Meet the 2010 Gallatin County Commission Candidates
Airport activists have been told time and again that citizens do have control of airport authorities. We do so through our choice of county commissioners who make appointments to airport authority boards.
OK, I’ll play that game. What are the philosophies of incumbent Joe Skinner (R) and challenger Carol Stahl (D) regarding Gallatin Airport Authority? Let’s ask —
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CAROL STAHL — www.stahlforcommissioner.com
On Sat, Oct 23, 2010 I wrote:
Good Morning —
What is your philosophy regarding appointments to Gallatin Airport Authority, one responsibility of a county commissioner?
Unlike other board appointments, Gallatin Airport Authority is an independent body politic, with the power to tax and spend and regulate without county commission permission or oversight. This Authority has a large impact on surrounding communities. It owns more land than that controlled by the City of Belgrade or Manhattan. These board members are unelected, thus detached from direct public control. A majority of the Board have been re-appointed multiple times to 5-year seats. All have prominent political or big finance backgrounds.
–Do you favor reappointments to this board?
–Do you favor term limiting these seats?
–Do you believe diversity in the county commission should extend to diversity in Gallatin Airport Authority, with regard to professional experience and financial background?
–Do you favor a move to change State code to require a portion of airport authority seats to be elected rather than appointed positions?
–County Attorney Lambert and the current Commission claims that the Authority is independent and they have no jurisdiction for responding to citizen complaints against the Authority in matters such as Open Meeting violations. Would you support the county commission establishing a citizen oversight committee to act as the county’s watchdog and public’s grievance mechanism as means of retaining public control over these county commission appointees?
Regards —
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I promply received:
Thank you for this tutorial! There’s so much the county commission does, it’s hard to find out all about it and run a campaign for the job to do the work on the issues at the same time.
I am doing deskwork this morning and I would like to answer you by phone or, if you want to meet for coffee, we could talk in person. Please phone me at 522-1546 before noon if that option works for you. If I don’t hear from you, I’ll respond here later tonight. Hope that works for you.
Thank you for contacting me. Carol
Received later on the 23rd:
Thank you for telling me about the Gallatin Airport Authority from your perspective. You’re the first to bring up the topic to me, although I have been following the airport expansion project reports with interest for the past 3 yrs. At one time I took flying lessons but did not get my license.
Appointments to most county boards are for set periods. Some appts can be renewed and some cannot, for a total # of yrs. Most appt terms are staggered so that some long term appointees stay to provide committee/board history & education in bd functioning for new appointees. In general I do prefer term limits on boards.
The airport authority has responsibility for the financial health of the airport. The bd deals directly with the commerical airlines that make decisions about whether to fly into Bozeman. For these reasons it seems like a good idea that bd members have experience in business management, public administration, finances, the purpose of the bd or committee, etc in some combination either by each bd member or comprehensively among the members on the bd.
I’m not sure what you might mean by “diversity in the county commission should extend to diversity in” G.A.A., as it does not appear to me that there is diversity in the make-up of the present county commission members. I am on record as favoring diversity in the county commission — that’s why I’ve spent the last year campaigning to be elected.
Your impression that the G.A.A. has “the power to tax and spend” is not accurate. The State of MT has the power to tax, and extends some portion of that power in strictly limited ways to counties and towns. The G.A.A. has the responsibility and ability to issue bonds, which is not the same as taxing anyone. The present airport expansion project can draw on passenger facility charges, general airport revenues, and F.A.A. grants in addition to hiring a company to sell bonds for a specific purpose, and G.A.A. can project these revenue sources to make a plan to pay off the bonds (and debt service costs.)
As for the rest of your questions, I have not held a commissioner office and do not know the answers. The county’s reach is huge and every issue I’ve attempted to study this year has complex historical roots. The county is bound by state law in many more areas than appearances might indicate. Fortunately I am a quick study and I am eager to do a good job as commissioner. I believe I am better prepared overall for the job that the present commissioners, who have areas of expertise but not the broad interest in all facets that I offer.
If the election 9 days from now favors me, I will bring your good questions to meetings with advisors in and outside county government. Throughout my elected term I pledge to do my utmost to assure compliance with open meeting laws and the regulations for citizen input into all official meetings by commissions, boards and committees. There are over three dozen boards and committees with volunteer members serving in many ways. I intend to visit their meetings to the extent that the calendar and clock permit. I believe in the rule of law. I personally resent cronyism in every setting where it occurs. As a commissioner I will seek legal counsel. I will obey the law.
If I do not prevail in this election, nothing is going to change and my opinion will not be considered. Thank you for taking the time to read my response to your message. Sincerely,
Carol Stahl
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My follow-up:
10/25/10
Carol —
A few items of clarification:
> The airport authority has responsibility for the financial health of the airport….
True. But that is not its sole nor primary responsibility.
> The bd deals directly with the commerical airlines that make
> decisions about whether to fly into Bozeman….
