula, features a previous state representative and a former superintendent of Missoula County Public HD 89: Katie Sullivan vs. Gary Wanberg Schools. Mark Thane, a Democrat and the most recent super- MARIAH THOMAS First-time Montana House of Representatives candidates Tom France, a Democrat, and Karen Sherman, a Republican, are intendent of MCPS, is running against David “Doc” Moore, a [email protected] HD 90: Marilyn Marler vs. Lana Hamilton running for office in District 94, which encompasses the Upper Republican. HANNA CAMPBELL Moore worked as a state representative in House District 92 Missoula County Elections Administrator Bradley Seaman sorts ballots into one of 73 different boxes during ballot processing at the Missoula County Elections Rattlesnake and north of I-90. The race for House District 89, which covers the South Hills [email protected] According to France’s campaign website, he intends to focus from 2012 to 2014. He then lost races in District 100 in 2016 and Office on Oct. 16, 2020. Since each of the ballots are slightly different, they must be sorted before counting. SARA DIGGINS | MONTANA KAIMIN and parts of Highway 93, is between Democratic incumbent in District 89 in 2018. According to his website, Moore priori- strongly on maintaining access to public lands, renewable Katie Sullivan and her Republican opponent Gary Wanberg. tized personal freedom and a living wage job. The Montana House of Representatives current member energy and affordable healthcare. Both HD 89 and SD 45 cover the same area and are both dis- However, in the 2015 legislature Moore authored a bill HD 95: Danny Tenebaum vs. Rebecca Dawson believes public funding should support free college tuition. Marilyn Marler is running for her second term against Lana In an interview with the Missoulian, France said his first tricts up for election this year. attempting to make any nipple piercing exposure, from men MEGHAN JONAS He also said he will fight for affordable housing in Missoula Hamilton for House District 90, which covers Missoula’s priority if elected will be to provide affordable housing by sup- through state investments and by changing zoning regulations As the incumbent for HD 89, Sullivan was elected in the 2018 and women, “indecent exposure,” and also said after the bill [email protected] southside. porting decisions to give tax credit to developers who provide hearing that yoga pants should be banned as well. The bill so more multi-family housing can be built rather than blocked. midterms. Sullivan won nearly 50% of the vote in a four-way Marler is the Democratic candidate for HD 90 and a current affordable housing. He also emphasized the importance of On her website Dawson stated she is running to “promote race for the Democratic nomination, before winning the general professor at UM in the Division of Biological Sciences. During ultimately failed in committee. Two political newcomers, Danny Tenenbaum, Democrat, and obtaining state funding for the Montana University System. Thane worked at MCPS for over 20 years. He said he de- common sense ideas, educational choices and workable election against her Republican opponent. an interview with the Kaimin, she said one of the most import- Sherman took the place of former candidate Kelsey Cooley, Rebecca Dawson, Republican, are battling to represent House solutions.” Dawson told the Missoulian she believes people Sullivan is a graduate from the University of Montana, and cided to retire from that position last year to focus on running District 95, which spans Missoula's Westside, Riverfront and ant ideas on her agenda if she were to be elected for a second who dropped out of the race after enrolling at the University of for this house seat. He stood behind expanding the Montana are being “crushed” by taxes, and fiscal responsibility should earned both a degree in Human Biology and a Juris Doctorate River Road neighborhoods. term is to give local governments more control of taxation. Montana Law School. Health and Human Services budget, and said his education return to the government, not taxpayers. Dawson also believes from UM. She also earned a Masters of Law degree from the Tenenbaum is a public defender in Missoula who has been Montana communities have very different sources of income, When asked about state funding for higher education by the background will help him make decisions. funding for higher education should fall on the university, not University of Colorado. endorsed by organizations like Sunrise Missoula and Planned and Marler stated that it is important that each community Missoulian, Sherman said she believes funding for universities “I will prioritize a quality education plan for Montana,” taxpayers. She believes universities like UM should see where Sullivan ran unopposed in the primary this year, earning Parenthood Advocates of Montana. Because of his role as a decide for itself how to tax. should not be increased. She instead advocated for the current Moore said. “Having a good educated workforce makes a good they can cut costs, rather than putting a tax burden on locals. 100% of the votes cast in the Democratic primary. In her first public defender, Tenenbaum is passionate about justice reform, She also heavily emphasized the importance of science-based funding to be looked at and reprioritized. Sherman also said in economy.” When asked by the Missoulian what should be done to help term in Montana’s House of Representatives, she sat on the including restructuring cash bail programs that depend on conservation efforts. Marler said there have been many occa- her interview she believes the government should not be very Both candidates supported Medicaid expansion, are pro- UM in its enrollment crisis, Dawson said the University should Business and Labor Committee, Agriculture Committee, Ener- “predatory fees and fines that disproportionately [punish] the sions where people have made statements lacking scientific evi- involved in providing affordable housing, but should lower choice and are looking to help relieve the shortage of housing in focus on offering more online options to reduce operating costs. gy, Technology and Federal Relations Committee and the Rules poor,” according to his website. dence on the subject of conservation, and one of her main goals property taxes and regulations. Missoula County. A September report by the Missoulian found Dawson said while it is important to invest in clean energy Committee. She sponsored seven bills in the 2019 legislative Tenenbaum acknowledged racial disparities within the is to provide her scientific expertise for the Montana House of She said Montana has to pay more attention to responsible there was a nearly zero percent vacancy rate among renters in options in Montana, it is also important to acknowledge the session, four of which passed in the state’s House and Senate. criminal justice system. He told the Missoulian he supports the Representatives. logging techniques to protect the environment. the city. importance of fossil fuels to Montana’s economy. Wanberg also ran unopposed in his primary earlier this year, Green New Deal and protecting public lands. Tenenbaum said “I was shocked by how little value people place on science,” Neither France nor Sherman responded to the Kaimin for an David “Doc” Moore did not respond to an email for comment. Neither candidate was reached for comment. earning 100% of the vote. Wanberg is a University of Montana he will fight for additional funding for higher education, and she said. interview.

