Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Opinion & Editorial

by Judy Hoy, Stevensville

For over 10 years, we have been trying to alert the health officials of Ravalli County and the State of Montana to the increasing incidences of cancer, especially rare cancers that are now common in children and young adults. We have also warned about the increasing rates of premature births, increasing incidences of autoimmune diseases, especially in children, and increasing incidence rates of developmental malformations on many species of birds and mammals here in Western Montana. Thus far, no testing has been done by the EPA (because the health officials have not requested testing) or by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (because of lack of funds).

It appears that we have a "sister" community on Prince Edward Island in Canada, an "unlikely hotbed of rare cancers." Many children and younger adults in Kensington, PEI, have been diagnosed with "rare" brain cancers, myeloid leukemia, lymphomas, osteosarcoma and other cancers, according to a news article by Martin Mittelstaedt titled "Pesticides are what is killing our kids."

Dr. Ron Matsusak is a Kensington doctor, who suspects pesticide (umbrella term for all types of pesticides) usage on potatoes is the likely cause of the high rates of "rare" cancers there. He has made it his mission to raise awareness about the potential health hazard posed by pesticides used on the region's potato farms. "Potato cultivation accounts for about 90 percent of all the pesticides used on PEI," according to Beyond Pesticides, December 12, 2006.

Potato farming has increased in many U.S. states and in Canada to fill the increasing demands for French fries. Potato farmers use a lot of pesticides, especially fungicides. One fungicide, Chlorothalonil, was specifically mentioned as being found in the Kensington area at "extremely high levels." I do not think that it is a coincidence that Chlorothalonil is the very fungicide that we have as one of our top suspects in the health problems here in Western Montana. The question is, "Are cheap French fries worth the lives of your children and the lives of a great many of the wild and domestic animals in Montana?"

Judicial proof ballots?

Dear Editor,

Maybe we should have an elected ballot official. Someone, elected, appointed, or just standing around should be required to see that propositions placed on the ballot are vote worthy. The judiciary has again stepped up to declare what "the people" voted for was not really vote worthy. The judge says, "We know you voted for the proposition, but you really didn't know what you were voting for. The circuit judge will correct your 'error' and tell you voter of Ravalli county what you really meant."

You can look at Montana's history and it is easy to see where the mining interests controlled the politics of this great state. After they had creamed off the minerals, they surrendered control because it was no longer needed. Only Montana Power maintained some control.

Now the judiciary has grabbed the reins from a weak executive and a weaker legislature. Over the last several years a number of "the people's" propositions have been placed on the ballot. The propositions have been overwhelmingly voted in favor of "by the people," only to have the circuits or supremes overturn the will of the people and maintain the status quo.

Whatever happened to "of the people, by the people and for the people." Must the downtrodden poor and middle class, the backbone of this nation, stiffen up and revolt again? In an unprejudiced judicial system "the people" should win once in awhile. But never?

It was difficult to get rid of the mining influence. However, the next time you see a judge's name appear on your ballot, you are free to vote NO CONFIDENCE.

John W. Robinson
Corvallis

Support for community college

Dear Editor,

As a young adult I attended a college of technology (COT) for two years, graduated and became a Licensed Respiratory Therapist. I practiced my trade for several years and decided I wanted to return to school, part-time, so that I could earn a bachelor's degree and larger salary. I discovered, much to my frustration, that ALL of the classes I took at the COT were NOT transferable ­ including biology, chemistry, and physics. I was informed that had I taken classes at a community college, many of them would have been transferable. I had spent a great deal of time and money on my education, but could go no further unless I was willing to start over. In that circumstance, my only choice (other than abandoning my goal of a four-year college degree) was to start over at a community college. The additional expense in time and money was significant, but then I could transfer my units to a four-year school.

A community college, like the one now proposed for Ravalli County, offers flexibility. When a disability, move, change in the job market or personal desire necessitates a job change, community college graduates find themselves at a crossroad with options for expanding their horizons, rather than finding themselves at a dead end. We already have a COT in the area. I believe that it is time for a community college. We need to give the next generation of wage earners the opportunity to complete a two-year college education in their local community. They should have the chance to build on that education in the future if they wish. A community college in Ravalli County will give them that choice.

Patricia Wilson
Stevensville

The new 'Range War'

Dear Editor,

For hundreds of years civilizations have been fighting over land. My family, my clan, my tribe, my village, my city, my state, my country, and now my corporation have more right to use the land than you do! That's the mind set.

In our resent western history it was the Cattle Barons (now the wealthy elite and national groups, like real estate and building associations) vs. the farmers and merchants (now the urban refugees and the environmental extremists).

Each group wants to control the land for profit or their self serving agendas. Each group thinks they know better, because we (the middle of the road average citizen) don't understand the big picture. Each group has its gunslingers (the attorneys) to ambush the other and enjoin the county in lengthy and expensive court cases. Who pays for all of this? We do. Ravalli County's taxpaying citizens.

