Letters to the Editor

Pass HB 14

The legislature should pass House Bill 14 by Representative Bill Nooney, R-Missoula.

Approximately 25,000 acres of prime western Montana forest land, formerly owned by Plum Creek Timber Company and containing merchantable timber valued at about $10 million, is now available to the state for $800 an acre. Nooney's bill, financed by the sale of bonds, would enable the 2009 legislative session to take advantage of this opportunity.

During the 20-year bonding period provided for in H.B. 14, a projected 52 million board feet of new timber growth will generate income from this land. And, the perpetually renewable wood resource will continue to grow, providing sustained yield timber harvest, delivering on-going revenue to our schools and supporting sustainable jobs long after the bonds have been repaid.

Western Montana is experiencing the change that comes with growth. The subdividing of land into small parcels poorly suited for timber management and off limits to hunters and other recreationalists is the most evident change we see. We must have the wisdom and foresight to manage at least some of our forest land to provide the multiple benefits essential to our traditional rural, resource based and outdoor culture.

The Wall Street Journal recently published an article describing timber land as "the ultimate long term investment." For western Montanans it is that and more than that. H.B. 14 represents a sound investment for taxpayers as well as a wise investment in what we value about where we live.

Bob Brown

Whitefish

We should vote for board of education

Senate Bill-81, regarding your opportunity to vote on a change from elite appointment to election for the seating of the State Board of Education, will be heard this Friday, March 13, before the House Education Committee.

The State Board of Education spends more than 50 percent of the state tax dollars. The State Board of Education has law making powers for all education matters (rules, regulations, standards, etc.). But it is does NOT answer to the people through the election process.

This is not conceivable to the average voter. Americans believe we have representation for taxation. This is not the case for the State Board of Education. It does not answer to the citizens, the voters, parents or anyone else. It oversees itself. SB-81 would allow the people of Montana to vote on whether they want to change this situation by electing the State Board of Education or keep it as is, seated by elite appointment.

Call 406-444-4800 and tell your representative you want the opportunity to vote on this issue by having them vote "YES" on SB-81.

Elaine Herman

Helena