The airport is also mandated by FAA to provide equal service to all. A large portion of its users are General Aviation pilots, which has nothing to do with airlines. And when it comes down to safety of the skies — airplanes sharing airspace — General Aviation accounts for more flight activity (by about 80%) than the airlines. It is this majority of the federally certificated flying community that is underrepresented on the board. There are pilots on the board but their historical bias has been first and foremost to the airlines. If one is sensitive to airline needs they are a worthy candidate for the board. Yet if one is a GA advocate they are deemed part of a special interest group and unable to serve responsibly on the Authority. (I write from 15 years of study of the Authority)
> I’m not sure what you might mean by “diversity in the county commission
> should extend to diversity in” G.A.A., as it does not appear to me that
> there is diversity in the make-up of the present county commission members.
Exactly that. There is no diversity in the Authority, either, with regards to political or fiscal philosophies, or employment, economic, or educational backgrounds. Where are the blue collar workers, housewives, or GA professionals? If every vote is unanimous then two of the 5 board members are unnecessary. To paraphrase Loren Acton from yesterday’s Chronicle, “The current [members] are all cut from pretty much the same cloth to a pattern that doesn’t adequately represent the populous of our county.”
> Your impression that the G.A.A. has “the power to tax and spend” is not accurate.
Semantics. The airport is not a private enterprise. Money raised to fund government is a tax. The Authority sets land lease rates, fuel flow rates, taxi access fees, parking fees, landing fees, concession fees, and rental car charges. (its largest single source of money is from rental cars.) Additionally, the Authority has the power to demand from the county commission its State-permitted mil percentage, which would force the commission to levy an additional mil on taxpayers to cover it. All Authority rates and spending impacts the end using taxpayer and the economic vitality of the community in some manner or another. When Bozeman School District built their bus barn they put it to the vote of the citizens. One school board member stated: We have the money. $300,000 isn’t that much. Technically we don’t have to get a vote for this. But it is the taxpayer’s money and they should have a say in this. When the Airport Authority forced through the expansion of infrastructure with the new $1-million+ control tower they, too had the money in reserve. However, they didn’t think spending $1-million of public money was worth the public’s opinion or approval.
Thank you for your detailed email to my inquiry.
Regards — Tom
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Carol’s conclusion:
Good to have your response. This will all be much more important if I win the election, and not matter at all if I don’t. Please call me when we know. Regards, Carol
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JOE SKINNER — www.joeskinner.org
10/23/10
Good Morning —
What is your philosophy regarding appointments to Gallatin Airport Authority?
Unlike other board appointments, Gallatin Airport Authority is an independent body politic, with the power to tax and spend and regulate without county commission permission or oversight.
I agree with your statement on Land Use: “”A valuable opportunity exists for landowners to have a direct say in how their community grows and changes. Rather than leaving important land-use choices to chance or the discretion of the County Commission, I believe the choice about how a specific area should develop is best made by the landowners and residents that live there. Citizen-driven community planning efforts give everyone a seat at the table and offer the best opportunity to identify specific goals of an area, plan for needed infrastructure, create rules that reflect the values of local landowners, and offer results that benefit the entire community.”
This Authority has a large impact on surrounding communities and landowners. This government body owns more land than that controlled by the City of Belgrade or Manhattan. These board members are unelected, thus detached from direct public control. A majority of the Board have been re-appointed multiple times to 5-year seats. All have prominent political or big finance backgrounds.
–For how long do you favor reappointments to this board?
–Do you support county commissioners term limiting these seats to be more “people centered and inclusive” (your words)?
–Do you believe “inclusive” in Gallatin Airport Authority board members should mix a wide variety of work experiences and economic backgrounds?
–Do you favor a move to change State code to require a portion of airport authority seats to be elected rather than appointed positions?
–County Attorney Lambert claims that the Authority is independent and he has no jurisdiction for responding to citizen complaints against the Authority in matters such as Open Meeting violations. You are proud of you “implementation of ‘Open Governance Policies’ (your words). Would you support the county commission establishing a citizen oversight committee to act as the county’s watchdog and public’s grievance mechanism as means of retaining public control over these county commission appointees?
Regards —
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Received on 24 Oct:
Hi Tom
Thanks for the questions. I will answer below.
Regards,
Joe
—–Original Message—–
From: TJ Nagorski [mailto:thomas.nagorski@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2010 10:50 AM
To: joepskinner@theglobal.net
Subject: Position Inquiry
10/23/10
Good Morning —
What is your philosophy regarding appointments to Gallatin Airport Authority?
Unlike other board appointments, Gallatin Airport Authority is an independent body politic, with the power to tax and spend and regulate without county commission permission or oversight.
I agree with your statement on Land Use: “”A valuable opportunity exists for landowners to have a direct say in how their community grows and changes. Rather than leaving important land-use choices to chance or the discretion of the County Commission, I believe the choice about how a specific area should develop is best made by the landowners and residents that live there. Citizen-driven community planning efforts give everyone a seat at the table and offer the best opportunity to identify specific goals of an area, plan for needed infrastructure, create rules that reflect the values of local landowners, and offer results that benefit the entire community.”
