Livelihoods and neighborhoods

Solutions are formed from listening, having a bit of courage and respecting others. There are a few things that are easy to say about Montanans — we work hard, love our families and respect our neighbors. This common bond of appreciation allows us to move forward as a State.

Recently we asked folks from across the Flathead to come together and talk about livelihoods, neighborhoods and public safety around gravel pits, asphalt hot plants and concrete batch plants. These are big issues, not just here in the Flathead Valley but in every fast-growing Montana mountain valley.

The goal was straightforward — try to come up with some good ideas to fix what is clearly a broken process. Flathead responded by the many hundreds, from all perspectives, to find common ground. People who make an honest living in the industry, homeowners who live next to gravel pits, and experts who understand the health impacts of these operations all came with suggestions to move forward locally and in the 2009 Legislature.

The good ideas that where put forth at this meeting are a starting point to bring us together. We know that ideas and solutions begin locally, at home, since lobbyists are persistent in the halls of Helena.

All agreed the existing system is broken and in need of comprehensive reform. Even the industry agreed the Montana Department of Environmental Quality does not have the staff to adequately review the pending permits in any reasonable time. This is bad for homeowners and our economy.

People and industry want us to approach industrial aggregate operations from a perspective that puts public safety, neighborhoods and livelihoods first.

It was suggested by industry that we look toward small-scale aggregate operations to be incorporated into the design and construction of large developments. These operations can then be immediately reclaimed into open space for the development.

Folks pointed to the cumulative impacts of industrial aggregate operations at a neighborhood level with respect to the shallow aquifer, homes and air quality.

Montanans expect us to work together, even with complex issues, and focus on our common values. There may always be a couple naysayers and hotheads amongst us, but we are blessed to live and work in such a special place where solutions are within grasp.

Those in leadership roles in our communities should gracefully facilitate folks of diverse backgrounds to come together to listen and talk. This is how we find solutions, by trusting each other enough with the basic respect and decency taught to us by our grandparents. We learn a lot by listening and get a lot done by putting people first, thus working with others regardless of politics.

Gravel mining is a complex and spirited issue, which relates to growth, neighborhoods and good-paying jobs. It's apparent that we can have both a great quality of life and good-paying jobs. This allows our kids to go to college and increase our own opportunities while enjoying our quality of life and protecting our property rights, values and investments.

Our economy, heritage and family bonds are worth protecting. Thanks for taking a chance in talking and listening to each other, neighbors and workers.

If you were unable to attend this meeting and would like to put forward an idea, please feel free to contact me at mike@mikejopek.com, call me on my cell at 250-1184 or catch up with me at the Whitefish farmers market.

Rep. Mike Jopek is a rural farmer who serves the Whitefish area in the Montana Legislature.