Dear Editor: Our Governor Does Not Trust County Commissioners

Dear Editor,

It is disappointing, but not surprising, that the Republican supermajority in the Montana Legislature failed to override the Governor's veto of SB442, which would have distributed a portion of marijuana revenue for county infrastructure. This bill was unique for the 2023 session because it garnered bipartisan support. It was also unique in that the Montana Supreme Court allowed the Legislature to exercise its constitutional right to vote to override the Governor's veto. The Governor has called the Supreme Court's ruling to uphold the separation of powers judicial overreach when, in reality, his actions are executive overreach.

The Governor has not minced words about not trusting the county commissioners. The commissioners in my county are certainly trustworthy and operate their business much closer to the people than the Montana Legislature.

The majority of Montana's Republican legislators did not return their override ballots. The Jefferson County Republican incumbent went even further in lockstep with the Governor by voting against overriding the Governor's veto. Jefferson County deserves representation that promotes the interests of the people over the egos of party leaders.

NANCY JANE LIEN

Whitehall, Montana

Candidate – Montana HD75