Good government is an appropriate election day topic. It certainly seems, at least lately, that when well meaning, or hell, even those with an agenda, ask for openness in government they seem to hit a wall? Why does it appear the 1^st question wondered aloud is motive, or even worse, being simply assigned one. Why is he/she/they doing this? Something must be afoot!

In the past few weeks there have been plenty of examples: Dillon commission, Missoula emails, Kalispell planning board, Great Falls power arm & airport, Billings law enforcement, and I’m sure others. In many of these issues, it seems the 1^st action of government is to question the action rather than responding to the inquiry.

Certainly some political gamesmanship may be at play, but that is to be expected. The beauty of our system (particularly in Montana) is the ability to ask, question, criticize, and, oh yes, participate. In the long run, these actions ultimately help our society, no matter how ridiculous, vindictive, mundane, or even political.

Now go vote.

Roy Brown entering the Governors’ race is a positive development. Brown really was the strongest candidate the MT GOP could field and will certainly provide a contrast in both style and substance to Governor Schweitzer. His initial talking points comforted his base, cut taxes & govern differently. It is much too early to discuss whether or not Brown can win, he and the GOP must first focus on making the race competitive. So where can he start?

1. No surprise here on MOTTO. Brown needs to reach out to the moderates in both parties. He’ll need to coax the R’s back to his camp, and a few D’s along side
2. Develop and discuss an energy policy that encompasses more than relaxing regulatory restrictions
3. Talk specifics on education, from pre-K through higher ed
4. Embrace, not spin, his voting record
5. Provide a solid plan for workforce retention and recruitment.  Talk, Talk, Talk about workforce.
6. A) take great care in selecting a running mate, and B) upgrade website

MOTTO's perception of some winners and losers from the 60th Legislative session. 

Winners

• Governor Schweitzer - The Governor was so clearly the winner this session, its difficult to know where to start.  For openers, a majority of his "square deal" agenda passed.  The budget impasse allowed for fiscal restraint with every veto a media event.  He managed to squeeze a 10lb stream access bill into a 1 mm local government bill.  His demeanor following the Lange tirade will pay dividends throughout the election cycle.  Finally, he took full advantage of the 151st legislative seat provided by the democratic legislative leadership.
• Steve Daines - The Bozeman businessman gained attention for his giveitback.com website and ads critical of the Governor.  Now heralded by some as a candidate for Governor, this gimmick seems to have grown legs.
• Dept of Corrections - The DOC needed a boost and for the most part they received it. 
• Conservatives - the Conservatives in the House managed to gain key leadership posts & committee assignments, do little but pass the buck during the session, can the scapegoat, and stick true to their ideology in the end.  Can they really be proud of that?

Losers

• Mike Lange - You almost (just almost) feel sorry for the guy.  Can sympathy votes win a statewide election?
• Democratic Legislative Leadership - Its called "leadership" for a reason
• Dept of Revenue - Unlike DOC, the DOR had a difficult time promoting their needs and faltered
• Conservatives - the Conservatives in the House managed to gain key leadership posts & committee assignments, do little but pass the buck during the session, can the scapegoat, and stick true to their ideology in the end.  Can they really be proud of that?

The session has ended much like it started, an election involving Representative Mike Lange.  MOTTO assigned the "twilight zone" label to this session early on, and it certainly had a TZ'esque finale.  After rallying around the embattled majority leader for 90 days, compromise just wasn't the right fit for Lange, or Lange for continued republican party leadership.  While bloggers and media will speculate the reasons for the ouster was really the Governor's & Langes deal and not the famed "you tube" moment, the truth is really found in both, as both led to Lange carrying HB5, the tax bill.   HB5 led to the former majority leaders demise.  

In the grand scheme of things, the meeting of the 13 probably wouldn't have happened without the Lange tirade.  The nationally embarrassing event only strengthened the Governor and weakened the resolve of many in the GOP.  Ultimately, it certainly weakened any opportunity for the success of a stronger GOP influenced tax proposal or budget package.  It was either karma or ego (perhaps a bit of both) that Lange came to sponsor the tax bill.

Among the moderates pushing a compromise, those northcentral Montana republican legislators had little choice, as the tax credits found in the energy bill were vital to the area and the upcoming transmission & energy plans. While Rep's Jones and Clark had some influence with the caucus on energy & the budget (particularly human services), they didn't have the ammo to push an almost completely executive influenced tax bill sponsored by a leader who had lost his faithfuls' support.

