Opinions

Economic study concludes mining plays a critical role in Montana economy

In a study of Montana’s hardrock mining industry the University of Montana’s Bureau of Business & Economic Research (BBER) concluded that mining plays an essential role in the state economy—generating nearly $199.4 million in state and local revenues each year. These funds generated by Montana mining support schools, local infrastructure, emergency services, law enforcement, and other critical community services. The economic analysis revealed that mining in Montana currently creates:

• 12,304 permanent, year-round jobs

• $86,030 per year in individual earnings

Beaverhead County Sheriff

In the last election, candidate Kluesner made an issue of “high” turnover of employees in the sheriff’s department. The turnover rate in the sheriff’s department has nearly doubled in the four years since Kluesner has taken over as compared to the previous four years. What do you think has led to this high rate of attrition and how can it be corrected? (Use up to 500 words)

House District #72

Who are you (tell us about yourself, qualifications etc., use up to 300 words)?

My name is Bill Dwyer. I’m running for HD72 as a Democrat. I’m a staff member at Montana Western. In my earlier life, I was a professional musician, living and playing in Montana, Utah, Los Angeles, Austin, and Nashville. I was lucky enough to tour this country and much of the world.

Tom Welch (R)

Who are you (tell us about yourself, qualifications etc., use up to 300 words)?

I-185 where the money goes

It’s important to know where Montana tax dollars are going, especially when you’re asked to vote to raise taxes. Ballot Initiative 185 would raise tax revenues in Montana by $74 million per year. How that money is distributed, though, is even more problematic than the alarming price tag.

I-185 would bypass the Legislature to make the Medicaid Expansion program permanent. This expansion program, keep in mind, is different from Medicare and traditional Medicaid.

Mining supports healthy habitat, healthy economy

Those who work in the mining industry know that mining and protecting the environment aren’t mutually exclusive. With some of the world’s strictest regulations when it comes to protecting our water, Montana has been able to successfully strike a balance between developing our abundance of mineral resources and preserving the high quality of our rivers and streams to provide some of the best fishing opportunities in the world.

And Montanans have realized the benefits from both.

I-185 has serious Constitutional flaws

Imagine a ballot initiative that would give every citizen in Montana $1,000 each year. That initiative would be very popular and would likely pass. But with a $1 billion price tag, it would result in a serious deficit for our state budget and require massive tax increases or cuts to other services.

The authors of our Montana Constitution were wise to prevent these types of situations from occurring. Monetary appropriations by ballot initiative allow special interests to use the initiative process to reap windfalls of tax dollars and could bust our state budget.

In the mail

World of Franco

To the editor,

Welcome to UM Western Professor Michael Francisconi’s world of hatred!

From his privileged position of power, UM Western Professor Michael Francisconi, the self-described socialist, once again displays his hatred of Conservatives, especially Conservative Trump Supporters.

As a political independent and Hillary Clinton supporter, I was appalled when Clinton referred to Trump Supporters as “Deplorables.” Now I am offended greatly that we have Francisconi suggesting and saying that people who voted for Trump are Fascists.

Express yourself in the Dillon Tribune

Let other people know how you feel and what you think with a letter to the editor. Letters are subject to editing for libel and good taste, and should be limited to 400 words or less.

Letters expressing appreciation for a specific, out-of-the-ordinary action are welcome, but letters with lists of names of contributors, donors or volunteers, or letters that solicit funds, will not be printed.

Reject CSKT Water Compact and accompanying fearmongering

Montana water right holders recently received official looking mailers that appear to be a litigation notice from the Montana Water Court. In fact, these mailers are only more lies and propaganda from the AstroTurf group FARM. This attempt to deceive Montanans is, unfortunately, par for the course for FARM.