Serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis. © James Conner.
Updated. Today’s must read blog posts are at Montana Cowgirl, Intelligent Discontent, and 4and20blackbirds.
Cowgirl has a long post on the tea party’s attempt to disassociate itself from the bumbling Republicans on the Ravalli County Commission. Be sure to read Commissioner Foss’ close to deranged letter on the Flathead Water Compact.
At Intelligent Discontent, Don Pogreba concludes his detailed discussion of the U.S. Department of Justice’s letter criticizing how the Missoula County Attorney’s office handles accusations of rape and sexual assault with a call for the immediate resignation of Missoula County Attorney Fred Van Valkenburg. Pogreba provides a link to the Missoulian’s story on the letter, which in turn provides a link to the letter. In a follow-up post, Pogreba urges Montana's attorney general, Tim Fox, to assist in resolving the situation.
At 4and20blackbirds, Jhwygirl, writing with tightly controlled fury, also urges Fox to become involved
Given Van Valkenburg isn’t running for re-election, I’m content to let him serve the remainder of his term and retire. The DOJ’s letter serves as the prosecution’s brief, and the prosecution’s brief always makes the accused seem guilty, so I’m loath to convict him without more information. Still, his truculent response to both the letter and the DOJ’s investigation of his office raises eyebrows, does him and his office no good in the court of public opinion, and undoubtedly generates rather than soothes fears that victims of sex crimes will not be treated justly by his office.
Although Van Valkenburg may intend to defend himself and concede nothing forever, he can best serve his community and successor by quickly reaching a responsible agreement with the DOJ.