Each court case takes away valuable resources from our county government, so we have less for other functions like Police, Fire, Emergency Services, Road Maintenance and daily management.

Enough! They all need a slap upside the head. Stop suing everyone and start talking to each other.

We must enact comprehensive zoning that incorporates a plan for population expansion and economic development, while preserving our agricultural heritage and open spaces.

In short, we (the citizens of Ravalli County) are tired of being pulled from all ends and must take back control of our local government and destiny.

Richard Marcus (D)
Candidate for Ravalli County Commissioner

Dumb and dumber

Dear Editor,

This one is open season for pointing fingers and casting aspersions. The temptation is very, very attractive because the subjects involved began creating evidence of their "feet of sand" a decade ago and the weight of their failures is going to crush them. My concern is that the incredible mismanagement of the County Government is dangerously close to sucking my town done the sewer with them. In short, Hamilton should reject all efforts by anyone who wants the city to annex the subdivision called "Flat Iron". No questions, no options, no alternatives, no compromises.

To explain, I have no problem with mega-developments because they cannot be stopped. "It is all location." Flat Iron is the antithesis to the County Airport. Over the objection of the people several years ago the County Commission co-signed a document called the Airport Layout Plan (ALP) therein agreeing with the terms and conditions dictated by the Federal Aviation Administration to expand the County Airport to accommodate larger and heavier general aviation aircraft. This is a contract with non performance penalties. You may think the County Airport Board designed the new airport. You are wrong. A so-called consulting contractor, paid by and acting under FAA control, designed the new airport. Don't be fooled by the word "expanded." There will be a new airport. That translates into big, heavy executive-type jet powered aircraft. The County Commission has begun land acquisition as one of the conditions of the agreement.

The Hamilton City Council is considering a request by the Flat Iron developer to annex the mega-development into Hamilton. This action by the city council is completely beyond the talents and cogitative capabilities of at least half of the members. Simply put, the new County Airport cannot coexist with a mega-residential development next door, especially when the residents live just off the end of the runway under the landing and takeoff traffic patterns of a large and very busy general aviation airport without local aircraft traffic control. At one time the FAA contractor traffic consultant projected a flight operation every fifteen minutes.

Hamilton City government must never at any time in any manner entertain any suggestion of annexing the Flat Iron development. Not that the development is not a well planned effort, but because of where it is. I expect if Flat Iron becomes a reality the local governments involved will feel the crush of actions by civil (tort) legal specialty firms sensing a killing. All authorities/experts in general aviation know that residential encroachment is the most serious threat to general aviation airports across the United States and Flat Iron is a textbook example of serious residential encroachment that may be fatal to the County Airport.

Earl Pollard
Hamilton

Nothing is a sure thing

Dear Editor,

Week 6 in Helena

Nothing is a sure thing. Last week I wrote about HB 210 by K. Peterson (R-Billings) and how it had failed second reading on Thursday by 50-50. Then, after being amended, on Saturday, to require all members of the Parole Board to "have knowledge of American Indian culture," the bill passed 52-48. On Tuesday, the bill came up for Third Reading; it failed 49-51. Apparently, over the weekend, three people changed their minds. It's not a sure thing, 'til it's done.

The most significant bill heard on the Floor this week was HB 11, the Treasure State Endowment Program (TSEP). This is a program funded by part of the Coal Severance Tax. The bill contained 56 water and wastewater treatment projects, across the state. Three projects were for Ravalli County: Hamilton wastewater $750,000, Darby water $750,000, and Pinesdale water $750,000. Funding for the bill was in two parts: $17.3 million of Coal Tax money, and $15.4 million of surplus General Fund money. Rep. Bergren (D-Havre) moved to amend the bill to take out the General Fund money, and instead borrow the money through bonding, which would leave the General Fund money for other programs in the Governor's budget. Bonding, of course, would require interest payments 10 to 20 years into the future. The amendment failed: 49 Dem - Yes; 50 Rep and 1 Const - No. The main motion to pass HB 11 failed: 49 Rep and 1 Dem - Yes; 49 Dem, 2 Rep and 1 Const - No. Politics makes strange bedfellows. More than 24 hours have elapsed since the negative vote, therefore the bill is dead. Individual projects may yet qualify under some other capital improvement bill. Nothing is a sure thing.

Another interesting bill was HB 469 by McNutt (R-Sydney). The bill permanently defines cellular telephone companies as being subject Local Assessment, for tax purposes. The need for the bill arose out of attempts by the Department of Revenue (the state tax collector) to classify cellular companies as Centrally Assessed. The difference is that centrally assessed properties are taxed on a Unitary appraisal basis, that is, the entire assets of the company, not just the equipment. Central assessment would double the property taxes that cellular phone companies pay, hence the rates they charge customers. It is a tax increase, pure and simple. An amendment on the Floor to again make cell companies subject to central assessment failed 36-63. The bill then passed second reading 71-29. It will be up for third reading on Monday.

Monday should be an interesting day, as we are scheduled to hear HB 403 by Jore (C-Polson) which proposes a Constitutional Amendment to recognize that life begins at conception. Stay tuned.

