Libby officials violated campaign law

Libby city officials violated Montana campaign laws during a 2013 mayoral election, according to Montana Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathan Motl. 

Motl ruled this week that the city of Libby, then-City Attorney James Reintsma, Mayor Doug Roll and five current and former members of the Libby City Council broke the law and could face both criminal and civil prosecution, fines or potentially even removal from public office.

The violation stemmed from the city’s lawsuit against council member and mayoral candidate Allen Olson just before the 2013 mayoral election. The suit alleged Olsen lived outside city limits and was therefore ineligible to run for mayor. It also requested his removal from the City Council.

According to Motl, “There are sufficient facts to show that City Attorney James Reintsma acted in violation of Montana’s campaign practice laws when he, while on the job, engaged in use of public resources for the express advocacy purpose of opposing the election of mayoral candidate Olsen.”

Motl also found Roll and three members of the City Council, as well as two former members violated election laws.

“The City of Libby, Mayor Roll and five members of the 2013 Libby City Council [Robin Benson, Barbara Desch, Vicky Lawrence, Peggy Williams and Bill Bischoff] are also responsible for the campaign practice violation stemming from the complaint,” Motl said.

Motl’s ruling came in response to a complaint filed by Libby resident Arlen Magill over the city’s lawsuit against Olsen. 

Roll narrowly defeated Olsen in the 2013 election. A judge eventually ruled in favor of Olsen on the residency issue.

Motl’s ruling indicates the issue is being referred to Lincoln County Attorney Bernie Cassidy for a decision on prosecution. 

Should he decide not to prosecute or fail to make a decision within 30 days, the issue will be referred back to Motl’s office for action.

Motl indicated most violations referred to county attorneys are waived back to his office.