Letters to the editor Dec. 18

What’s the plan?

Dear Gov. Greg Gianforte,

You commented recently that Public Law 280 in Lake County is a success story. I agree with that assessment. However, there is and has been a tremendous funding gap in Lake County which the commissioners have indicated in their letters to you. Taxpayers in Lake County also are aware of this shortfall and are concerned with the ongoing costs. 

Both Rep. Joe Read and I worked very hard to successfully pass HB 479 through the House of Representatives satisfying a legislative remedy that was requested. The remedy permitted funds purposed toward a creating a task force with Lake County, CSKT and state officials to develop a collaborative solution to maintaining PL 280. 

With the veto of HB 479, a decision was made to withdraw from PL 280 by Lake County. Thus, the commissioners want to know the state’s role in the recent ruling by District Court Judge Amy Eddy regarding the state’s “obligation” to provide criminal jurisdiction on the Flathead Reservation. 

As the representative from HD 12, I am requesting that your office work with the county to resolve the many questions that are arising from this withdrawal. Overall, I am impressed with the collaborative efforts that the county, the CSKT and law enforcement partners have continued to maintain for the safety of citizens in Lake County. I encourage you to help resolve this situation as there exists willing partners in Lake County ready to seek a productive solution. 

— Rep. Linda Reksten, R-Polson