A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis, serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. © James Conner.

23 March 2017

Rep. Doane silences Carole Mackin, boots her from SB-305 hearing
Flathead Memo is publishing in full her suppressed testimony

Helena activist Carole Mackin supports SB-305, the bill to inflict an all-mail ballot on Montana for the 25 May special congressional election. She therefore appeared this morning at the bill’s hearing before the House’s judiciary committee, and began reading her 143-word statement into the record.

But after delivering a few words, Rep. Alan Doane (R-Bloomfield), pounding his gavel banana republic style, shut her down and threw her out. The Missoulian has the details.

I oppose SB-305 — and I deplore Rep. Doane’s high-handed conduct. His determination to make the train run on time no matter how many passengers he leaves in the station or kicks into the weeds makes a mockery of democracy.

Here’s Mackin’s full testimony:

Testifying in support of SB 305 — How a Special Election to fill the 2017 vacancy in the U.S. Representative vacancy may be conducted.

House Judiciary Committee March 23, 2017

I’m here as a property tax payer. I request that the committee concur on SB-305. I’m a property owner in Lewis and Clark County. My property taxes have seen their ups and downs – mostly up. I retired seven years ago, and on average, my property taxes increased by 10% per year.

Yes I’m retired and if things continue as they have, in seven more years my property taxes will eat up half of my annual Social Security payment. That is why I’m interested in any idea that holds down the cost of government.

Property taxes should not drive older Montanans out of their homes. And Republicans should not put politics before fiscal responsibility.