Expediency over accountability

Our Flathead County commissioners and planning director have again chosen expediency over accountability—advancing a plat proposal without following established policy and process, despite clear environmental concerns.  

At a recent hearing, citizens cited documented violations identified by the Conservation District/Montana DEQ following investigations. Yet Mr. Mack stated staff “did not have time” to review the final plat before it expired. That is not an explanation—it is an admission of failure. When there isn’t time to do the job properly, the only responsible action is to delay—not approve.  

This is not an isolated case. We’ve seen the same pattern: Steamboat Landing, Lakeside Marina, and others, valid concerns about setbacks, traffic, and environmental impacts are raised, then ignored—only to be followed by lawsuits. Once approved, the legal, financial, and environmental damage is far harder to undo.  

Multiple groups—including Friends of Somers, Citizens for a Better Flathead, and Conservation District—are suing the commissioners. That should be a wake-up call. Instead, it appears to be business as usual. Taxpayers are bearing the cost of mounting legal defenses—costs that could be avoided by simply following existing county policies/statutes. These are not suggestions; they are requirements. Our community is engaged and paying attention. Commissioners must change course: follow the law, their own policies, and do the work before granting approvals. Anything less is a public disservice.

  — Jim Mathieu, Somers