montanakaimin.com October 21, 2020 7 6 October 21, 2020 montanakaimin.com HD 91:Connie Keogh vs. Bethanie Calvert Wanberg MARIAH THOMAS [email protected]

montanakaimin.com October 21, 2020 7 6 October 21, 2020 montanakaimin.com HD 96: Loni Conley vs. Kathy Whitman SD 46: Shannon O’Brien vs. Niki Sardot SD 47: Chase Porter Gay vs. Daniel Mountain Line mill levy increase ALEX MILLER GRIFFEN SMITH [email protected] [email protected] Salomon vs. Devin Braaten JAMES BRADLEY ALEX MILLER [email protected] House District 96, which slices through the heart of Missoula For nearly 20,000 residents in Senate District 46, two new [email protected] and down highway I-90 to Huson, features Democrat Loni candidates emerged for this election, each vying for support in the district containing East Missoula, the Rattlesnake and the Conley and Republican Kathy Whitman vying for the Montana Senate District 47, which stretches from Missoula County and Mountain Line buses may be free to ride, but they still need Clearwater and Swan valleys. State House of Representatives seat. across Lake County, features a three-way race. Incumbent Daniel money to operate. Shannon O’Brien, a Democrat, faces Niki Sardot, a Repub- Rep. Tom Winter will be vacating the seat, after an attempt to Salomon, a Republican, will be defending his seat from Demo- Mountain Line’s primary income is from a city-wide, lican. Both candidates have a background in K-12 education. represent Montana in the U.S. House collapsed in the prima- crat Chase Porter Gay and Libertarian Devin Braaten. all-encompassing property tax called a mill levy. This election, Sardot is focused on property rights, while O’Brien is prioritiz- ries. Salomon, a member of the Montana State Senate since 2017, Mountain Line is asking property owners for an increase to the ing public schools. First time candidate Conley, who works as both a mental said the biggest issue that he and members of the legislature are tax to raise an additional $3 million. The new tax will add 35% to O’Brien, a former dean of Missoula College, also worked in its budget. health nurse and as a case investigator for COVID-19, said facing is the COVID-19 pandemic. early education centers. The current mill levy provides 65% of Mountain Line’s operat- healthcare for Missoulians is a top priority. Confusion on what the federal government will do for states “One of the primary reasons I’m running is that at the when it comes to another stimulus bill has left Salomon and his ing budget. The rest is mostly federal funding. “I want to keep Medicaid expansion and the ACA [Afford- state level, over one quarter of our state budget goes toward peers unsure of the next steps for Montanans. With the proposed increase, Mountain Line will have buses able Care Act] for Montanans,” Conley said. “Also, as a mental education,” O’Brien said. “We need strong representation from “And it comes down to ‘can we give anybody some help?’” out for longer and will add Sunday bus routes. The money will health nurse, there are a lot of barriers and red tape with access people who have a background perspective in education, and I Salomon said. “Those questions aren’t completely answered also help Mountain Line achieve its goal of having all electric to mental health I want to address.” have done that extensive policy work.” because we aren’t sure exactly what the feds are going to do.” buses by 2035, and according to Mountain Line, will add over a Conley said she also wants to keep housing affordable and Sardot, a former state senator in Ravalli County who moved Braaten, a first-time candidate, wants a less invasive govern- dozen jobs in Missoula. attainable for Missoulians. According to realtor.com, the medi- to Missoula, stood against zoning regulations she saw in local ment, allowing people to make their own decisions both socially Shanti Johnson, communications and outreach marketing an price for home listings in Missoula, as of Sept. 2020, is over areas like Missoula. and economically without government interference. That plat- specialist at Mountain Line, said in an email that the change will $369,000 dollars. The median household income, according to “I’m on top of things to protect people’s property rights and form bleeds into Braaten’s stance on government involvement be a boon for Missoula residents. the U.S. Census Bureau in 2018, is just over $51,000. any other rights that are being violated by bills that are creeping with COVID-19 guidelines. “I believe the existing benefits of public transportation to Whitman is also a first time candidate. In a Q&A interview in the state legislature,” Sardot said. “At this point, it is of people’s own free will and volition to our community will only be amplified, which benefits us all,” with the Missoulian in May, she touched on topics surrounding Sardot criticized the Montana Wildland Urban Interference go out and do, and go, where they want to be,” Braaten said. Johnson said. affordable housing, state funding for higher education and Act, which restricts what property owners can do in certain “People should be able to make that choice without government This is the second time the bus service has asked for an in- public lands access. Much of Whitman’s core message in her zones deemed wildlife sensitive. She also authored and passed infringement to do what they want to do.” crease to the mill levy. The first was in 2013, when Mountain Line answers revolved around keeping taxes low for Missoulians. a bill in the 2019 legislature that deregulated zoning rules in In a September Q&A with the Missoulian, Gay touched on asked for a $1.7 million increase in tax funding. That initiative “We have to be smart about spending your tax dollars, while areas claimed to be a part of the Urban Interference Act. climate change as well as state-provided funding for UM. Gay passed. Mountain line used those funds to add late night service A voter hands a ballot to an elections official at the drive-through ballot drop-off in front of the Missoula County Elections Office on Oct. 16, The Senate District 46 seat is currently held by Democrat Sue advancing education, public safety and infrastructure,” Whit- said that the legislature should take a strong stance in providing for some routes, increase access for seniors and people with Malek, who reached her eight-year term limit. man’s mission statement on her website said. 2020. SARA DIGGINS | MONTANA KAIMIN financial help to the University, which the Kaimin reported as disabilities and add another bus line. Whitman could not be reached for comment. having an enrollment decrease of 4.5% from last fall’s numbers. HD 100: Andrea Olsen vs. Carol Minjares SD 45: Ellie Hill vs. Susan Reneau vs. Nolen Skime Chase Porter Gay could not be reached for comment. MEGHAN JONAS JACOB OWENS [email protected] [email protected] SD 7: Diane Magone vs. Bob Brown HD 98: Wills Curdy vs. Nancy Burgoyne Democrat incumbent Andrea Olsen faces off with former The South Hills of Missoula, and portions of highway 93, are JAMES BRADLEY CLINT CONNORS attorney Carol Minjares, a Republican, in the race for House represented by Senate District 45. This race is home to a three- [email protected] [email protected] District 100, which sits between Orchard Homes and the Uni- way slugfest between Democrat Ellie Hill Smith, Republican versity District, stretching from Franklin to Rose Park. Susan Reneau and Libertarian Nolen Skime. Montana’s Senate District 7 represents Sanders and Mineral House District 98, which encompasses a portion of Orchard Olsen has represented her district since 2015. She current- Dick Barrett, the current senator for SD 45, is unable to run counties as well as parts of Missoula and Flathead counties. The Homes and stretches down South Reserve street, features a ly sits on the business and labor committee, the agriculture because he hit his eight-year term limit. seat’s current holder, Jennifer Fielder, has hit her term limit. fight between incumbent Willis Curdy, a Democrat, and Nancy committee and the energy, technology and federal relations Smith, a former representative for House District 90, said Bob Brown, a Republican, is one of the people running for the Burgoyne, a Republican. committee in the Montana State Legislature. she entered into politics after seeing the intersection between seat. Curdy is an alum of UM. He supported expanding Medic- Olsen’s platform supports quality education, jobs and mental illness, substance abuse and the criminal justice system In his three terms as a member of the Montana State House of aid, increasing employment for veterans and freezing tuition healthcare. She also supports providing clean air and water, while serving as the executive director of the Poverello Center. Representatives, Brown has sat on the House Judiciary, Natural for college students in his 2016 campaign. When asked about and access to public lands and locally-grown food. When asked Smith is also a lawyer practicing in Missoula with a back- Resources, and Fish, Wildlife and Parks committees. As the chair UM’s 40% enrollment drop in an interview for the Missoulian, by the Missoulian about the current state of higher education ground in criminal defense, family law and civil rights cases. of the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee during the 2019 leg- he said students should be provided more financial aid. This, in Montana and how she would support students, Olsen said it Smith said the number one problem facing Missoula is islative session, Brown sponsored several bills that both lowered he said, would give high schoolers who are concerned about is vital to lower the cost of college tuition by increasing student COVID-19 and wants to ensure everyone wears a mask and the price and increased access to out-of-state hunters for wolf loans more incentive to enroll. loan options, scholarships and teaching assistantships. She gets kids back to school. hunting licenses. Republican Nancy Burgoyne is a Salt Lake City native and also said that universities should receive more public funding. Climate change, affordable housing and criminal justice Diane Magone, a Democrat, is Brown’s opponent. Magone a political science professor at Miles City Community College Olsen told the Missoulian the state should sponsor more afford- reform are Smith’s top priorities in her campaign. graduated from UM with a degree in social work in the late ‘80s. and Montana State University Billings. able public housing options. This election cycle is Reneau’s first time running for public She said that she is running for office because of a growing con- Burgoyne’s website includes a petition to prevent Montana Minjares received her Juris Doctorate, as well as a bachelor’s office. She is a former elementary school teacher and journalist cern for her district’s economy. A five-year survey conducted by from defunding the police. Other policies listed in her platform degree in history, from the University of Montana. She previ- who has written several books on big game hunting. Reneau the Montana Census and Economic Information Center shows included protection of Montanan’s rights to public land and ously ran for a seat in the House of Representatives in 2006 and describes herself as pro-business and a staunch supporter of that median household income in Sanders and Mineral counties opposing property tax increases. 