Political practices complaint dismissed
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HELENA — A complaint filed with the Commissioner of Political Practices by Alan Mikkelsen against the Western Montana Water Users Association was dismissed.
In the complaint filed on April 25, Mikkelsen alleged illegal campaign contributions had been made in the irrigation district elections and illegal campaign materials have been sent on behalf of candidates.
In his decision, Commissioner Jonathan R. Motl noted that the WMWUA letter was an election communication and advocated the election of two members to the Flathead Joint Board of Control. However, since it was a “special district” election, the WMWUA did not have to register with the commissioner’s office, report contributions, etc., since the requirements do not apply to an irrigation district election.
According to Motl’s written decision, “There is no connection alleged or shown between the campaign expenditure made by WMWUA LLC campaign, and any campaign run by the candidates themselves.”
He further determined there is insufficient evidence to justify a civil or criminal prosecution under 13-37-124(1) Montana Code Annotated.
