The Double Speak Petitioners

by: Matt Singer

Fri Apr 23, 2010 at 09:52:19 AM MST

"CI-105 would prohibit a tax that does not exist. It would embed that prohibition in Montana's state constitution," said MEA-MFT President Eric Feaver. "It is at root an anti-government measure."

CI-105 would constitutionally prohibit a real estate transfer tax. CI-105 could also potentially prevent local governments and public schools from using local impact fees to cover the costs of new subdivisions and student enrollment growth.

For the past several weeks, signature gatherers have stationed themselves in parking lots and public areas across the state, gathering signatures to qualify CI-105 for the November ballot. Commissioner of Political Practices Dennis Unsworth has reported receiving numerous complaints about fraud and deception.

"I have heard reports of paid signature gatherers who misrepresent what CI-105 is all about.  Apparently, they will say anything to get people to sign their petitions. Some signature gatherers are from out of state, which is against Montana state law," said Terry Minow, MEA-MFT Political Director.

And some signature gatherers have been reported to claim, fraudulently, that CI-105 abolishes the "inheritance tax," which, like the real estate transfer tax, does not exist in Montana.

I've heard from others that the initiative has been misrepresented to them by signature gatherers who don't really understand the issue they're working on.

Signature gathering fraud has a lively history in Montana sadly. The good news is that the courts stepped in last time and cracked down on this.

Based on the number of petitioners running around, the Realtors (or whoever their ultimate backers are) are spending a hell of a lot of money on this initiative. They might be learning a valuable lesson soon about the importance of hiring credible signature gatherers and running a professional operation if they want to take part in the initiative process.