2008. public lands. is less than $42,300. Median household income in Montana is just Richard L. Armerding is a U.S. Army veteran. He has served She told the Missoulian that UM should cut costs by getting She said the number one issue her constituents face is afford- over $52,500 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. on public committees in Rohnert Park, California, and was a rid of diversity and inclusion officers, and also said the current able living, especially for those at or near retirement age on a She said bringing more recreation opportunities to the district legislative intern for the Hawaii State Senate. recession would increase enrollment. fixed income. would be a good place to start. Amerding’s website says he is against state-funded student Minjares supports fossil fuels because she believes they Reneau’s focus is on keeping taxes low, while still being able Magone said she would work to reduce the cost of higher ed- aid and affordable housing. He instead suggested cutting provide jobs for Montanans. She said she believes the biggest to maintain infrastructure needs like road construction. ucation by advocating for allowing high school students to take government aid to colleges to decrease enrollment costs and problems facing her district’s constituents are the dwindling Skime participated in a Q&A with the Missoulian in April. college classes, and passing legislation to permanently approve providing tax incentives for contractors. On Ballotopedia’s economy, as well as addressing issues with beetle kill and brush The candidate’s core message revolved around the increase in the 6-mill levy. The 6-mill levy is a Missoula property tax which Candidate Connection survey, Amerding stated, “Taxation is thinning in the “cluttered forests” on Montana state land. funding either locally or on the state level for affordable hous- funds the University. She also said she would like to see more theft; if it were not, the tax courts would allow reference to the Neither candidate was reached for comment. ing, student tuition and public lands access. support for vocational schools and apprenticeships. U.S. Constitution.” Skime could not be reached for comment. Bob Brown could not be reached for comment. montanakaimin.com October 21, 2020 9 8 October 21, 2020 montanakaimin.com HD 96: Loni Conley vs. Kathy Whitman SD 46: Shannon O’Brien vs. Niki Sardot SD 47: Chase Porter Gay vs. Daniel Mountain Line mill levy increase ALEX MILLER GRIFFEN SMITH [email protected] [email protected] Salomon vs. Devin Braaten JAMES BRADLEY ALEX MILLER [email protected] House District 96, which slices through the heart of Missoula For nearly 20,000 residents in Senate District 46, two new [email protected] and down highway I-90 to Huson, features Democrat Loni candidates emerged for this election, each vying for support in the district containing East Missoula, the Rattlesnake and the Conley and Republican Kathy Whitman vying for the Montana Senate District 47, which stretches from Missoula County and Mountain Line buses may be free to ride, but they still need Clearwater and Swan valleys. State House of Representatives seat. across Lake County, features a three-way race. Incumbent Daniel money to operate. Shannon O’Brien, a Democrat, faces Niki Sardot, a Repub- Rep. Tom Winter will be vacating the seat, after an attempt to Salomon, a Republican, will be defending his seat from Demo- Mountain Line’s primary income is from a city-wide, lican. Both candidates have a background in K-12 education. represent Montana in the U.S. House collapsed in the prima- crat Chase Porter Gay and Libertarian Devin Braaten. all-encompassing property tax called a mill levy. This election, Sardot is focused on property rights, while O’Brien is prioritiz- ries. Salomon, a member of the Montana State Senate since 2017, Mountain Line is asking property owners for an increase to the ing public schools. First time candidate Conley, who works as both a mental said the biggest issue that he and members of the legislature are tax to raise an additional $3 million. The new tax will add 35% to O’Brien, a former dean of Missoula College, also worked in its budget. health nurse and as a case investigator for COVID-19, said facing is the COVID-19 pandemic. early education centers. The current mill levy provides 65% of Mountain Line’s operat- healthcare for Missoulians is a top priority. Confusion on what the federal government will do for states “One of the primary reasons I’m running is that at the when it comes to another stimulus bill has left Salomon and his ing budget. The rest is mostly federal funding. “I want to keep Medicaid expansion and the ACA [Afford- state level, over one quarter of our state budget goes toward peers unsure of the next steps for Montanans. With the proposed increase, Mountain Line will have buses able Care Act] for Montanans,” Conley said. “Also, as a mental education,” O’Brien said. “We need strong representation from “And it comes down to ‘can we give anybody some help?’” out for longer and will add Sunday bus routes. The money will health nurse, there are a lot of barriers and red tape with access people who have a background perspective in education, and I Salomon said. “Those questions aren’t completely answered also help Mountain Line achieve its goal of having all electric to mental health I want to address.” have done that extensive policy work.” because we aren’t sure exactly what the feds are going to do.” buses by 2035, and according to Mountain Line, will add over a Conley said she also wants to keep housing affordable and Sardot, a former state senator in Ravalli County who moved Braaten, a first-time candidate, wants a less invasive govern- dozen jobs in Missoula. attainable for Missoulians. According to realtor.com, the medi- to Missoula, stood against zoning regulations she saw in local ment, allowing people to make their own decisions both socially Shanti Johnson, communications and outreach marketing an price for home listings in Missoula, as of Sept. 2020, is over areas like Missoula. and economically without government interference. That plat- specialist at Mountain Line, said in an email that the change will $369,000 dollars. The median household income, according to “I’m on top of things to protect people’s property rights and form bleeds into Braaten’s stance on government involvement be a boon for Missoula residents. the U.S. Census Bureau in 2018, is just over $51,000. any other rights that are being violated by bills that are creeping with COVID-19 guidelines. “I believe the existing benefits of public transportation to Whitman is also a first time candidate. In a Q&A interview in the state legislature,” Sardot said. “At this point, it is of people’s own free will and volition to our community will only be amplified, which benefits us all,” with the Missoulian in May, she touched on topics surrounding Sardot criticized the Montana Wildland Urban Interference go out and do, and go, where they want to be,” Braaten said. Johnson said. affordable housing, state funding for higher education and Act, which restricts what property owners can do in certain “People should be able to make that choice without government This is the second time the bus service has asked for an in- public lands access. Much of Whitman’s core message in her zones deemed wildlife sensitive. She also authored and passed infringement to do what they want to do.” crease to the mill levy. The first was in 2013, when Mountain Line answers revolved around keeping taxes low for Missoulians. a bill in the 2019 legislature that deregulated zoning rules in In a September Q&A with the Missoulian, Gay touched on asked for a $1.7 million increase in tax funding. That initiative “We have to be smart about spending your tax dollars, while areas claimed to be a part of the Urban Interference Act. climate change as well as state-provided funding for UM. Gay passed. Mountain line used those funds to add late night service A voter hands a ballot to an elections official at the drive-through ballot drop-off in front of the Missoula County Elections Office on Oct. 16, The Senate District 46 seat is currently held by Democrat Sue advancing education, public safety and infrastructure,” Whit- said that the legislature should take a strong stance in providing for some routes, increase access for seniors and people with Malek, who reached her eight-year term limit. man’s mission statement on her website said. 2020. SARA DIGGINS | MONTANA KAIMIN financial help to the University, which the Kaimin reported as disabilities and add another bus line. Whitman could not be reached for comment. having an enrollment decrease of 4.5% from last fall’s numbers. HD 100: Andrea Olsen vs. Carol Minjares SD 45: Ellie Hill vs. Susan Reneau vs. Nolen Skime Chase