Letter to the Editor, Great Falls Tribune, Great Falls, MT  59405

‘Form over substance’ seems to be the Tribune’s focus in its ‘Trick or

Treat’ endorsement of the incumbent mayor.  So, are ‘ceremonial’ duties

more important than respecting the First Amendment; inspiring staff to be

forthright and accountable; designing public policy that the city manager

(not ‘coal czar’) will execute (not the other way around); fiscal

oversight that doesn’t squander our city’s funds (money that could have

helped GFDA secure GE here, not SME),  reputation and thousands of staff

hours on the Highwood ‘coal folly’ and exercising leadership to encourage

the commission to actively listen to citizens and debate issues so the

voting isn’t all 99% unanimous - and remember, disagreement is not

disrespect.

Do you want a mayor that tells you ‘no questions’ during the public’s

time, takes pride in running ‘fast’ meetings or who’s presence at

commission meetings is so ‘charismatic’ that Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz –

with more years on the commission than the mayor – was left ‘paralyzed’ to

oppose the three-minute ‘muzzling’ policy?  I know Ed Mcknight’s style and

prior public service will be an asset in this arena and I also thank Susan

Kahn, because the election dynamics has stimulated public involvement for

the better.

As for ‘one issue’ campaigns, our Revolutionary War started on one issue –

taxation without representation – but that issue was the catalyst for

America’s greatness.  Mary Jolley and Stuart Lewin are dedicated citizens

who will offer new perspectives to help revive the commission.

Finally, if ‘form trumped substance’, would Abraham Lincoln have ever left

Illinois?

Richard Liebert,