County frustrates residents

Commissioners stand behind road boss

Three different locations. Three different experiences. One common problem.

Road dust.

Glen and Jean Hook, Greg and Shelley Dodd and Paul Abel have battled with the county for years with the hope of getting their roads either paved or treated with a dust palliative. Most recently, they have joined a group called Flathead Citizens for Paved Roads.

All of them have expressed frustration in dealing with the Flathead County commissioners and the Road Department.

"It's the county's fault that it's this way," said Shelley Dodd of McMannamy Draw. "As it grew it should have been paved. It should have been paved years ago."

Abel has spent the past three years calmly and consistently making his case for county help on Farm Road. He admits to growing frustrated with what he sees as a lack of response, but believes his cause is worth the continued effort.

"It's never going to get better if someone doesn't step up and make an issue of it," Abel said. "It's amazing how many people are passive about it, waiting for someone else to do something about it."

The Hooks, like many others, have thrown up their hands and become openly angry with the county. Glen Hook said the commissioners ignore him. He's criticized both Road Department Supervisor Guy Foy and Foy's crew.

"This spring, a county grader tore up the road in front of our house even though it was finally hard-packed and smooth," Hook said. "The grader turned it into powder. They created this health hazard. It was totally stupid. I've begged them not to grade this road."

All three commissioners say they stand behind Foy and his ability to run the Road Department. Foy has spent nearly 34 years working as an accountant for the department.

Foy himself said he feels comfortable with his abilities to run the Road Department, and he has support from Public Works Director David Prunty.

"Everyone always has room for improvement, but we have very qualified personnel doing our work," Prunty said.

"Guy has 30 years of experience working in the Road Department, and Dave has a degree in engineering," Commissioner Joe Brenneman said. "Do we get to ask for the resumes from those making the complaints?"

And all three commissioners rejected the notion that they ignore public comments when it comes to dusty roads.

"I think we've made great strides in responding to people," Brenneman said. "But there's a big difference between people getting a response versus getting the response they want."

Commissioner Gary Hall said he is irritated by the accusations that the commissioners ignore residents.

"We've given them plenty of platform and bent over backwards to listen, especially to the McMannamy Draw people," Hall said. "We do not ignore anybody. To be accused of that is a typical childish, sophomoric attitude."

Abel, whose farming is affected by the road dust, has maintained a less heated approach even though his road - unlike McMannamy Draw and Prairie View Road - never is treated for dust. He presents charts, types up potential solutions and makes his case. Abel said he doesn't know if the problem will ever get fixed, but he is hopeful that something can be done.

"I've gotta be a little optimistic," Abel said. "I'd go crazy if I wasn't."