Porter Gay could not be reached for comment. MEGHAN JONAS JACOB OWENS [email protected] [email protected] SD 7: Diane Magone vs. Bob Brown HD 98: Wills Curdy vs. Nancy Burgoyne Democrat incumbent Andrea Olsen faces off with former The South Hills of Missoula, and portions of highway 93, are JAMES BRADLEY CLINT CONNORS attorney Carol Minjares, a Republican, in the race for House represented by Senate District 45. This race is home to a three- [email protected] [email protected] District 100, which sits between Orchard Homes and the Uni- way slugfest between Democrat Ellie Hill Smith, Republican versity District, stretching from Franklin to Rose Park. Susan Reneau and Libertarian Nolen Skime. Montana’s Senate District 7 represents Sanders and Mineral House District 98, which encompasses a portion of Orchard Olsen has represented her district since 2015. She current- Dick Barrett, the current senator for SD 45, is unable to run counties as well as parts of Missoula and Flathead counties. The Homes and stretches down South Reserve street, features a ly sits on the business and labor committee, the agriculture because he hit his eight-year term limit. seat’s current holder, Jennifer Fielder, has hit her term limit. fight between incumbent Willis Curdy, a Democrat, and Nancy committee and the energy, technology and federal relations Smith, a former representative for House District 90, said Bob Brown, a Republican, is one of the people running for the Burgoyne, a Republican. committee in the Montana State Legislature. she entered into politics after seeing the intersection between seat. Curdy is an alum of UM. He supported expanding Medic- Olsen’s platform supports quality education, jobs and mental illness, substance abuse and the criminal justice system In his three terms as a member of the Montana State House of aid, increasing employment for veterans and freezing tuition healthcare. She also supports providing clean air and water, while serving as the executive director of the Poverello Center. Representatives, Brown has sat on the House Judiciary, Natural for college students in his 2016 campaign. When asked about and access to public lands and locally-grown food. When asked Smith is also a lawyer practicing in Missoula with a back- Resources, and Fish, Wildlife and Parks committees. As the chair UM’s 40% enrollment drop in an interview for the Missoulian, by the Missoulian about the current state of higher education ground in criminal defense, family law and civil rights cases. of the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee during the 2019 leg- he said students should be provided more financial aid. This, in Montana and how she would support students, Olsen said it Smith said the number one problem facing Missoula is islative session, Brown sponsored several bills that both lowered he said, would give high schoolers who are concerned about is vital to lower the cost of college tuition by increasing student COVID-19 and wants to ensure everyone wears a mask and the price and increased access to out-of-state hunters for wolf loans more incentive to enroll. loan options, scholarships and teaching assistantships. She gets kids back to school. hunting licenses. Republican Nancy Burgoyne is a Salt Lake City native and also said that universities should receive more public funding. Climate change, affordable housing and criminal justice Diane Magone, a Democrat, is Brown’s opponent. Magone a political science professor at Miles City Community College Olsen told the Missoulian the state should sponsor more afford- reform are Smith’s top priorities in her campaign. graduated from UM with a degree in social work in the late ‘80s. and Montana State University Billings. able public housing options. This election cycle is Reneau’s first time running for public She said that she is running for office because of a growing con- Burgoyne’s website includes a petition to prevent Montana Minjares received her Juris Doctorate, as well as a bachelor’s office. She is a former elementary school teacher and journalist cern for her district’s economy. A five-year survey conducted by from defunding the police. Other policies listed in her platform degree in history, from the University of Montana. She previ- who has written several books on big game hunting. Reneau the Montana Census and Economic Information Center shows included protection of Montanan’s rights to public land and ously ran for a seat in the House of Representatives in 2006 and describes herself as pro-business and a staunch supporter of that median household income in Sanders and Mineral counties opposing property tax increases. 2008. public lands. is less than $42,300. Median household income in Montana is just Richard L. Armerding is a U.S. Army veteran. He has served She told the Missoulian that UM should cut costs by getting She said the number one issue her constituents face is afford- over $52,500 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. on public committees in Rohnert Park, California, and was a rid of diversity and inclusion officers, and also said the current able living, especially for those at or near retirement age on a She said bringing more recreation opportunities to the district legislative intern for the Hawaii State Senate. recession would increase enrollment. fixed income. would be a good place to start. Amerding’s website says he is against state-funded student Minjares supports fossil fuels because she believes they Reneau’s focus is on keeping taxes low, while still being able Magone said she would work to reduce the cost of higher ed- aid and affordable housing. He instead suggested cutting provide jobs for Montanans. She said she believes the biggest to maintain infrastructure needs like road construction. ucation by advocating for allowing high school students to take government aid to colleges to decrease enrollment costs and problems facing her district’s constituents are the dwindling Skime participated in a Q&A with the Missoulian in April. college classes, and passing legislation to permanently approve providing tax incentives for contractors. On Ballotopedia’s economy, as well as addressing issues with beetle kill and brush The candidate’s core message revolved around the increase in the 6-mill levy. The 6-mill levy is a Missoula property tax which Candidate Connection survey, Amerding stated, “Taxation is thinning in the “cluttered forests” on Montana state land. funding either locally or on the state level for affordable hous- funds the University. She also said she would like to see more theft; if it were not, the tax courts would allow reference to the Neither candidate was reached for comment. ing, student tuition and public lands access. support for vocational schools and apprenticeships. U.S. Constitution.” Skime could not be reached for comment. Bob Brown could not be reached for comment. montanakaimin.com October 21, 2020 9 8 October 21, 2020 montanakaimin.com Poll News We ran a poll on our Instagram last weekend to get a feel for how our audience is voting and this is what you told us: Third party voices struggle to be heard after Green Party fight CAMERON KIA WEIX the vote in statewide races. That excludes ARE YOU... [email protected] Libertarian Mike Fellows’ 43% haul for the VOTING THIS YEAR? REGISTERED AT YOUR CURRENT ADDRESS? AN ABSENTEE VOTER? VOTING WITH A MAIL-IN BALLOT? COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE position of state supreme court clerk in 2012, a race that did not have a Republican UM SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM candidate. In this year’s fight over the Greens, The fight over a Republican-funded Republicans said they tried to give voters effort to qualify the Green Party for the 11% more options, while Democrats called 2% ballot in Montana is the latest chapter in the effort misleading and asked people 13% the long-running debate over whether who signed the petition to withdraw their third parties can be a serious alternative or signatures. The Montana Commissioner of are stuck in the role of spoiler. Political Practices ruled that Republican 98% 89% 49% 51% 87% Democrats successfully sued to kick efforts broke campaign finance law, the Green Party off this year’s ballot after which the party disputes. The state many who signed a petition to qualify the supreme court subsequently ruled that environmental party asked to have their unauthorized groups cannot put a party signatures removed once it became known on the ballot. that Republicans had spent $100,000 to The back and forth this year has left the sign people up. Greens trying to catch up with their own It is the latest episode of major parties ballot status. Adrien Wagner, acting state using minor parties in an electoral system coordinator for the Montana Green Party, OUT OF 288 VOTES OUT OF 277 VOTES OUT OF 268 VOTES OUT OF 289 VOTES where a third option is more likely to spoil said he first heard a couple reports of a major candidate’s run than provide a real signature gatherers in early February. alternative. Wagner said the party was not involved “The system we have in place really in signature gathering and had no contact tends toward two parties,” Carroll College YES NO with candidates, except those for state political scientist Jeremy Johnson said. senate and attorney general, whom it “That’s not a great answer if you don’t feel had planned to endorse. He said the at home in either party.” Democrats’ lawyers “chose to willfully Johnson said the American winner- misinterpret how it was stated on our takes-all system leads major parties to Facebook page” to argue against the whole HAZEL CRAMER | COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE | UM SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM absorb as many smaller groups as possible. slate. This remains the case, despite the recent Wagner officially stepped in as the rise of populism, according to Jim Messina, Green Party’s acting coordinator last May who served as campaign manager for and has had to balance the party’s desire unsuccessfully as a Libertarian