Governor's town hall well attended

Over eighty people attended a town hall meeting with Governor Greg Gianforte at Carter County Events Center last Thursday. The town hall was held as part of the governor's fifty-six county tour, which began last week.

Carter County Chamber of Commerce assisted in putting the event together and multiple area businesses as well as producers brought meats, cheeses, other snacks to share.

"Getting out of Helena and into our communities to visit with Montanans is my favorite part of my job, but also the most important part," Gov. Gianforte said about his 56 county tour. "As we continue leading the Montana comeback, I'll keep working in our communities to make Montana an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. I look forward to talking with folks in Ekalaka and learning firsthand about the challenges they face and the successes they enjoy to help me do my job better."

Gianforte answered questions on a wide range of topics at the town hall including federal, state and local issues. The first question he fielded was about America's southern border crisis.

Next, he was asked about the condition of Montana Highway 7 and when residents might expect to see repairs to the road. Gianforte briefly touched on the condition of several of Montana's more rural highways and bridges, mentioning that the state government is trying to get dollars to stretch further for projects.

"It is easier when the requests are specific, so thank you," he said.

Other questions asked by locals in attendance were about inflation, oil and gas prices, pipelines, teacher certification problems, the ongoing drought, property taxes, the new FWP app, livestock per capita fees, proceeds on tax revenue from marijuana sales, addiction counseling, property rights, teacher certification, ARPA funds, beef in Montana schools, Country of Origin Labeling and American Rescue Plan Act funds for broadband infrastructure and more.

The governor also spoke about his opposition to Constitutional Initiative 121, a property tax cap initiative.

"I think it's the wrong way to solve the problem. It would defund public schools, raise prices on commercial and Ag lands, and make it harder to transfer property through generations."

Jerry Schillinger, republican member of the Montana House of Representatives for District 37, was also in attendance.

The town hall lasted roughly an hour and ended around 6 p.m. that evening.