Hello! Here are the topics for today’s independent commentary:
- January 10, 2005
- Local Government Review
- Historic Helena Mansion
- Biden/Trump Favorable Ratings
- Secretary of Defense
I interrupt the regular commentary to bring you breaking news…
JANUARY 10, 2005:
It was on this date in 2005 that the first post was published at The Western Word (TWW). The whole post was about football.
So today, TWW is 19 years old – with a bright future ahead as it approaches 20. The “teenage years” are almost over and it’s time to start thinking about the future!
TWW has been called a “conservative blog” and a “liberal blog” and some names I won’t mention. I thank the readers for all the comments, good or bad. The person who said I had “one of the great political minds in Montana” made me blush…
I like to think TWW is independent and not afraid to call out people from both sides of the aisle. I’ve spread the spin in the past, so I can see it from a mile away.
Thank you for reading!
Now back to the regular commentary…
LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW:
The Electric is reporting that this summer, voters will be asked if they are happy with their current forms of government. Montana law requires that all county and municipal governments ask voters every 10 years if they want to conduct a local government review and establish a study commission.
I say, “Hell Yes!”
I don’t think the local governments are running very well. I think we need a study commission to see how they can improve.
The Electric also reported that in a December memo to City Commissioners, staff had recommended an estimated $150,000 for the study commission. Ironically, that is the same amount of taxpayer money the city used to promote the safety levy (using taxpayer money to try to get us to vote to raise our taxes).
By the way, since City Commissioner Rick Tryon is digging around in the city coffers and attempting to take funding from the public library, maybe he can find a way to repay the wasted $150,000 used for the safety levy.
HISTORIC HELENA MANSION:
Several sources reported about Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and Montana First Lady Susan Gianforte, announced that they’ve purchased a historic mansion in Helena and plan on donating the historic mansion to the state. (Source)
The Daily Montanan reports:
With the donation, pegged at $4 million, the state will have to decide what to do with the historic property, and if it will replace the current executive residence, and if so, what to do with the current structure, located at the fringe of the Montana Capitol complex.
From what I understand, Gianforte has another home in Helena and one in Bozeman. He does not live in the current “Governor’s Mansion” due to it needing renovation.
In the carefully-crafted press release about the announcement, Gianforte said:
“Susan and I are fortunate to have achieved the American dream, and with that, we believe we have an obligation to give back. To whom much is given, much is expected,” Gov. Gianforte said. “We purchased the beautiful and historic Hauser House to call our home here in Helena, and to provide a space for the people of Montana to come together. Following my service, we will donate this home to the State and the people of Montana.”
I’m not buying the generosity from the Governor. Gianforte has a way of coming up with ideas to shed a good light on himself. What could be better than a $4 million donation to the state so the next governor will have a place to bed down at night. “A free mansion! Wow! The Gianfortes are so generous!”
It seems these ideas come around close to election time.
BIDEN/TRUMP FAVORABLE RATINGS:
Gallup is reporting that President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are tied in favorability with the American people, but each is viewed less well than when the two faced off in 2020.
Gallup says Biden is viewed favorably by 41% of U.S. adults, eight percentage points below his 49% favorable rating in October 2020. Trump’s 42% favorable rating is slightly lower than his 45% reading in October 2020 but improved from his weaker ratings in 2021 and 2022 when he faced intense criticism over his handling of the election outcome, including the Jan. 6 riots.
I’m not happy with either person, but I have never voted for Trump and I never will.
Read the full report from Gallup HERE.
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE:
A follow-up from yesterday…
The Associated Press (AP) is reporting that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has prostate cancer, and his recent secretive hospitalization was for surgery and later to treat a urinary tract infection related to that operation, his doctors said Tuesday.
I wish the Secretary the best as he recovers.
The AP also reported the Pentagon issued a memo Monday on its internal review, and broadened the circle of leaders who would be informed of any delegation of authorities by the defense secretary to ensure that, in the future, “proper and timely notification has been made to the President and White House and, as appropriate, the United States Congress and the American public.”
Common sense and military protocol kind of went out the door during this situation. That should make all of us concerned.
ONE MORE THING:
It’s supposed to get cold across Big Sky Country this week. While other places across the fruited plains are shutting down and curtailing events, the only thing you need to know here in Montana is to wear your big coat…
The Western Word 
First place I come to every morning not only for news but excellent commentary. You definitely have a gift for defining the situation and getting to the core of a matter. That sounds simple to do, but it’s not. I try, but after a couple sentences I usually careen off into the blogosphere never to be seen again. A good blogger uses the Hemingway model. No unnecessary or extraneous words. Every word for effect. It keeps things interesting. It’s an art.
And you’re not afraid to call out the kooks. That is much appreciated.