for several candidate for superintendent of public President Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection for ballot access and independence. offices in recent years and is running this instruction, runs Go and Grow tutoring and now runs campaigns around the “This one caught us off guard. It’s year for state auditor, Montana’s watchdog center and said he is frustrated with the globe. He said populist movements in not the way that we want to get (ballot) for insurance and securities. education system. He supports school other countries have fueled the growth of access,” Wagner said, though the party still Roots served as a volunteer paralegal choice and more funding for special third, fourth and even fifth major parties. wanted at least its presidential candidate for Ryan Bundy, one of 26 people charged education. Since the American system has all but on the ballot. “Yes, it was a Republican-led in connection with the 2016 armed One Libertarian candidate for state locked out third parties, political insiders effort. That doesn’t mean that we don’t takeover of a wildlife refuge in Oregon, house, independent Doug Campbell, “just see them as inconsequential,” deserve a voice.” The Oregonian first reported. Roots has a previously ran for office as a Green and Messina said, adding that they are often Michael O’Neil, communications criminal record, including resisting arrest, said both parties can offer an appealing a means to siphon votes away from one manager for the national Green Party, violating probation and possession of an alternative. candidate or the other. echoed Wagner’s frustration, saying ballot unregistered firearm. He said he hasn’t “The Green Party and the Libertarian One of the most high-profile cases of access has turned into a partisan game at a spent a night in jail in 25 years and, if Party really have a lot in common as far that siphoning came in 2012, when a time when voters crave more choice. elected, would focus on investigating as non-intervention in foreign policy, liberal group supporting Democratic Sen. The Libertarian Party is already the government as a tireless advocate for providing individuals with all of the Jon Tester’s reelection spent more than qualified for the ballot, but it faced at individual liberty. constitutional rights and not corporations, $900,000 in television ads to promote the least one other recent challenge. In 2016, The Libertarian candidate for governor and getting corruption out of the system,” Libertarian candidate in an effort to hurt the then-Republican state chairman and CEO of Hoplite Armor, Lyman Bishop, Campbell said. Republican Denny Rehberg. That year, the unsuccessfully requested to remove Roger has argued that federal ownership of land Campbell said he thinks a lack of third Libertarian won 6.6% of the vote, more Roots, the Libertarian for secretary of in Montana is unconstitutional and is parties leads people to not vote at all. than Tester’s margin of victory. state, from the ballot—over campaign- focused on protecting Second Amendment In the last decade, third parties and filing issues. rights. independents have averaged about 4.5% of Roots, an attorney, has run Kevin Leatherbarrow, the Libertarian

10 October 21, 2020 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com October 21, 2020 11 Poll News We ran a poll on our Instagram last weekend to get a feel for how our audience is voting and this is what you told us: Third party voices struggle to be heard after Green Party fight CAMERON KIA WEIX the vote in statewide races. That excludes ARE YOU... [email protected] Libertarian Mike Fellows’ 43% haul for the VOTING THIS YEAR? REGISTERED AT YOUR CURRENT ADDRESS? AN ABSENTEE VOTER? VOTING WITH A MAIL-IN BALLOT? COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE position of state supreme court clerk in 2012, a race that did not have a Republican UM SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM candidate. In this year’s fight over the Greens, The fight over a Republican-funded Republicans said they tried to give voters effort to qualify the Green Party for the 11% more options, while Democrats called 2% ballot in Montana is the latest chapter in the effort misleading and asked people 13% the long-running debate over whether who signed the petition to withdraw their third parties can be a serious alternative or signatures. The Montana Commissioner of are stuck in the role of spoiler. Political Practices ruled that Republican 98% 89% 49% 51% 87% Democrats successfully sued to kick efforts broke campaign finance law, the Green Party off this year’s ballot after which the party disputes. The state many who signed a petition to qualify the supreme court subsequently ruled that environmental party asked to have their unauthorized groups cannot put a party signatures removed once it became known on the ballot. that Republicans had spent $100,000 to The back and forth this year has left the sign people up. Greens trying to catch up with their own It is the latest episode of major parties ballot status. Adrien Wagner, acting state using minor parties in an electoral system coordinator for the Montana Green Party, OUT OF 288 VOTES OUT OF 277 VOTES OUT OF 268 VOTES OUT OF 289 VOTES where a third option is more likely to spoil said he first heard a couple reports of a major candidate’s run than provide a real signature gatherers in early February. alternative. Wagner said the party was not involved “The system we have in place really in signature gathering and had no contact tends toward two parties,” Carroll College YES NO with candidates, except those for state political scientist Jeremy Johnson said. senate and attorney general, whom it “That’s not a great answer if you don’t feel had planned to endorse. He said the at home in either party.” Democrats’ lawyers “chose to willfully Johnson said the American winner- misinterpret how it was stated on our takes-all system leads major parties to Facebook page” to argue against the whole HAZEL CRAMER | COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE | UM SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM absorb as many smaller groups as possible. slate. This remains the case, despite the recent Wagner officially stepped in as the rise of populism, according to Jim Messina, Green Party’s acting coordinator last May who served as campaign manager for and has had to balance the party’s desire unsuccessfully as a Libertarian for several candidate for superintendent of public President Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection for ballot access and independence. offices in recent years and is running this instruction, runs Go and Grow tutoring and now runs campaigns around the “This one caught us off guard. It’s year for state auditor, Montana’s watchdog center and said he is frustrated with the globe. He said populist movements in not the way that we want to get (ballot) for insurance and securities. education system. He supports school other countries have fueled the growth of access,” Wagner said, though the party still Roots served as a volunteer paralegal choice and more funding for special third, fourth and even fifth major parties. wanted at least its presidential candidate for Ryan Bundy, one of 26 people charged education. Since the American system has all but on the ballot. “Yes, it was a Republican-led in connection with the 2016 armed One Libertarian candidate for state locked out third parties, political insiders effort. That doesn’t mean that we don’t takeover of a wildlife refuge in Oregon, house, independent Doug Campbell, “just see them as inconsequential,” deserve a voice.” The Oregonian first reported. Roots has a previously ran for office as a Green and Messina said, adding that they are often Michael O’Neil, communications criminal record, including resisting arrest, said both parties can offer an appealing a means to siphon votes away from one manager for the national Green Party, violating probation and possession of an alternative. candidate or the other. echoed Wagner’s frustration, saying ballot unregistered firearm. He said he hasn’t “The Green Party and the Libertarian One of the most high-profile cases of access has turned into a partisan game at a spent a night in jail in 25 years and, if Party really have a lot in common as far that siphoning came in 2012, when a time when voters crave more choice. elected, would focus on investigating as non-intervention in foreign policy, liberal group supporting Democratic Sen. The Libertarian Party is already the government as a tireless advocate for providing individuals with all of the Jon Tester’s reelection spent more than qualified for the ballot, but it faced at individual liberty. constitutional rights and not corporations, $900,000 in television ads to promote the least one other recent challenge. In 2016, The Libertarian candidate for governor and getting corruption out of the system,” Libertarian candidate in an effort to hurt the then-Republican state chairman and CEO of Hoplite Armor, Lyman Bishop, Campbell said. Republican Denny Rehberg. That year, the unsuccessfully requested to remove Roger has argued that federal ownership of land Campbell said he thinks a lack of third Libertarian won 6.6% of the vote, more Roots, the Libertarian for secretary of in Montana is unconstitutional and is parties leads people to not vote at all. than Tester’s margin of victory. state, from the ballot—over campaign- focused on protecting Second Amendment In the last decade, third parties and filing issues. rights. independents have averaged about 4.5% of Roots, an attorney, has run Kevin Leatherbarrow, the Libertarian

10 October 21, 2020 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com October 21, 2020 11 News News

LR-130:ALEX MILLER Firearms and local governments [email protected] COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE UM SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM

