An open letter to Bozeman Daily Chronicle re: 3/26/09 pg. 1 "Low pay … for MSU president"
Fri 3 Apr 09
Editor —
Bravo commissioner Sheila Stearns for your approach to replacing MSU President Gamble! Stearns first plans to openly meet with “…local community leaders. She will ask them to suggest people who could represent their groups in a screening committee.”
To replace director Mathis, Gallatin Airport Authority established a search committee of two – both board members, – purposely sized to circumvent Montana’s Open Meeting laws. They believe that without a quorum of the full board the committee could meet without notice or record. No local leaders are involved.
According to Montana FOI Hotline, this interpretation is incorrect and fraudulent. Unadvertised unrecorded committee meetings are illegal.
This is example of the Authority’s arrogant disdain for any control from the community it serves. MSU-Bozeman campus occupies some 1,170 acres. Gallatin Field owns over twice that at 2,481 acres. It is in the process of starting a $60-million tax-funded expansion project. Its impact on the community is considerable. Why is this government agency allowed to blatantly ignore Montana law and operate as if a kingdom?
Gallatin County Commission appoints these individuals. It refuses to investigate complaints and instead rewards such “efficiency” by continually reappointing the offenders.
Gallatin County Attorney claims this county based entity is outside his jurisdiction.
Bozeman Chronicle has abandoned its journalistic responsibilities by turning a blind eye to obvious breaches in open meeting compliance. When questioned, one reporter replied, “Why are you concerned with the path the board is taking. What bad could come of it?”
From MCA 2-3-201: “The people of the state do not wish to abdicate their sovereignty to the agencies which serve them.” Gallatin Airport Authority assumes that we have.
Thank you Ms. Stearns for your responsible actions. And shame on Gallatin Airport Authority and Gallatin County Commission for thwarting public participation in open government.