Note 4/23/26 While property taxes fairest has improved in spite of this long standing
Republican strife and help from the Democrats in the legislature, does it make sense to elect
candidates who might get lucky and get something done if they can figure a way to stop their
crazy State and national party leaders?
January 2024
A “dysfunctional local Republican party” best describes the content of Dana Gentry’s letter of
1/17/24. This is a scary insight into the internal decay hollowing out the national as well as local
GOP. This local central committee writer rambles on about a party platform violation without
specifying which part was violated or how.
Followed by a rant about SJ 15 legislative defeat concerning over turning the balance of
power as defined by the US Supreme Court, is another example of nonsensical political static
over which the average Montanan doesn’t give a damn. Anybody who was awake during their
8th grade civics class would have better insight into the application of the US Constitution,
effective actions or better use of time by the Montana legislature.
The last Republican controlled legislative session in simplest terms spent a state budget
surplus enabled due to the American Inflation Reduction and American Rescue Plan. Both
acts were opposed by the National and State Republican party. The Montana Republican
legislature further allowed increased property taxes and added a tip income tax; thus
collecting addition millions in taxes while decreasing taxes on corporations like Northwestern
Energy and high income individuals. The average Montanan is left settling for a one time
income tax rebate, higher property taxes and forever a new income tax on their hard earned
tips. Maybe future Montana taxpayers will get lucky inheriting an old mansion from the
governor and the honor to donate their tips for its maintenance.
Gentry’s letter is presented as the views of the local Republican central committee quoting; “It
is ‘We the people’ who determine the original intent of the Constitution, by voting in legislators
who will uphold our ideals.”
Do local voters know their legislators answer first to the local central committee?
Do Ravalli County voters know they elected the Ravalli County Republican Central Committee,
their ideals and interpretation of the US Constitution?
Archie Thomas
Merry Schrumpf
126 Martin Drive
Corvallis, Montana 59828
406-381-7251