So, here’s the question: How much power should local governments have to regulate firearms or prevent their possession by felons, minors, undocumented immigrants or people judged mentally incompetent? Not much, according to backers of Legisla- tive Referendum 130, the ballot measure sent to voters by Montana lawmakers last session. Specifically, Legislative Referendum 130 asks voters to remove local governments’ power to regulate the carrying of concealed firearms – or to restrict the open carry of firearms – except in public buildings within a government’s Montana Supreme Court Justice Laurie McKinnon in Helena on Sept. 2, 2020. McKinnon is the incumbent in Montana Supreme Court fifth seat candidate Mike Black in Missoula on Sept. 7, 2020.. jurisdiction. The measure would also repeal local govern- the race for the fifth seat in the Montana Supreme Court. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO, SARA DIGGINS | COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE | UM SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM ments’ authority to prevent the possession of CONTRIBUTED PHOTO, SARA DIGGINS | COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE | UM SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM firearms by convicted felons, minors, undocumented immigrants and/or people judged to be mentally incompetent. The measure doesn’t Justice and challenger square off in Montana Supreme Court race affect other federal or state firearms restrictions ADDIE SLANGER about such possession. attorney general under AGs Steve Bullock and decision allowing public access to a section of then that in judicial races, these independent [email protected] The question is being put to voters by the Tim Fox. the Ruby River in southwest Montana. expenditures can dominate the campaigns. Montana Legislature after Gov. Steve Bullock COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE “I have an experience growing up in McKinnon argued Black did not understand McKinnon, who denounced the ads at the UM SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM Montana, and being a historian by nature helps the specifics of the cases in the context they were time, said the controversy factored into her vetoed a bill last session that would have accom- to understand things like the 1972 Montana presented to the Supreme Court. initial reluctance to seek reelection this year. She plished much the same thing. Eight months ago, Laurie McKinnon Constitution with a little bit of context,” he said. “I would say that Mr. Black probably has said the ads weren’t a reflection of who she is At the time, Bullock said Montana law had wasn’t sure she’d be running for re-election to Montana’s nonpartisan Supreme Court not understood the opinion,” McKinnon and how she decides cases, adding that it’s been long protected “our basic right to keep and Montana’s Supreme Court. Now, as the Nov. 3 elections are often-overlooked races. Rules of said. “When somebody accuses a justice of hard to overcome claims to the contrary. bear arms” while trusting local governments to election looms, she’s facing competition from judicial ethics prevent candidates from talking making a political decision, it’s because they “That’s been hard to live with,” she said, decide “whether the mentally ill may bring guns Mike Black, a Helena-based attorney. about existing or pending cases, so experience, don’t understand the process of making that “because (the attack ads were) not an accurate into schools, or whether a local government can Justice McKinnon grew up in Maryland, past decisions and associations are important. decision.” statement about who I was as a person. I didn’t permit concealed weapons.” earning a law degree from the University of In June’s three-way primary to determine McKinnon has written for the majority in want to go through it again. I wanted to run LR-130 sprang from the passage of a 2016 Baltimore. She has lived and raised her three November’s candidates, McKinnon won 53% of key cases, as well. In 2018, McKinnon authored another term, but I didn’t want to take the Missoula city ordinance that would have DAYLIN SCOTT | MONTANA KAIMIN children in Montana since 1995, and worked as a the votes while Black finished second with 30%. the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down a personal risk.” required that all gun sales within the city limits, As of early September, little dark money deputy county attorney for Teton County and a McKinnon said her experience on the high tax credit benefiting private, religious schools including private sales, be subject to background approval, opponents challenged the referen- from the NRA Big Sky Self-Defense Committee. carry regulations across the state. has appeared in this year’s lower-profile races, special county attorney for Glacier County for 10 court is why voters should give her another in Montana. Conservatives appealed the checks. After changes and court fights, the dum’s language, but Montana’s Supreme Court The Montana League of Cities and Towns, One of the main functions of the ballot initia- decision to the U.S. Supreme Court where it was though it’s behind the issue-based ads in the years. In 2006, she was elected as a local district term. She said serving as a district judge and Montana Supreme Court ruled the ordinance ruled that LR-130 would appear as is. led by executive director Tim Burton, has made tive, Regier said, is to provide uniformity across judge, serving for six years before winning a seat justice gives her an advantage over Black, who overturned this year, 5-4. U.S. Senate, House and governor’s race. Both Opponents of the measure include the Mon- more than $9,000 in donations or in-kind ser- Montana for concealed carry permit holders. Supreme Court candidates are relying on unconstitutional last year. on Montana’s Supreme Court. has no judicial experience. McKinnon said she felt the federal court tana School Boards Association, led by executive vices to the “NO on LR-130” group. “I myself am a concealed carry permit donations from individuals. Such contributions Second Amendment advocates saw the con- At the 2020 campaign’s start, McKinnon But Black argued his experience in Montana crossed the line into states’ rights in that director Lance Melton. His organization worries Burton said the league’s primary concern holder, and we want to follow the law,” he said. decision. are strictly limited, but they do reflect support. troversy as a step toward a greater patchwork of decided not to seek re-election, in part because courts qualified him for the race, and criticized that the measure could make it impossible for is that LR-130 would take away local power to “If every city and every county has a different “I think they were wrong,” she said. “That Notable donors to McKinnon include U.S. differing gun control restrictions across the state. her husband had recently taken a job with a McKinnon’s consistency and her readings of schools to regulate the possession of weapons make local decisions. ordinance, it would be impossible to even drive decision was an interpretation of the Montana Congressman Greg Gianforte and his wife, Gary Marbut, president of the Montana North Carolina health clinic. Now he’s back in Montana constitutional protections in areas like on school grounds, such as parking lots. “First of all, LR-130 would take away local across the state.” Montana, where the two plan to remain. Constitution.” Susan. On Black’s side, former mayors of Shooting Sports Association, was one of the public access. “If school districts are construed to be local government’s rights to make local decisions,” But the sponsor of the stricken Missoula or- “Being a judge is a privilege,” McKinnon said. McKinnon won her first Supreme Court Missoula Mike Kadas and Daniel Kemmis have ballot issue’s architects. He cited a 2018 McKinnon dissent in an governments, then it could potentially usurp Burton said. “Our real concern is that LR-130 is dinance, Missoula City Council President Bryan “And I’ve enjoyed it very much.” term in 2012. In that election, a group called donated to his campaign, along with retired He said that Montana already has a preemp- easement case that would have prevented the their authority to regulate the possession of bad for Montana. This ballot is poorly written, von Lossberg, said LR-130 would limit local Black was born in Havre, Montana, and state from acquiring land on an eastern Montana the Montana Growth Network, a conservative Missoula District Court judge Karen Townsend. tion law that, when boiled down, effectively weapons on school campuses outside of school it’s confusing, it’s unnecessary, potentially officials’ power to serve their communities. earned a bachelor’s degree at the University ranch for conservation purposes. The Montana political action committee headed by Black has been endorsed by five retired prohibits local governments from regulating buildings,” Melton said. unconstitutional and unsafe.” “LR-130 is an attack on freedom,” von Loss- of Montana. He received his law degree from Land Board had declined to approve the Republican state Sen. Jason Priest of Red Lodge, Supreme Court justices: James Nelson, Terry guns. Other critics are backing up their opposition Despite such opposition, proponents of the berg said. “My job as a local official is to act in New York’s Cornell University and returned easement, but Gov. Steve Bullock overrode the sponsored attack ads critical of McKinnon’s Trieweiler, Mike Wheat, William Leaphart, and “All local governments are creatures of the with campaign cash and in-kind donations. As ballot measure are confident LR-130 will pass. the interest of the public safety, well-being and to Montana, working as a partner at two firms decision to allow the purchase. In her dissent, opponent. Jim Regnier. A letter signed by all five said Black state,” Marbut said. “LR-130 reinforces the of August 2020, one group, “NO on LR-130” re- welfare of my constituents. This initiative makes before starting his own. He was litigation McKinnon argued the Land Board should have Critics claimed these ads were funded by was “eminently qualified” for the court and has restriction in the Montana Constitution on our State Rep. Matt Regier, a Columbia Falls that job much harder to do because it eviscerates director for the Montana Legal Services the final say. She was the lone dissenter. “dark money,” or untraceable donations. earned statewide respect from Montana’s legal right to keep and bear arms.” ported donations of more $232,000. Money from Republican, sponsored the original legislation. Association, which represents low-income Black also pointed to a 2015 dissent where University of Montana constitutional and community. Concerns have been raised about the supporters has come in a comparative trickle. He is confident Montanans will pass it, he said, local control.” Montanans. He has also been an assistant McKinnon opposed the Court’s majority elections law professor Anthony Johnstone said McKinnon has not listed endorsements on wording of LR-130. Shortly after its legislative One lump sum cash donation of $16,000 came because it would lessen confusion on concealed her website as of September. 