Ronan hosts political candidates at forum
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RONAN — At the Citizens Acting for Liberty Political Candidate Forum on Oct. 12, questions ranging from the U.S. and Montana’s Constitution to property tax reduction were presented to an array of political candidates.
All three Lake County sheriff’s candidates were asked about their commitment to protect the rights of Lake County residents in cases of unwarranted arrests, searches and seizures by federal agents, and asked to give their personal interpretation of the Second Amendment.
They were also questioned about major issues within the Lake County Sheriff Department.
Dan Salomon was the only candidate able to attend from the House District 12 race. Salomon was asked if he believed the federal government had authority over the state to regulate wildlife policy in Montana.
“Well, according to the Endangered Species Act they do,” Salomon replied.
Though he recognizes the federal government’s role in the issue, Salomon sides with ranchers when it comes to wolf management.
Salomon explained if a predator is near a cattle herd, the cattle become restless and move constantly. Once the livestock are sold, they weigh significantly less.
“It’s just like me going into a store and demanding 20 percent of the wares,” Salomon said.
From Montana House District 15, Joe Read was asked if property taxes should be reduced and if so, what would he suggest to make up the budget shortfall.
District 15 incumbent Frosty Boss Ribs wasn’t present.
Running for Public Service Commission, Bill Gallagher was asked why citizens should be concerned about the Public Service Commissioner election.
Gallagher responded that the office essentially “writes the rules.” He explained that the PSC office has the power to limit and minimize federal impact on the lives of Montanans.
His opponent Ken Toole was not present at the forum because of a prior engagement.
Running for U.S. Congress, Mike Fellows was the forum’s only libertarian candidate. He was asked if the federal government has the authority to restrict the development of Montana’s natural resources through agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and Cap and Trade.
In his response, Fellows insisted that the country needs to review the “founding documents.”
His opponents Denny Rehberg and Dennis McDonald did not attend the forum.
House district 9 candidates Neil Brown and Scott Reichner, House District 11 candidates Cheryl Wolfe and Janna Taylor, Senate District 5 candidates Verdell Jackson and Ed Blackler and Senate District 8 candidates Shannon Augare and Richard Jennison also did not attend the forum.