This Authority has a large impact on surrounding communities and landowners. This government body owns more land than that controlled by the City of Belgrade or Manhattan. These board members are unelected, thus detached from direct public control. A majority of the Board have been re-appointed multiple times to 5-year seats. All have prominent political or big finance backgrounds.
–For how long do you favor reappointments to this board?
In my opinion the current board is doing a good job and I will support reappointments as long as that continues.
–Do you support county commissioners term limiting these seats to be more “people centered and inclusive” (your words)?
These positions are term limited and it is the County Commissions discretion to determine the make up of the board.
–Do you believe “inclusive” in Gallatin Airport Authority board members should mix a wide variety of work experiences and economic backgrounds?
I am not sure what you mean by inclusive . I agree with you that this is a very important board that should have members with a wide variety of experiences and talents. I believe that proven business experience is essential for this board. I also believe that the current membership reflects a good mix of experience and diverse contributions.
–Do you favor a move to change State code to require a portion of airport authority seats to be elected rather than appointed positions?
I have not heard of any move to do this but would listen and consider ideas about it.
–County Attorney Lambert claims that the Authority is independent and he has no jurisdiction for responding to citizen complaints against the Authority in matters such as Open Meeting violations. You are proud of you “implementation of ‘Open Governance Policies’ (your words). Would you support the county commission establishing a citizen oversight committee to act as the county’s watchdog and public’s grievance mechanism as means of retaining public control over these county commission appointees?
I am not aware of any violations of open meeting laws or other discretions of the board during my term. If these allegations were substantiated I would consider more oversight but have not seen anything so far that would move me in that direction.
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My follow-up:
10/25/10
Commissioner Skinner —
On Sun, Oct 24, 2010 at 3:35 PM, Joe Skinner <joepskinner@theglobal.net> wrote:
>
> –Do you support county commissioners term limiting these seats to be
> more “people centered and inclusive” (your words)?
>
> These positions are term limited and it is the County Commissions discretion
> to determine the make up of the board.
You are treating me like an idiot. “Term Limit” refers to limiting the number of terms an individual serves, not the length of a single term appointment. Gallatin Airport Authority seats ARE NOT term limited.
> –Do you believe “inclusive” in Gallatin Airport Authority board
> members should mix a wide variety of work experiences and economic
> backgrounds?
>
> I am not sure what you mean by “inclusive”.
“Inclusive” as in “Joe Skinner’s Commission work is people centered and inclusive.” (http://joeskinner.org/Joe%
>I agree with you that this is a
> very important board that should have members with a wide variety of
> experiences and talents. I believe that proven business experience is
> essential for this board.
Which is it: You support a variety of experiences? Or all appointees will have strong business experience?
> –Do you favor a move to change State code to require a portion of
> airport authority seats to be elected rather than appointed positions?
>
> I have not heard of any move to do this but would listen and consider ideas
> about it.
Your answer does not match the record. Your signature is on the attached letter from Gallatin County Commission ( http://www.paragonair.com/public/docs/archive_tomb/GCC_HB384_1-28-05.pdf ) regarding HB 384 ( http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/
> –County Attorney Lambert claims that the Authority is independent and
> he has no jurisdiction for responding to citizen complaints against
> the Authority in matters such as Open Meeting violations. You are
> proud of your “implementation of ‘Open Governance Policies’ (your
> words). Would you support the county commission establishing a citizen
> oversight committee to act as the county’s watchdog and public’s
> grievance mechanism as means of retaining public control over these
> county commission appointees?
>
> I am not aware of any violations of open meeting laws or other discretions
> of the board during my term. If these allegations were substantiated I would
> consider more oversight but have not seen anything so far that would move me
> in that direction.
Not good enough, Joe! Your answer is not supported by the record. Around these parts we describe that as “bullshit.” The Commission was sent a complaint regarding Airport Authority Open Meeting compliance. ( http://www.paragonair.com/public/docs/archive_tomb/050322_GCC_re_GAA_reply.pdf ) Your signature is on the reply from Gallatin County Commission. ( http://www.paragonair.com/public/docs/archive_tomb/050426_GCC_re_Open_Meetings.gif ) You will never see anything if you fail to look, ignore citizen complaints, and perpetuate a situation with Gallatin Airport Authority that has no checks-and-balances. What is your fear with a citizen watchdog group monitoring government conduct to validate your good judgment in seating Authority board members?
Regards — Tom
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Joe’s conclusion, received on 1 November 2010:
I certainly did not mean to imply you are an idiot. My reference to term limits was an understanding that these terms are limited to four terms. After further research I found that they are not limited by statute or bylaws but that there was a policy adopted by the commission some time ago limiting the terms to four. If you would like me to I can try to research and find that commission policy.
You are right I did sign the HB324 document. It was about a month after I first took office and I had forgotten all about that. After reading it I would still agree with that document and oppose elected positions.
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So, who to go with — the ignorant or the fraud?
Is it any wonder why GA is fighting uphill battles at airports around the country?
UPDATE: Skinner won over Stahl in the 2 November 2010 Gallatin County Commissioner election.