I’m back! Here are the topics for today’s independent commentary:

• Pinocci Arrested Again
• Municipal General Election Signs
• U.S. House Circus
• Social Security Benefits
• Absent on Friday

PINOCCI ARRESTED AGAIN:

Oh Mama, I’m in fear for my life
From the long arm of the law
Lawman has put an end to my running
And I’m so far from my home
-Renegade (Styx)

The Montana Free Press (MTFP) and other sources are reporting that Montana Public Service Commissioner Randy Pinocci was arrested in Great Falls Friday on two felony witness tampering charges related to an ongoing investigation into a disorderly conduct allegation that previously landed him in jail last month.

Pinocci reportedly told one of the witnesses via text message, “For us to continue a relationship, you’re going to have to recant your testimony with the sheriff’s department.” Later in another text message, Pinocci reportedly said, “You get your testimony corrected and will [sic] talk about working together in the future,”

The sending of text messages makes me question the IQ of Pinocci. It will be interesting to see how he gets out of this. If the felonies stick, he should resign.

I guess Pinocci has another mug shot that he can use to raise money like his MAGA hero, former President Donald Trump.

Read the report from the Montana Free Press HERE.

MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION SIGNS:

Most campaign signs are out for the Municipal General Election that will be held on November 7.

I have seen a few billboards in the Great Falls Mayor’s race. It is crazy that someone would spend that much money on a mayor or city commission race.

The best campaign yard signs for individuals, IMHO, are the ones that have the last name of the candidate in big bold letters and one that can be read a few yards away like from a car as you drive by a yard.

My favorite sign, so far, is THIS ONE. It says, “VOTE NO ON EVERYTHING” It then says, “We Don’t Need It” and “We Can’t Afford It.”

The leaders in the city of Great Falls are trying to tax us to death. We can’t afford the new taxes that will come from the Public Safety Levy and the Bond. That is why I am a solid NO vote on both. I won’t be voting for any official who has increased my taxes and fees, either.

U.S. HOUSE CIRCUS:

The Republicans in the U.S. House are showing the American people that they cannot be trusted to lead. It’s a circus. Nothing is getting done.

First, it took the Republicans 15 votes to elect Kevin McCarthy as Speaker and McCarthy sold his soul to the devil to become Speaker of the House. Then, when he made a deal to keep the government operating, the MAGA group in the House threw him out.

Then, the Republicans nominated Steve Scalise. Then they figured out he could not get enough votes to become Speaker, so he dropped out. Now they nominated Jim Jordan to become Speaker. He faces an uphill battle if he makes it to the House floor for an actual vote. (Source)

Jim Jordan has a lot of baggage. I will be surprised if he is voted in as Speaker.

It would be fun for a group of moderates to nominate former Wyoming Congresswoman Liz Cheney for Speaker.

SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS:

In case you missed the news, more than 71 million Americans will see a 3.2% increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2024. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by more than $50 per month starting in January. (Source)

Is this a great country or what?

ABSENT ON FRIDAY:

I did not write a column on Friday, and some sent emails to see what was up. Thanks for checking. I was doing a sleep study and it interfered with my writing time. I have not slept well in many years, so I decided to see what I could do about it.

## HAVE A GREAT WEEK ##