Greetings! It is Thursday, September 14, 2023, and here are the topics that I am providing commentary about today:

• Cascade County Jury Duty
• Property Taxes
• Danelo Cavalcante
• One More Thing

CASCADE COUNTY JURY DUTY:

This story made me smile as I have contended over the past several years that selection for jury duty in Cascade County was screwed up.

The Electric is reporting that a change in the process for juror questionnaires and summons caused problems for the justice system in Cascade County. After watching some interviews and reading other reports, it is apparent that officials in Cascade County are quickly trying to get a handle on errors they made in empaneling a jury in state district court.

It appears to me that officials were just being lazy, looking for shortcuts, and not being aggressive enough in contacting people who don’t respond to jury duty or complete a questionnaire.

I’ve written about my problems with jury duty over the years because I was selected more times than anyone I know. Readers may remember that in May 2022 I wrote to the three courts: Great Falls Municipal Court, the State District Court (Cascade County), and the U.S. District Court voicing my concerns about the number of times I have put on notice for jury duty.

None of the courts responded to my letter. That is total bullshit. I don’t see why I should respond to them if contacted.

Read the complete story from The Electric HERE.

PROPERTY TAXES:

The Montana Free Press (MTFP) is reporting that Montana candidates Tim Sheehy, U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke, and Monica Tranel have all been repeatedly late on property tax payments with Sheehy’s ranch accruing almost $1,500 in penalties and interest.

All of the candidates who have made late property tax payments in the past are now current on those bills., according to the MTFP. It was also reported that U.S. Representative Matt Rosendale is current on his taxes and according to the Dawson County treasurer, Rosendale had always made timely payments on his two properties near Glendive. U.S. Senator Jon Tester, who owns a residence and an agricultural operation at T-Bone Farms in Big Sandy, made late property tax payments in the 2004 tax year but has otherwise paid on time.

The supporters of these candidates will say this is a nothingburger, but I think that it shows a lack of attention and respect for our system. I pay my property taxes on time, why shouldn’t these millionaires?

Read the MTFP article HERE.

DANELO CAVALCANTE:

Like many people, I was interested in the manhunt for escaped murderer Danelo Cavalcante in southeastern Pennsylvania.

As you probably know, he was caught Wednesday morning after being on the run for 14 days.

After he was caught, a news helicopter was filming the officers bringing Cavalcante to a police truck for transport when all of a sudden they stopped, and around two dozen officers in tactical gear posed with him for a group photo.

I thought that was odd – it was like they had been on a hunt and were showing off their kill. The Associated Press (AP) reported that policing experts said the celebratory moment after the grueling 14-day search for the armed suspect was inappropriate and dehumanizing.

I wonder if Cavalcante had been dead if they would have stood him up for a photo…

Read the AP story HERE.

ONE MORE THING:

The Last Best Place Political Action Committee (PAC) has an ad up across Montana attacking Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Tim Sheehy.

His new nickname in the ad is “Shady Sheehy,” and the ad talks about Sheehy getting a $774,300 government loan and never paying it back. The ad contends that Sheehy “got rich” over government contracts.

It’s a pretty damaging ad and is a good counter ad for all the ads that Sheehy is running trying to introduce himself to Montana voters.

You can watch the ad HERE.

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