Land bond approved for ballot

Flathead County voters will have a chance to vote on a $10 million land and water conservation bond question this November.

The county commissioners voted Thursday to allow the issue on the ballot. If the bond request passes, it will cost someone with a $215,000 home about $20 per year.

"I can see the value of such a tool," said Commissioner Joe Brenneman, a dairy farmer. "It should not go for preserving pretty views or anything touchy-feely. It would be used for working landscapes, agricultural production."

Although the commissioners voted to place the bond issue on the ballot, the precise wording of the resolution has not been worked out. The commissioners will work with the County Attorney's Office on the resolution.

If the bond request is approved, the money would allow the county to purchase development rights from willing landowners to conserve farms and ranches, acquire waterfront and recreational lands, protect clean water and conserve wildlife habitat.

Commissioner Dale Lauman said he received numerous phone calls and e-mails regarding the bond request, and he said most of the comments were in favor of letting it go to the ballot.

Commissioner Gary Hall expressed the most reluctance, but he still voted in favor of presenting the funding request to the public.

"Five years ago we looked at this and considered it," Hall said. "One of the reasons we voted it down was concern over what the impact would be on our taxpayers. I've been in major conflict knowing I'm the swing vote. I'm concerned about our future affordability to live here."

When it came time to officially vote, Hall said "Reluctantly, aye."

To reach the ballot, the bond issue required a unanimous vote by the commissioners.

Lauman and Brenneman both noted that voters deserved the chance to approve or deny the conservation measure. A recent poll by Moore Information based on 404 phone interviews showed a 64 percent approval rating for the $10 million bond.

Although some people, including Hall, have expressed concern about the survey, Moore Information has worked extensively in Montana for clients such as Marc Racicot, Judy Martz, Stan Stephens, Conrad Burns, Denny Rehberg and the Montana Republican Party.

The company, based out of Portland, Ore., has a track record of providing reliable numbers.

But, as Bob Moore told the commissioners July 22, the survey only shows what people were feeling in June. Those in favor and those opposed to the bond measure have three months to wage public battle over the issue.

"We're talking about giving the people the chance to vote," Brenneman said. "This republic under which we operate places a great deal of value on the will of the majority while protecting the rights of the minority. It seems we have an obligation to place before the people the chance to vote."

Reporter Michael Richeson may be reached at 758-4459 or by e-mail at mricheson@dailyinterlake.com