Week of April 20, 2007    By Rory Horning    Editor    TRUTH-JUSTICE-THE AMERICAN WAY &    GENERALIZATIONS    TRUTH-JUSTICE &THE AMERICAN WAY –    While this started out as a comic book motto, it    was one that almost every household in America found inspiring. I say almost because evidently some households don’t adhere to these principles. Please also note that I am using words like almost and some so as not to generalize people and positions as being all encompassing. This will be a RULE for this column. ELECTED COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND THEIR OATHS AND AUTHORITY – Rather than reprint the entire Constitution of the State of Montana and it’s Amendments here, may I suggest going on line to sos.mt.gov and requesting a free copy if you don’t already have one? I will be refering to its content often in this column. Article III Section 3. Oath of office. “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the constitution of the State of Montana, and that I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity (so help me God). When I took my Oath many years ago in another state it meant a great deal to me for several reasons, mainly because I swore before God and I used my most precious possession the name given to me by my father. Evidently several of those elected to serve Montanan’s, let me repeat serve; don’t feel the same about either, who they answer to or the name they carry. Sad, but nevertheless important as to why we are having problems regarding to our governmental processes. The authority our Polson City council operates under is the SAME Rule of LAW we ALL live by. From whom shall we request aid from the mismanagement of our government? I personally; yes personally, have discussed this with the elected members of our community including, but not limited to, our County Attorney both past and present, the highest legal authorities in our County and been told “I understand but please go elsewhere.” To them I have said and still say “not according to the Montana Code Annotated.” POLSONS PAID LEGAL ADVICE – For at least nine years according to Mr. James Raymond Esq. He has served as the City Attorney to the City of Polson, both at the pleasure of the Mayor and for the City Council, but not for the citizens from whom all salaries flow. I understand that the City Attorney position is not to provide personal service to the citizens of Polson. However, when discussing this opinion with other Montana city attorneys and at city attorney seminars, most city attornies adhere to the philosophy that the are empolyed to prevent munisipal liabilities rather than accrue billable hours. I bring up this point because after checking with the Mayor’s office, it seems that the Mr. Raymond Esq. has applied for the NEW City Managers position. Since Mr. Raymond has authored City Resolutions contrary to Montana’s Constitution I personally don’t think this same attitude would be beneficial to the future of Polson, Montana especially as we move to our Centennial (2010). As my space is limited we will continue this point next week. WE WILL BE DISCUSSING MEDIA CENSORSHIP IN LAKE COUNTY HERE NEXT WEEK – BOTH INVOLUNTARILY AND DELIBERATELY – This will relate to our water, our justice and our political process as it affects the future of Polson, Lake County, Montana and most importantly your families. Copyright © 2007 River City Dispatch.