12 October 21, 2020 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com October 21, 2020 13 News Culture Pair of measures would legalize marijuana in Montana ADDIE SLANGER outlining its arguments, based on safety and [email protected] workforce concerns. Rick Steves’ travel guide to I-190 “(Recreational marijuana) is not a recipe for ADDIE SLANGER thing he says comes from the experiences Steves explained that there is a difference to think about this,” he said. “I can make COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE a healthy workplace in the construction field,” [email protected] he’s had on the road. between being pro-pot and being pro-le- a difference by talking about this coun- UM SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM MCA chief David Smith said. “And we don’t Steves and I chatted on the phone a few galization. Which is why he had, for exam- terproductive prohibition. The law itself think something like recreational marijuana is Some days, Rick Steves just wants to come weeks ago, while I was covering Montana ple, dedicated this entire day, and much of is causing more problems than what it’s Marijuana is back on the ballot for the third going to help us recruit more employees.” ballot initiatives I-190 and CI-118 for the his life, to pushing marijuana legislation supposed to be preventing.” time in the last five election cycles. But this The next day, a Facebook page titled home from a long shift at work, smoke Community News Service. He was on in states he has no real stake in. Steves Steves touted the financial benefits of a le- year, Montanans will decide for the first time “Wrong For Montana” launched with an a joint and stare at his fireplace for three the press-circuit grind, promoting the isn’t the only out-of-stater with an interest gal marijuana market. New Approach cites whether to follow states like Colorado and anti-legalization video warning voters about hours. Washington in legalizing use for all adults. the potential for an increased drug presence “I’m a hardworking, tax-paying, legalization of marijuana (medical and in Montana’s pro-marijuana efforts. New projected tax revenue of more than $38.5 The issue comes in the form of complemen- in the state. The group pointed to problems in church-going citizen of the U.S.,” Steves recreational) in the states where it’s on the Approach Montana has been almost com- million by 2025. tary ballot initiatives I-190 and CI-118. I-190 Colorado as cause for concern. said. “[Smoking marijuana] is my civil ballot. When we spoke, he was working pletely funded by a DC-based dark money Also, marijuana is a fun, recreational creates the rules for a recreational marijuana Wrong For Montana was founded by Steve liberty. In the privacy of my own home, I with New Approach Montana, the group group called the North Fund. The most activity, he added. Like casual drinks with system in Montana, including a 20% tax. It Zabawa, a Billings car dealer who has opposed can go smoke.” campaigning for legalization here. updated finance reports show the North friends. Steves keeps a bong on the top of also allows each county the option to prohibit past marijuana legalization and medical Our readers may be familiar with Steves, a “First of all, I’ve been at this for about 20 Fund has donated almost $5 million to the his piano for convenience. dispensaries in their county. cannabis efforts. Zabawa sees the legalization PBS travel guru, from his famous Euro- years,” he said of his advocacy. “I bring legalization campaign. Wrong For Mon- “I get great joy out of playing the piano CI-118 would amend the Montana Constitu- effort as a threat to Montana. pean guidebooks. But he does more than a European sensibility to it, because I’ve tana, the anti-legalization group, is funded and smoking a bit of marijuana,” he said. tion to allow the state to set the minimum buy- “Do we want more stoners in our family? If spent 100 days a year in Europe since I almost entirely by in-state donors. ing age to 21. If both pass, Montana would join the answer is ‘yes,’ all we have to do is legalize travel the world. Steves is an outspoken was a kid. Europe deals with [marijuana] “It’s not pro-marijuana, it’s principled 10 other states and the District of Columbia in recreational marijuana,” Zabawa said. “I’m supporter of recreational marijuana, some- in a different way than we do.” legalization. There’s so many good reasons legalizing recreational marijuana. just stepping out and saying it’s wrong for New Approach Montana, a group founded Montana. It’s not pristine, it’s not healthy, it’s in January 2019 by Montana political veterans not productive and it’s not a good idea for Ted Dick and Pepper Petersen, is running the Montana.” pro-legalization effort. After seeing a decline The WFM campaign is launching its oppo- of tax revenue from previous economic drivers sition with social media ads on Google and like energy production and mining, the two Facebook, with financial help from the nation- men asked Montana’s Office of Budget and al anti-legalization outfit Smart Approaches to Program Planning to study the economic Marijuana (SAM). Zabawa confirmed that his benefits of legalized marijuana. The office organization plans to roll out ads on Montana estimated that retail taxes on recreational mar- television networks in the weeks before the ijuana could generate upward of $38.5 million election. He would not comment on how a year by 2025. much funding the group had to fight legal- “This is a substantial amount of funding,” ization, but the group will need to report its Petersen said, adding that the next steps were donors at the end of September. clear. “We wrote our own law — we have a In addition to the Montana Contractors uniquely Montana approach.” Association, the Montana Chamber of But before that economic windfall could Commerce, Montana Bankers Association happen, New Approach needed to succeed and the Motor Carriers Association have all where the last effort to legalize in 2016 fell announced support for WFM and plan to short: qualifying for the ballot. The group contribute financially, Zabawa said. pumped more than $140,000 into signa- Petersen rejected Zabawa’s claims, arguing ture-gathering efforts. that, by raising the buying age to 21 and mir- Dick’s and Petersen’s organization plans roring the medical marijuana infrastructure, to pour much more money into the effort, New Approach was ensuring safety. HAZEL CRAMER | COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE | UM SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM including a whopping $2.3 million in adver- “Steve has been a thorn in the side of tisements, most of which are slated for late marijuana supporters for years” Peterson said. October and early November. “For whatever reason, he’s got a personal jihad business licenses would be issued Jan. 1, 2022, There may be some bleeding off initially, but The effort has been funded almost entirely against them. I’m surprised that he actually with registered Montana dispensaries first in that seems to level off, according to Colorado by two donors: New Approach’s national Po- believes the things that he says. It’s ridicu- line. These dispensaries would have one year models.” litical Action Committee, which has donated lous. It’s just so objectively out of touch with to sell without out-of-state competition, but Petersen and New Approach based much over $140,000, and a DC-based organization reality.” she acknowledged that, “These out-of-state of the bills’ infrastructure on Colorado, one called the North Fund, which has given more Still, some of those groups Zabawa opposed conglomerates are going to provide a lot of of the only states that correctly estimated its than $1.6 million. The campaign has generated in the past are also worried about recreational competition down the road,” Schager said. “At projected tax revenue. He stressed that he more than $2.8 million. marijuana. Smaller Montana-based dispensa- some point, that is going to be a formidable thinks Montana is a big enough state for both For much of the summer, no official oppo- ries worry their businesses will be swamped concern.” commercial and medical suppliers. sition organized to oppose legalization. That by larger, out-of-state companies. Petersen said there was no cause for con- “I don’t think there should be any angst changed in mid-September. Michaela Schager, owner of Montana cern. between recreational and medical dispensa- The Montana Contractors Association, a Medicinals, a family-owned medical mari- “All the jobs are going to be here. All the tax ries,” he said. “I mean, it’s like, Burger King group representing Montana building contrac- juana dispensary in Missoula, said she was revenue is going to be here,” he said. “Mon- is right next to McDonald’s, and they all do tors and suppliers, released a video on Sept. 8 grateful for the initiative’s structure. If passed, tana is not this big shining apple for marijuana pretty well. There’s lots of room in Montana conglomerates in terms of revenue generated. for all of them.”

