Unfortunately, we didn’t personally have our boots on the ground in Helena today but it looks like the turnout by the opposition (us, the good guys) was exceptional; packed house and then some.
The guys from Headhunters led a crew down and have the first “on the ground” report I’ve seen. The local newstation spurted out a little meaningless blurb on the evening news that essentially said nothing. From Headhunters:
The opponents were represented with folks from all 4 corners of Montana.
The proponents seemed to focus on private property rights and liabilities associated with recreationalists injuring themselves while trespassing. Generally an exposure issue.
People were in every corner of the capitol watching TV’s with closed circuit feeds of the hearing because the chamber was stuffed full of those against the bill.
Great to see buses full of opponents from Billings, Livingston, Bozeman, and Missoula. License plates from all over Montana were present in the Montana muddy parking lots surrounding the state campus.
There is sure to be some sparks flying over the next few days as this bill goes onto whatever fate lies ahead. There were a few tweets coming out of the hearing, one of particular interest, as reported by John S. Adams, Capitol bureau chief for the Great Falls Tribune on his blog, The Lowdown.
Applause in support of Sen. Shockely’s opposition of ditch bill draws ire of chair. Sen. Steinbeisser threatens to clear the room.
This has kind of an interesting twist to it. Sen. Shockely (R) Victor, is practically neighbors with Huey L. and Charles S. down there along the Bitteroot river and Mitchell Slough, the infamous birthing ground of this whole “ditch” fiasco. Could this be the beginning of a crack in the bulwarks? Let’s hope so. My hats off to Sen. Shockely for climbing out on our side of the “ditch” and getting the hackles up on Sen. Steinbeisser. That must have been priceless.
Here’s another tweet from Kendall Van Dyk (D) Billings. Kendall is our point man in the senate:
Great showing today in support of Montana’s stream access law. 18 proponents of the access roll back and a WHOPPING 344 opponents!
I wonder if anyone in the senate is getting the picture yet?
Anyway, the horns have been sounded and, to all of the folks who made the run to Helena- Thanks for making the trip and speaking up for those of us who couldn’t be there. Good show!
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