Vote against I-154, CI-197 and CI-98

Deceit best describes three initiatives set to appear on our November ballot.

A Great Falls district judge rejected Initiative 154 and its sisters, constitutional initiatives 97 and 98, finding "deceit, fraud and procedural non-compliance" in the petition drive, fronted by Montana anti-government activists but bankrolled by millionaire New York City real estate developer Howie Rich.

Ninety-four percent of the paid signature gatherers were from out of state, many giving bogus Montana addresses and cloudy information on what the three initiatives were really about.

I-154's real meaning is deeply hidden in language few people will read. It actually would allow property owners to demand compensation if they feel a government action (read: environmental or zoning regulation) has devaluated their property.

Under I-154, when government can't or won't pay, the regulation must be waived, stripping protection of our property values, wildlife and environment.

Our Montana Constitution already mandates payment of fair market value for private property used by government for the public good.

The District Court's ruling has been appealed to the Montana Supreme Court for a decision before the November election. While unlikely, the lower court's ruling may be overturned. Regardless, these initiatives will appear on absentee and election ballots due to printing deadlines.

It is vital to vote against I-154, CI-197 and CI-98, and therefore support the things that keep Montana uniquely Montana. Mostly, don't be suckered by the underhanded efforts of a tiny brotherhood of radicals attempting to hijack our ballot initiative process.

Stuart Crook, Missoula