14 October 21, 2020 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com October 21, 2020 15 News Culture Pair of measures would legalize marijuana in Montana ADDIE SLANGER outlining its arguments, based on safety and [email protected] workforce concerns. Rick Steves’ travel guide to I-190 “(Recreational marijuana) is not a recipe for ADDIE SLANGER thing he says comes from the experiences Steves explained that there is a difference to think about this,” he said. “I can make COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE a healthy workplace in the construction field,” [email protected] he’s had on the road. between being pro-pot and being pro-le- a difference by talking about this coun- UM SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM MCA chief David Smith said. “And we don’t Steves and I chatted on the phone a few galization. Which is why he had, for exam- terproductive prohibition. The law itself think something like recreational marijuana is Some days, Rick Steves just wants to come weeks ago, while I was covering Montana ple, dedicated this entire day, and much of is causing more problems than what it’s Marijuana is back on the ballot for the third going to help us recruit more employees.” ballot initiatives I-190 and CI-118 for the his life, to pushing marijuana legislation supposed to be preventing.” time in the last five election cycles. But this The next day, a Facebook page titled home from a long shift at work, smoke Community News Service. He was on in states he has no real stake in. Steves Steves touted the financial benefits of a le- year, Montanans will decide for the first time “Wrong For Montana” launched with an a joint and stare at his fireplace for three the press-circuit grind, promoting the isn’t the only out-of-stater with an interest gal marijuana market. New Approach cites whether to follow states like Colorado and anti-legalization video warning voters about hours. Washington in legalizing use for all adults. the potential for an increased drug presence “I’m a hardworking, tax-paying, legalization of marijuana (medical and in Montana’s pro-marijuana efforts. New projected tax revenue of more than $38.5 The issue comes in the form of complemen- in the state. The group pointed to problems in church-going citizen of the U.S.,” Steves recreational) in the states where it’s on the Approach Montana has been almost com- million by 2025. tary ballot initiatives I-190 and CI-118. I-190 Colorado as cause for concern. said. “[Smoking marijuana] is my civil ballot. When we spoke, he was working pletely funded by a DC-based dark money Also, marijuana is a fun, recreational creates the rules for a recreational marijuana Wrong For Montana was founded by Steve liberty. In the privacy of my own home, I with New Approach Montana, the group group called the North Fund. The most activity, he added. Like casual drinks with system in Montana, including a 20% tax. It Zabawa, a Billings car dealer who has opposed can go smoke.” campaigning for legalization here. updated finance reports show the North friends. Steves keeps a bong on the top of also allows each county the option to prohibit past marijuana legalization and medical Our readers may be familiar with Steves, a “First of all, I’ve been at this for about 20 Fund has donated almost $5 million to the his piano for convenience. dispensaries in their county. cannabis efforts. Zabawa sees the legalization PBS travel guru, from his famous Euro- years,” he said of his advocacy. “I bring legalization campaign. Wrong For Mon- “I get great joy out of playing the piano CI-118 would amend the Montana Constitu- effort as a threat to Montana. pean guidebooks. But he does more than a European sensibility to it, because I’ve tana, the anti-legalization group, is funded and smoking a bit of marijuana,” he said. tion to allow the state to set the minimum buy- “Do we want more stoners in our family? If spent 100 days a year in Europe since I almost entirely by in-state donors. ing age to 21. If both pass, Montana would join the answer is ‘yes,’ all we have to do is legalize travel the world. Steves is an outspoken was a kid. Europe deals with [marijuana] “It’s not pro-marijuana, it’s principled 10 other states and the District of Columbia in recreational marijuana,” Zabawa said. “I’m supporter of recreational marijuana, some- in a different way than we do.” legalization. There’s so many good reasons legalizing recreational marijuana. just stepping out and saying it’s wrong for New Approach Montana, a group founded Montana. It’s not pristine, it’s not healthy, it’s in January 2019 by Montana political veterans not productive and it’s not a good idea for Ted Dick and Pepper Petersen, is running the Montana.” pro-legalization effort. After seeing a decline The WFM campaign is launching its oppo- of tax revenue from previous economic drivers sition with social media ads on Google and like energy production and mining, the two Facebook, with financial help from the nation- men asked Montana’s Office of Budget and al anti-legalization outfit Smart Approaches to Program Planning to study the economic Marijuana (SAM). Zabawa confirmed that his benefits of legalized marijuana. The office organization plans to roll out ads on Montana estimated that retail taxes on recreational mar- television networks in the weeks before the ijuana could generate upward of $38.5 million election. He would not comment on how a year by 2025. much funding the group had to fight legal- “This is a substantial amount of funding,” ization, but the group will need to report its Petersen said, adding that the next steps were donors at the end of September. clear. “We wrote our own law — we have a In addition to the Montana Contractors uniquely Montana approach.” Association, the Montana Chamber of But before that economic windfall could Commerce, Montana Bankers Association happen, New Approach needed to succeed and the Motor Carriers Association have all where the last effort to legalize in 2016 fell announced support for WFM and plan to short: qualifying for the ballot. The group contribute financially, Zabawa said. pumped more than $140,000 into signa- Petersen rejected Zabawa’s claims, arguing ture-gathering efforts. that, by raising the buying age to 21 and mir- Dick’s and Petersen’s organization plans roring the medical marijuana infrastructure, to pour much more money into the effort, New Approach was ensuring safety. HAZEL CRAMER | COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE | UM SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM including a whopping $2.3 million in adver- “Steve has been a thorn in the side of tisements, most of which are slated for late marijuana supporters for years” Peterson said. October and early November. “For whatever reason, he’s got a personal jihad business licenses would be issued Jan. 1, 2022, There may be some bleeding off initially, but The effort has been funded almost entirely against them. I’m surprised that he actually with registered Montana dispensaries first in that seems to level off, according to Colorado by two donors: New Approach’s national Po- believes the things that he says. It’s ridicu- line. These dispensaries would have one year models.” litical Action Committee, which has donated lous. It’s just so objectively out of touch with to sell without out-of-state competition, but Petersen and New Approach based much over $140,000, and a DC-based organization reality.” she acknowledged that, “These out-of-state of the bills’ infrastructure on Colorado, one called the North Fund, which has given more Still, some of those groups Zabawa opposed conglomerates are going to provide a lot of of the only states that correctly estimated its than $1.6 million. The campaign has generated in the past are also worried about recreational competition down the road,” Schager said. “At projected tax revenue. He stressed that he more than $2.8 million. marijuana. Smaller Montana-based dispensa- some point, that is going to be a formidable thinks Montana is a big enough state for both For much of the summer, no official oppo- ries worry their businesses will be swamped concern.” commercial and medical suppliers. sition organized to oppose legalization. That by larger, out-of-state companies. Petersen said there was no cause for con- “I don’t think there should be any angst changed in mid-September. Michaela Schager, owner of Montana cern. between recreational and medical dispensa- The Montana Contractors Association, a Medicinals, a family-owned medical mari- “All the jobs are going to be here. All the tax ries,” he said. “I mean, it’s like, Burger King group representing Montana building contrac- juana dispensary in Missoula, said she was revenue is going to be here,” he said. “Mon- is right next to McDonald’s, and they all do tors and suppliers, released a video on Sept. 8 grateful for the initiative’s structure. If passed, tana is not this big shining apple for marijuana pretty well. There’s lots of room in Montana conglomerates in terms of revenue generated. for all of them.”

14 October 21, 2020 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com October 21, 2020 15 U M - R e t u r n y o u r b a l l o t A S A P V 3 O

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