Compromise or the meeting of minds does not influence elections.  While looking at the pros and cons of supporting HB5, little political capital would come from support.  While legislators may have wanted the business equipment tax proposal to pass, the politicians of the group certainly didn't.  The latter prevailed.   

A start and an end politically influenced.  Imagine that.  Good night, Gracie.

No one is more pleased than MOTTO to have the moderates of both parties work to develop a mutually acceptable agreement on the issues currently facing this divided legislature.  That being said, however, due diligence and thoughtful deliberation should not be set aside to meet an artificial deadline.  The tax, education, and budget issues left for the special session are the largest issues that were to be determined by the regular session.  While the budget discussions reached every legislator, many, if not most, of the tax items did not.  Ultimately, the bills will have to co-exist, money in, money out.

Today, the 2nd day of the special session, the tax bill is being heard by joint committee.  MOTTO made reference to the title below, this bill contains several significant policy revisions.  As of this post, a fiscal note was not yet available, yet a majority of our legislators may be asked to vote on a bill they know very little about.  The REIT bill is itself a defining policy statement.  Do our legislators understand the pro & cons?

Regardless of the party, policy decisions as the ones being decided currently should not be made unless proper review, debate, and deliberation is conducted.  Our legislators must remind themselves they are a body independent of the executive.  Perhaps each and every bill is indeed good legislation.  Please, just take the time to ensure it is. And if it isn't, well, remember, is your honorable body (Legislature) to which blame will be placed.   

Now that the special session has been called, early bill drafts include

Tax incentives for energy development.  Tax reduction and abatement for clean coal, transmission, and biofuels.  Senator Jeff Essman (R-Billings) requester & sponsor

Tax incentives for energy - Rep. Llew Jones (R-Conrad requester

 General appropriations act (AKA HB2).  Requester, Rep. Galen Hollenbaugh (D-Helena)

Education revise - Rep. Hollenbaugh and School Funding Sen. Dan McGee (R-Laurel), Long range planning, Sen. Cooney (D-Helena)

Educational trust fund funded by REIT's  - Rep. Hollenbaugh requester

and funding for session, Rep. Hollenbaugh, requester

It is unclear whether or not these requested drafts are the Governor's preferred bills.  Senator Essman's request looks as if it very well could be, while Jones isn't prepared for public view as of this post.  Neither education bill was ready for viewing.  Will update as bills become available. 

Note - requesting a bill does not necessarily mean they will carry the bill. 

Survivor: Helena. Our own backyard version of Survivor is on hiatus, as the camps await the necessary callback to complete the game.  Strategy will play an important role, as will any breakout camps.  Does the Republican leadership have the immunity idol? Can the teams rebound as complete the difficult budget and tax challenges? Who will be sent to exile island? 

Outwit, outplay, outlast?  This Survivor has been so poorly rated, the contestants have to wonder if they'll be invited back for the next regular session. 

What a minute.  Maybe that the problem.  We have two side who are trying to do just that, win.  While politics may be about winning and losing, governing is not.  Govern. 

Seriously, I considered not discussing the topic at all. There are no winners in any of this, only losers, starting with the people of Montana.  Once all the political points are made (and make it their last political comment), both sides need to roll-up their sleeves and finish the work. 

Unbelievable.  Schweitzer's popularity just rose 5 points.   

 Rep. Michael Lange, R-Billings, told a meeting of fellow Republicans that the Democrats are negotiating like "Communist Russia" and "Red China," and that talks had reached an impasse. Then Lange launched into an attack on the governor, calling Schweitzer an "S.O.B."

Schweitzer, who was not present, was diplomatic in responding, saying he still respects Lange and plans to continue working with him. The governor said Lange was diplomatic during an early morning meeting in which tax legislation was discussed.

There was also a "stick it up ...." comment as well. 

The D's couldn't script this any better.    

Another tax relief suggestion in the last days

Cooney said he also presented Lange with some possible ideas on how the Legislature could offer more one-time tax relief by using the projected additional $60 million that the Legislature's chief revenue forecaster, Terry Johnson, believes is coming in.

Cooney said he suggested putting a trigger so that if the money came in as predicted, the state could sweeten Schweitzer's proposed one-time, $400-per-household property tax rebate.

Must be the Governors Birthday