Jackson, Beck will listen to constituents

Verdell Jackson is running for Senate District #5 in the November election. Mr. Jackson, while serving as a four term State Representative has been a genuine asset to his constituents. He is responsive to citizen requests for help and he goes about his work with enthusiasm and legislative skills to bring about positive results. While serving on the Board of Directors of the Ashley Lake Property Owners Association, I had the personal opportunity to observe Mr. Jackson demonstrate diligence and political courage. A dangerous situation of unmarked water hazards in Ashley and other Montana lakes resulted in many boating accidents over the years. We learned, to our dismay, that no citizen, association, group or even the County or State could place a hazard marker without becoming subject to civil liability. An appeal to Representative Jackson brought prompt results. Although he had to fight through legal obstacles as well as persons who thought that hazard markers are visually offensive, Mr. Jackson was able to shepherd the passage of House Bill 79 to the Governor's desk for signature. This law relieves private citizens and non-profit organizations of any liability for hazard marker placement except in cases of gross negligence. Now many of the most dangerous water hazards are marked for the safety of boaters, fishermen and swimmers and "Good Samaritans" that mark water hazards, in accordance with the guidance provided by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, no longer have to fear civil retribution for their efforts in promoting public safety. We need a man of high ethical standards who quickly responds to the people who elected him.

Bill Beck, running for House District #6, is another citizen who will represent his constituents well. Mr. Beck, along with Mr. Jackson, supports the further development of an ATV motorized access trail primarily on Plum Creek and Stoltze Lumber Company properties in the Ashley Lake area. Both public minded companies have given written support for this project but the connecting access trail must cross a small portion of U.S. Forest Service land for which approval has not been granted due to professed technicalities. The trail is in the District that Bill Beck is running for and he has pledged to lend his support to move this project along.

A vote for these representatives who are responsive to their constituents is warranted.

Kalispell