Keep Open Meeting Law tough

It may seem innocuous, but a bill that is in motion to close meetings of school boards and other governing panels to discuss labor contract negotiations is a big step in the wrong direction for Montana.

House Bill 301 would restore an exemption for collective bargaining strategy discussions that once was part of Montana’s Open Meeting Law — but was struck down by the Montana Supreme Court after the Great Falls Tribune litigated the matter in 1992.

More precisely, the current bill would allow meetings to “be closed to give direction and convey intent to parties who are to conduct actual labor contract negotiations.”

Conducting public business in secret, with no individual privacy issues involved, undermines the public’s ability to scrutinize the positions of elected boards. Particularly now, when school district budgets are on a knife’s edge, citizens and taxpayers are justified in knowing whether their boards are being thrifty with taxpayer money.

Finally, this bill deserves defeat because if it becomes law, it likely faces another challenge in the Supreme Court.

TURTLE RACES, arm wrestling, beard contests and sumo wrestling are just a few of the attractions awaiting spectators this weekend in the Canyon.

There also will be a cussing contest and mountain man contest as well as races and fun events for children.

The communities of Hungry Horse, Martin City and Coram are staging their 33rd edition of Cabin Fever Days, a traditional midwinter break for fun.

The most fun, perhaps, comes on the downhill course at Martin City with the annual barstool ski races Saturday and Sunday.

In these unique races, downhill racers vie with creative contraptions involving barstools or other seating attached to skis.

It’s always a fun time in the Canyon during Cabin Fever Days and this weekend promises to be no exception.