Supports self-governance

Being retired and traveling much of the summer has meant that our family was not able to engage with the important work of our Local Government Study Commission, which is unfortunate. For their charge and opportunity is great and very timely.

The future form and powers of our local government is a critical fit with our future land use and growth management visioning. Columbia Falls, like nearly all local governments, need to promote self-governance and home rule (or shared powers) authority in order to truly control our future and guide growth and development. Under Montana’s 1972 constitution, local governments have the power to exercise any powers not denied by the constitution, state law, or their charter, which is a broad grant of authority. This is a distinct from a system where specific powers are granted by the state (like we operate now).

If Columbia Falls really wants to achieve the hopes and dreams of its residents, local business owners, and I suspect guests we must adopt a self-governance model that empowers us to define our own destiny.

Pat Malone, Columbia Falls