If you have thoughts regarding these, or any other bills, please do not hesitate to contact me. Specific bills, by number, subject, or sponsor can be found at: http://www.leg.mt.gov.

Week 7 in Helena

Last week's letter said we would hear HB 403 by R. Jore (C-Polson) which proposed a Constitutional Amendment to recognize that life begins at conception. We heard the bill on Monday, February 12. After a spirited and lengthy debate, it failed Second Reading 46-54. Normally, if a bill fails second reading it is dead. However, because this was a Constitutional Amendment, it must have a Third Reading. That too, failed 45-53. If passed by both houses of the legislature, it would have appeared on the November 2008 ballot.

Another Constitutional Amendment we heard last week was HB 312 by M. Lange (R-Billings). It proposed a Parents Bill of Rights be added to Article II of the Constitution recognizing "Parents have the FUNDAMENTAL right to the CARE, CUSTODY, AND CONTROL of their minor children." The bill passed Second Reading 50-49, and Third Reading 51-49: Yes - 49 R, 1 D, 1 C; No - 48 D, 1 R. That seems like passage in the Senate would put the proposal on the ballot, but, not exactly. In order for a Constitutional Amendment to qualify for the ballot, it must receive a 2/3 vote of the legislature; that is both houses.

That means it needs 100 votes between the two houses. It has 51 in the House, so it needs 49 in the Senate. Given the split between the two parties, it is unlikely to qualify for the ballot.

Another interesting bill we heard on Saturday was HB 305 by B. Thomas (D-Great Falls).

It limits the liability of sponsors of off-highway vehicle activity. It recognizes that off-highway vehicle activity is inherently dangerous and that there are certain specified risks involved including change in terrain, fences, and irrigation systems. In other words, you accept responsibility for what happens to you when you engage in these activities. It passed Second Reading 71-29.

Saturday, we also considered HB 435 by J. Parker (D-Great Falls). It was introduced with 38 co-sponsors from both parties in both the House and Senate. It prohibits criminals from profiting from their crimes. We have seen too many instances where criminals who commit terrible crimes later write books, sell movie rights, etc. to profit from the crimes for which they are convicted. This law says the proceeds from any such sale must be placed in an escrow account for the benefit of the victims or the dependents of deceased victims of such crimes. It is intended to take some of the "profit motive" out of crime. It passed the House 99-1.

Gary MacLaren
Representative HD 89

Tapeworm in wolves causes concern

Dear Editor,

In the December newsletter put out by the MT Woolgrowers was an article written by Valerius Geist, Professor Emeritus of Environmental Science, The University of Calgary. It is entitled, "Some Information for People in Areas Where Wolves Have Become Common." On the second page of this article he describes a tapeworm which needs two kinds of hosts to complete its life cycle - both canids (wolves, coyotes, foxes and dogs), and grazing animals (elk, moose, sheep, cattle and horses. A tapeworm, because it also can infect man, has some far reaching effects. This whole article is enclosed.

This is neither fictional nor theoretical, and is presently a problem. On the U.S. Fish and Wildlife website, week of 2/02/07 to 2/09/07, under the title "Research," it is reported that this fall a hunter killed an elk north of Yellowstone National Park, with cysts from this tapeworm in both its lungs and liver. In my opinion, this was rather "underwhelmingly" reported, as one of the cysts in the lung was the size of a golf ball.

In my Merck Manual, this tapeworm, Echinoccus granulosus, is listed on Table 8, "Cestodes of Public Health Importance". After reading the multiple pages of information in "Merck" concerning the life cycle, and treatment/prevention aspects, I have great concern that our public agencies are too silent about the presence and ramifications of this parasite. It seems to me that with knowledge, we can at least try to protect our health, and our domestic animals' health.

With wolf de-listing on the horizon, shouldn't hunters be informed of this tapeworm in the wolves they might kill?

Shouldn't ranchers and hunters be informed of this so they can properly worm their dogs, to both prevent its spread, and to protect themselves and their families from infestation?

Since these eggs are very small and can become airborne, shouldn't all trail users be informed of this danger in the scat they may encounter?

Shouldn't government agencies be asking big game hunters to check for these cysts in all their game animals, and send in samples for testing, so that the severity and spread of this parasite can be tracked?

Shouldn't the professional guides and outfitters be made aware, in order to protect themselves and their clients?

I found an article on the internet about the tapeworm infestation disease in human beings, called Hydatid Disease. This develops so slowly before manifesting any disease symptoms (years, to decades) that a person could literally carry this to the grave with no knowledge of being infected. And, when symptoms do begin to manifest, it is very difficult to diagnose, therefore is very under reported as a problem in human health. All the more reason for people to be informed, and to protect themselves from exposure.

I am writing to encourage you to help educate the American public about this potential health danger, and to ask all public agencies involved with wolf recovery and wildlife management to develop and publicize some game management guidelines concerning this parasite.

Jane Lambert
Stevensville

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