By Michael Howell
Lone Rock area resident Dan Metully has thrown his hat in the ring for a seat at the Montana legislature representing Senate District 45. Metully filed as a Democrat and will face Republican candidate Fred Thomas of Stevensville and Libertarian candidate Rob McCoy from Hamilton in the general election in November.
Metully said that one of the main issues he would like to address in the legislature is the role of corporations in Montana politics.
“Of all the states in the Union, Montana should recognize the negative effects of corporate influence in politics,” said Metully. He was referring to the role that the Anaconda Company played in early Montana politics and the disastrous results. He said the taxpayers are still paying for the clean-up.
“Now we are letting corporate dollars back in,” said Metully.
Metully said another issue that needs to be dealt with is school funding. He said he opposes the idea of returning a few hundred dollars to each taxpayer as a refund, a move that is currently being considered. He said he remembers getting a check from the state for $400 the last time.
“I think it’s silly,” said Metully. “I know those dollars could be used in a better fashion.” He thinks the money could be better used to fund education.
Metully said that political parties on both sides have been putting politics before the people.
“It’s time to put aside partisan politics and get something done,” he said. “I hope I get a chance to debate my opponents,” said Metully.
Metully, who is Chairman of the Lone Rock School Board, also operates a freight brokerage business and is currently starting another project addressing fraud and poor behavior in the transportation business.
“Accountability means a lot to me,” he said. “It’s not just a catch phrase.” He said it was an important election coming up and he hopes people are paying attention.
Metully is 50 years old, married and has three children and one grandchild.