Lakeside issues debated at forum

Discussion about a lawsuit and settlement agreement for the proposed North Shore Ranch subdivision near Somers showcased a fundamental difference between Flathead County commissioner candidates at a forum hosted Monday by the Lakeside-Somers Chamber of Commerce.

Joe Brenneman, the Democratic incumbent, told the audience he stands by his decision to vote against the $1 million settlement with the North Shore Ranch developers.

He maintains no state laws were broken when the commissioners decided two years ago to deny the project based largely on its proximity to a sensitive waterfowl production area near Flathead Lake.

“We have a duty to analyze whether or not a subdivision is right for an area,” he said. “We have an obligation to look at if it will damage water quality or wildlife. It’s our responsibility to say no.”

Brenneman said he wanted the North Shore lawsuit tried in court.

“What I stood up for is the heritage of Montana,” he said. “We should not have settled. At the American Revolution, if they had consulted with attorneys it probably wouldn’t have happened.”

Brenneman’s challenger, Republican Pam Holmquist, contended that not approving the North Shore Ranch project ultimately cost taxpayers the sizable sum paid to settle the lawsuit.

“I wouldn’t have voted to go to court because it could be more costly,” she said.

When asked to explain a campaign fundraising letter that stated Holmquist “will not vote against the laws of the state of Montana ultimately costing us taxpayers $3 million in settlement fees,” she didn’t detail where she got the $3 million figure, but noted that legal counsel “told them [the commissioners] that they wouldn’t have good standing in court.”

The lawsuit maintained that North Shore developers had exceeded subdivision requirements and that the commissioners’ decision to deny the subdivision wasn’t legal and contradicted Planning Office findings of fact.

In addition to the $1 million cash settlement, the county will be required to pay for subdivision roads if the project is ever built. It was estimated that could push the overall settlement total to about $3 million.

QUESTIONS from the audience on Monday ran the gamut, from the county budget to the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan.

Holmquist said she wants to study the budget to determine where money is being spent and why the budget has risen from $49 million in 2004 to $81 million this year.

When asked to itemize places where “fat could be trimmed” from the budget, Holmquist said she supports the current hiring freeze and would find ways to “remedy inefficiencies” if elected.

She said time and money often get diverted to government programs when the commissioners should be focusing on controlling county government costs.

Brenneman said keeping track of costs has been his focus since he took office in 2005. He’s been a proponent of consolidation such as creating a public works director position to oversee both the solid waste and road departments. He also favored consolidating the county Superintendent of Schools Office with the Treasurer’s Office, but that proposal didn’t fly with the other commissioners.

“Fundamentally we need to figure out what people want and how to provide it,” Brenneman said. “And be aware, if we’re asking for cutbacks, someone’s program probably is going to go away.”

He added that many programs are “almost totally funded” with grant money and only need a local match.

The candidates were quizzed on where they stand on the update of the 1994 Lakeside Neighborhood Plan that recently won Planning Board support after three years of work by a Lakeside committee.

Holmquist said she hasn’t read the plan but has concerns about the process used to derive the update.

A group of Somers and Lakeside property owners sued the county and Lakeside committee last year, challenging the planning process over alleged violations of open meeting laws. The group wants the Lakeside plan thrown out, and the lawsuit is on hold pending the commissioners’ upcoming vote on the Lakeside plan.

Brenneman said Lakeside residents “should receive a reward for their long-suffering” efforts in getting an updated neighborhood plan.

“I think you’ve done your homework,” he said.

On another note, the candidates took a stand on lake and stream setbacks.

Brenneman, who noted he was instrumental in starting the Flathead County River Commission, said incentives should be offered for property owners to create vegetative setbacks. Holmquist said she believes stream setbacks should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Holmquist said she would form a coalition of local mayors, the commissioners and others to go to Helena and work toward getting fewer regulations for businesses; she supports eliminating the business equipment tax.

Brenneman said he has no plans for such a coalition, but is going to Canada with a group next week to promote the Flathead Valley as a regional trade center and health-care center.

When asked how Flathead County can be more self-sustaining, Holmquist pointed to F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Co.’s proposals for a biomass co-generation plant and stressed that government should play a supporting role in those kinds of projects.

Brenneman reiterated the importance of marketing the Flathead to entrepreneurs and top executives who want to live here for the quality of life.

In summing up their strengths, Holmquist said she’s a good listener who would form an effective team with the other commissioners.

“I know what it takes to treat people with respect,” she said.

Brenneman said he has worked hard in his role as commissioner and touted his experience as an asset. He said he provides balance to the other commissioners, both of whom are Republicans.

“Balance is not forming our own little control unit,” he said. “We talk about our differences and [know the] value of expressing opinions. We’ve had balance the last five and a half years and it’s worth continuing.”

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by e-mail at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com