CI-97 is a threat to county

Guest editorial by County Commissioner Bill Kennedy
Billings Outpost, 10/13/06

There’s been a lot of controversy and confusion lately over Constitutional Initiative 97. But there are only three things voters need to know when they head to the polls:

1) CI-97 is a threat to Montana’s basic needs; 2) big-money, East Coast interests are pushing it into our state; 3) paid out-of-state signature gatherers committed fraud to get it on the ballot.

As a commissioner in Yellowstone County, I know firsthand why CI-97 is a clear and present danger. It would devastate programs essential to Yellowstone County citizens and compromise public safety.

This year, Yellowstone County experienced one of the most brutal fire seasons to date. Our firefighters and emergency responders have depended on state funding to battle fires, protect property, and save lives.

If CI-97 passes, our firefighters would end up with fewer resources and some tough choices. Many fire stations are already operating at full capacity, responding to more calls with fewer resources. CI-97 would cause additional strain and eventually cuts. Our citizens would end up with the short end of the stick.

Montana’s roads stretch thousands of miles -- they’re the lifeblood of our state. If CI-97 passes, it would take a toll on our road maintenance and construction, as well as our economy.

Our highway projects rely heavily on money from the federal government. The amount of federal money we get depends on matching funds available from the state. With CI-97, we’d see less state and federal funding, and face deep cuts to our road maintenance and construction.

Road construction projects provide excellent, good-paying jobs in our community. What will happen to our economy if those jobs are lost? What will happen to our community and our families?

CI-97 did not come from Montana. Wealthy East Coast interests are backing CI-97. They paid out-of-state signature gatherers to illegally get it on the ballot. These people lied to Montana voters about what they were signing, and they lied about what CI-97 would do to our state.

Montana voters did not ask for CI-97, they didn’t put it on the ballot, and they don’t want it in their state constitution. Please join me in voting “No” on CI-97.

Bill Kennedy, Billings